Advocate - Head Start Family Services

Position Type:

Early Childhood/Advocate Head Start Family Services

Date Posted:

8/26/2025

Location:

Head Start Program

Closing Date:

Until FilledPay Grade: 760 (Min. $20.79 per day)

Work Days: 183

Primary Purpose:

The Family Services Advocate ensures compliance with Head Start and Plano ISD standards across social services, health, and parent engagement. They coordinate family and community activities that promote well-being and success; serve as a liaison among families, staff, and community resources; encourage family advocacy; support students with behavioral challenges; and foster strong partnerships between teachers and parents through trauma-informed practices.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or equivalent Special Knowledge/Skills:

Initial TB testing and ongoing wellness screenings as required by the Head Start

Program Performance Standards

Proficient technology and organizational skills

Bilingual - preferred

Willingness to execute written employment contract with Plano ISD Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Collaborate with the Family Services Department Staff to plan and conduct parent workshops relative to family needs and goal assessment

Work cooperatively with the Family Services Department Staff to identify and use community resources to meet the basic needs of families

Support the Head Start program service areas with word processing and translation for flyers, reports, and other documents needed for parent meetings/training activities

Assist with preparation and implementation of the Family Services Plan which outlines parent involvement and social services in compliance with Federal Performance Standards

Assist families in utilizing community resources, including medical, dental, social, educational, and occupational

Track follow up needs such as Family Partnership Goals, health, dental, nutrition, growth assessments, hearing, and vision concerns and provide service area manager(s) with information

Recruit, support, and document all volunteer activities

Input data into the Head Start on-line data management system,ChildPlus

Assist with planning and preparation for annual self-assessment, family events, and case management for families with acute needs

Assist with recruitment, application, intake, registration, and enrollment procedures

Coordinate, conduct, and/or assist with program activities such as school pictures, parenting classes, and Parent Committee

Support Director with translation support, sending parent messages on School Messenger, and Child Plus data management system

Assists with keeping website, social media sites, and school marquee up to date

Uses developmentally appropriate methods to assist students with behavior struggles

Supports teachers and parents through trauma-informed practices

Assists Family Services Department staff in providing individual and small group support to students who need help developing positive social skills, emotional regulation, and healthy peer relationships

Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of Plano ISD and follow directives from supervisor

Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor

Perform other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or supervisor Equipment Used:

Computer, Google Workspace, Copier, Laminator, ChildPlus Software Working Conditions:

Mental Demands:

Ability to work with frequent interruptions; ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); ability to multitask, interpret policy and maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Occasional district wide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling. Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions

SM072125