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Family Advocate - Head Start Preschool

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC serves as Caroline, Cecil, Harford and Kent Counties’ official Community Action Agency.

The Family Advocate serves as a vital link between Head Start preschool families and the program, ensuring that families receive the necessary support, resources, and education to foster a strong home-to-school connection. This role involves assisting families in identifying needs, setting goals, accessing community services, and promoting family engagement in their child’s early education.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Build trusting relationships with families to encourage active participation in their child’s education.
  • Conduct home visits and family meetings to assess strengths, needs, and goals.
  • Support families in achieving self-sufficiency by connecting them with community resources (e.g., housing assistance, employment services, healthcare).
  • Develop and implement family partnership agreements to set individualized goals.
  • Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities, school events, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Provide guidance to families on child development, school readiness, and positive parenting strategies.
  • Work closely with teachers and staff to ensure family engagement is integrated into educational activities.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local services, including healthcare, mental health, food assistance, and social services.
  • Refer families to appropriate agencies and follow up to ensure services are received.
  • Advocate for families in accessing benefits and overcoming barriers to support.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records of family interactions, assessments, and referrals.
  • Assist in enrollment and recruitment efforts to ensure program capacity.
  • Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and other regulatory requirements.
  • Participate in staff training, meetings, and professional development activities.
  • Thinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with others
  • Comes to work promptly every day
  • Works under stress and meets all deadlines
  • OTHER DUTIES: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Performs related work as required or assigned.

Compensation: $23.58 - $24.90 per hour commensurate with qualification and experience

Terms of Employment:

  • Twelve (12) month; full-time position
  • Associate’s (Bachelor’s degree Preferred) in Social Work, Family Studies, Early Childhood Education, Human Services, or a related field from an accredited college or university
  • Prior experience in social services, family support, early childhood education, or community outreach preferred

Required Skills/Qualifications

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work with diverse families in a non-judgmental, supportive manner.
  • Knowledge of community resources and referral processes.
  • Ability to manage documentation and maintain confidentiality.
  • Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the sate
  • Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
  • Must pass criminal background check and fingerprinting
  • Must pass all Maryland licensing requirements to include medical evaluation and tuberculosis screening

Physical Demands:

  • Work is performed in a combination of office, classroom, and home visit settings.
  • Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for family events or meetings.
  • Position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching
  • May at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Health Saving Account
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term Disability
  • Training & Development

Maryland Rural Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at hrdept@mrdc.net

Average salary estimate

$50400 / YEARLY (est.)
min
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$49000K
$51800K

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DEPARTMENTS
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
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HQ LOCATION
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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 29, 2025

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