Human Services Advocate

Based in our Mechanicville location, the Advocate plays an important part in supporting the health, safety, recruitment and family participation goals of families and children enrolled in the Head Start/Early Head Start program. This position is responsible for ensuring direct health services (Medical, Dental, and Child Safety) to assigned families and children enrolled in in the program. The advocate also supports center-based family participation and engagement.  

Job Duties:

• Responsible for recruiting eligible children and introducing families to all Head Start options and other agency programs.  Supports parent involvement in program activities.
• Coordinates Health and Nutrition activities and services for center and home based children. Maintains accurate and up to date records on children and families.
• Provides transportation or arranges transportation for enrolled children and families for appointments related to health services.
• Greets parents and children at beginning and end of day, reviews attendance and conducts daily health screenings.
• Assists classroom and center-based staff with ratio and break coverage as needed

Compensation: position offers a rate of $17.42 per hour

Knowledge, skills and abilities:               

High School Diploma/GED and 2 years’ experience in a health or human services related field serving parents and families.

Knowledge of health and wellness principles.

Experience working with low income families helpful.  

Willing to obtain and maintain Basic First Aid, CPR and MAT (Medication Administration Training) within initial probationary period and maintain certification.

• Provide customer service that is responsive to the unique needs and culture of families, such as single parents, grandparents as caregivers, co-parenting relationships, LGTBQ families, non-English speaking, teen parents, domestic violence situations and more.
• Computer skills and knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, Google Docs, Zoom or other online meeting platforms.

• Above average organizational and communication skills, ability to work as a member of a team, good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain professionalism with staff and clientele. 
• Acceptable tuberculosis screening results and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment.
• Valid Driver’s License necessary. 

Benefits: 

• Kid-friendly work schedule
• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement
• Paid Vacation, Paid Personal, Paid Sick Time
• Paid School Breaks
• Employee Assistance Plan

LifeWorks Community Action, formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, is a nonprofit that helps thousands of neighbors each year overcome the challenges of poverty by providing food, early childhood education, energy services, health and wellness, and immigrant services. Popular programs include The Pantry in Ballston Spa and The Kitchen in Saratoga Springs, as well as Head Start, WIC and Weatherization.      Help Starts Here.

LifeWorks Community Action promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in all agency programs and services.  We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who embrace and support an inclusive and equitable work environment.

Interested candidates please send a resume and cover letter to the Director of Human Resources for LifeWorks Community Action via hr@lifeworksaction.org or visit our website and complete an employment application at https://www.lifeworksaction.org/careers and send in via email.  

EOE