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 Requirements + 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 Benefits + 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