The EHS Family Advocates’ primary responsibility is to facilitate family partnerships in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards and Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) guidelines.  They will plan and implement family activities and training, acting as a liaison between the EHS and families.  This position is responsible for monitoring, recruitment, and enrollment of new families, providing resources and referrals, maintaining confidential family records and database documentation.  This position will work under two separate grants: Head Start and CCDF and is expected to understand and follow all applicable Performance Standards and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regulations.

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
  
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)

1. Establishes, plans, implements and monitors supportive relationships with all enrolled families to create Family Partnerships and Agreements, all while ensuring environment where families are welcome at all times.
2. Coordinates and promotes team cooperation in the provision of parent involvement services to the Early Head Start children, provide ongoing support as needed. 
3. Provide parental training sessions based on parental input and Performance Standards.
4. Assures confidentiality of all records and reporting, exercises appropriate discretion in sharing information with others as it relates to their job responsibilities.
5. Participate in the annual self-assessment of the program, as per Head Start Performance Standards.
6. Participate in meetings with the ECE Director, EHS Teachers, Education Manager, school district and other agencies assisting families to advocate for their child’s needs as it relates to Early Head Start and /or public education experiences. Also, acting on referrals made by the teacher and staff, after the initial teacher/staff, parent home visit.
7. After receiving a report that a child has 3 unexcused absences, set up a home visit to see if support services are needed for the family.
8. When needed, assists with other Early Head Start duties such as in the classroom, on the playground, greeting parents, monitor phone calls, preparing meals and help in classroom during mealtimes.
9. Create and maintain a monthly written report and submit it to the supervisor.
10. Coordinates with staff to plan, implement, and initiate parent activities in the classrooms and center while fostering independency and greater social and cultural competence, anti-bias classroom curriculum reflective of the families enrolled in the center.
11. Recruits Policy Council members, setting agendas and supports the center manager to facilitate meetings.
12. Monitors, maintains, and creates reports of all parent contact forms and In-Kind sheets and ensures they are kept up to date and turned in monthly to the supervisor.
13. Attends Early Head Start or other training opportunities as relevant to staff development plans, maintain current certification for First Aid, CPR, Food Handler’s Permit, and comply with CPS reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect.
14. Assist parents with Volunteer packet as needed, and aids in partnership with the teachers and education manager regarding recruiting and training parents and community volunteers to help in the classroom.
15. Assist the family in its own efforts to improve the condition and quality of family life, as needed.
16. Arrange, prepare, and attend the parent meetings and activities (ex. Snacks, childcare) & baby sitting).
17. Send daily notes home with children to the parents, with information on upcoming events and parenting tips, or use the texting application and email to ensure all families are connected and have this information.
18. Track the health component of meeting the 45 and 90 day deadlines mandated by Head Start.
19. Keep up to date information regarding all Samish programs and community resources to share with families as needed.
20. Assist parents with enrollment forms.
21. Work in a friendly and respectful manner with all staff to create and foster a team environment.
22. Perform any other duties as assigned.

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. Must possess a two-or four -year degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
3. Must have knowledge about the Early Head Start and CCDF Programs
4. Sensitive to the needs of low-income families
5. Must possess strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
6. Able to carry thirty pounds without difficulty, sit in a child-sized chair, move quickly from multiple positions and levels
7. Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License
8. Must obtain First Aid, and CPR certifications within 90 days of hire
9. Must have initial TB test, and be free from communicable disease

Preferred Experience

1. Administrative experience and training are desirable
2. Parent involvement education and planning experience are desirable
3. Knowledge of community and interest in child and family
4. Knowledge of human service agencies, eligibility requirements and referral process
5. Ability to communicate and function with various parents, professionals, and community groups
6. Computer literate

 **Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**

Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.

Physical Demands: Must be able to lift and carry 40lbs; able to stand (40% of time), sit (30% of time), as well as frequently stoop, squat, lift, kneel, bend, reach, and run (30% of time); possess manual dexterity sufficient to use hand writing materials, computers, and office equipment to prepare reports and documentation; be physically able to move through classrooms, ride along and load/unload from a school bus; Mental/Visual Demands: Constant mental, visual, and audio supervision of children and attention is needed. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Outside time is required each day on playground or on field trips. Must be able to move around for the majority of shift. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Possibility of exposure to blood and bodily fluids; possibility of exposure to communicable diseases. Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.)

 Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment.

 Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.

 This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position. The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.