Family Advocate - Frederick County (MD)

Job Details

Salary: $17.97 - $19.23 Hourly

Location : Family Partnership - Frederick, MD

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Job Number: FY24-00338

Department: Family Services Division

Opening Date: 03/28/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

JOB INFORMATION

Non-exempt; grant funded; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. as well as Tuesday evening hours on a rotating basis; full benefits

This position is responsible for implementing family support and child development services provided through Family Partnership (FP), while assuring the care, safety and well-being of all children overseen. Supervision is received from the Child Development Supervisor.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 10 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan, prepare and provide developmentally appropriate care and education through learning activities for children of diverse backgrounds between 6 weeks through 3 years of age; guide, coach and educate the parents to support and promote the child's safety, well-being and healthy growth and development in a manner that reflects the best practices in the fields of early childhood education, child development practice and the family support principles of FP
Model positive and appropriate interaction with children and parents at all times, following the principles and polices related to trauma informed care as outlined by FP
Plan, develop and lead Parent and Child Together (PACT) activities that are developmentally appropriate for children 6 weeks through age 3 and engaging and educational for parents, in collaboration with other child development team members
Provide parent child enrichment activities and child development services to parents and their children aged 6 weeks through 12 years as part of the FP Evening Program to which staff are assigned on a rotating basis
Maintain ITERS (Infant and Toddlers Environmental Rating Scale) standards at all times when delivering services to children and their parents, including the maintenance of the Center's physical environment (classroom and playground) to meet the needs of children aged 6 weeks through 3 years old
Complete on-going child developmental assessments using screening and assessment systems such as Teaching Strategies Gold and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires
Enter daily observation/progress notes on children into computerized data management system in a clear and concise manner that connects the observation/progress note to identified developmental indicators based on each child's individual learning plan
Develop and implement curriculum plans based upon individual needs of children indicated by data based on-line assessment system and screenings
Record pertinent interactions and meetings with parents, meetings with staff, and meetings with outside agency staff concerning parents and/or children via progress notes in data management system
Collaborate with Parent Educator(s) and child development team to create, maintain, and follow a calendar of specific, targeted parent and child learning activities in the child development classrooms
Collaborate/coordinate with community agencies to assist children and parents as needed
Participate in team and staff meetings
Complete required trainings
Facilitate individual and small group parent-child interaction-enrichment/activities based on the child's developmental assessment and family need
Assist with planning, preparation and implementation of informal parent education on topics such as parenting, child development, school readiness, and early literacy
Conduct new participant orientations, Parent-Teacher conferences and other formal meetings as appropriate
Work with all teams within FP to accomplish team and center-wide programs, goals, special projects/events, etc.
Assist child development team in preparing snacks and meals, cleaning and sanitizing child development classrooms furniture/equipment, playground equipment, dishes, laundry, toys, high chairs, strollers, car seats, etc.
Assist with the collection and documentation of immunization records
Assist with community outreach events (either in the evening or weekends)
Perform various office support duties related to early childhood and parent education services (e.g. preparation of educational materials/activities, filing, photocopying, file maintenance, etc.)
As needed, operate a County vehicle to transport participants to/from the FP center
Actively participate in Division wide emergency planning and activation of County shelter and/or family assistance center
Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Requirements for Family Advocate I: $17.97 per hour

High school graduation or equivalent
Minimum 1 year of paid direct service work experience in a family support program, similar family strengthening program such as Early Head Start, Head Start and/or licensed center-based or home-based day care, working with children 6 weeks through 3 years of age, providing developmentally appropriate child care and early childhood education.
Possession of Infants and Toddlers C.D.A. Credential, or the ability to obtain credentialing within 1 year of employment
Beginner skills in MS Office Suite to include Word and Excel
Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

Requirements for Family Advocate II: $19.23 per hour

Associate's degree in Early Childhood
Minimum 1 year of paid direct service work experience in a family support program or similar family strengthening program such as Early Head Start, Head Start and/or licensed center-based or home-based day care, working with children 6 weeks through 3 years of age providing developmentally appropriate child care and early childhood education
Possession of Infants and Toddlers C.D.A. Credential
Beginner skills in MS Office Suite to include Word and Excel
Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with persons of diverse educational, cultural and economic backgrounds; public officials, community/collaborating partners and program administrators; co-workers; program participants (children and adults) and the general public, with particular sensitivity toward the concerns and priorities of FP families
Ability to effectively demonstrate, model and teach developmentally appropriate interaction between young children and parents/guardians/caregivers, including being able to capitalize on "teachable moments" to provide parent education and/or appropriate support/intervention as needed
Ability to maintain pertinent and professional and ethical standards at all times
Ability to make ethical decisions with full knowledge of FP and Frederick County policies/procedures
Ability to effectively access and utilize word processing, spreadsheet, and data management systems and equipment to effectively complete logs, data entry, reports and other departmental record keeping
Possession of effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including, facilitating groups, public speaking, outreach efforts, and presenting training/educational materials as needed, as well as writing progress notes, letters, email communication, and/or other correspondence as needed
Ability to work with sensitive, personal information and maintain appropriate confidentiality
Ability to effectively network and conduct outreach in the community
Accurate math and clerical skills with the ability to effectively complete logs, reports and other departmental record keeping
Ability and willingness to operate a FP van in varied weather conditions, as needed.
Ability and willingness to complete initial and on-going training and renewals as required, including but not limited to First Aid & Infant, Child, and Adult CPR course, Universal Pre-cautions, Recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

Experience providing informal parent education and parent-child enrichment services in a family support program or similar family strengthening program where both parents and their children 6 weeks through 3 years of age participate in the program
Additional closely related education or training
Fluency in spoken and/or written Spanish with expectation to interpret/translate for the program as needed
Experience as a trained and certified "Nurturing Parenting Program" facilitator
Experience using the Teaching Strategies Gold and/or My Teaching Strategies data-based assessment system
Experience operating a 15-passenger van or similar vehicle to transport passengers

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

While working in this position, the employee is frequently walking, moving, traversing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching; occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing up to and over 40 pounds, and pulling up to 40 pounds and driving; rarely reaching and performing repetitive motions
While working in this position, the employee is constantly indoors, potentially exposed to infectious diseases; frequently required to wear protective equipment; and is occasionally working outdoors

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

Ability to provide own transportation as needed for home visits or other commitments
Available for periodic varied working hours as needed to accommodate evening programs, home visits, meetings, community and other outreach events, out of town training, etc.
This position is subject to random drug testing
The grant that funds this position will determine the duration of the position as well as the benefits available to the employee in this position

EXAMINATION PROCESS: (may include)

1) An evaluation of training and experience

2) One or more interviews
3) A pre-employment fingerprint-supported background investigation

4) A pre-employment physical examination and drug test

Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.

Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.

Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.

Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

01

Do you have a valid automobile operator's license?

02

Which best describes your education level?

I have not obtained a high school diploma or equivalent
I have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent
I have obtained an Associate's degree
I have obtained a Bachelor's degree
I have obtained an advanced degree

03

If you have obtained a college degree, is it in Early Childhood?

04

Do you have beginner Microsoft (MS) Office Suite, to include Excel and Word, skills?

05

Do you have at least 1 year of paid direct service work experience in a family support program or similar family strengthening program such as Early Head Start, Head Start and/or licensed center-based or home-based day care, working with children 6 weeks through 3 years of age providing developmentally appropriate child care and early childhood education.

06

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

07

Do you have Infants and Toddlers C.D.A. Credentials?

08

Do you have experience providing informal parent education and parent-child enrichment services in a family support program or similar family strengthening program where both parents and their children 6 weeks through 3 years of age participate in the program?

09

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

10

Do you have fluency in spoken and/or written Spanish?

11

Do you have experience as a trained and certified "Nurturing Parenting Program" facilitator?

12

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

13

Do you have experience using the Teaching Strategies Gold and/or My Teaching Strategies data-based assessment system?

14

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

15

Do you have experience operating a 15-passenger van or similar vehicle to transport passengers?

16

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

Required Question

Frederick County (MD)

06/01/2024

Frederick,MD