Illinois Residency Requirement: This position requires Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date.

SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start is excited to announce a new hire incentive of up to $3,000 **

The Head Start/Early Head Start program at SIUE’s East St. Louis Center is seeking qualified candidates to fill multiple Family Advocate vacancies. This is an eleven-month, full-time position with possibility of summer (one-month) appointment based on seniority and availability. The Family Advocate supports the Head Start/Early Head Start programming systems for Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance (ERSEA), and actively engages and supports enrolled families to promote financial self-sufficiency. The Advocate’s case management includes building trusting relationships, assessing family's strengths/needs, collaboratively establishing individualized Family Partnership Agreement, monitoring progress toward goals, and providing support and resources for program participants. The selected candidate will ensure accurate and timely completion of all documentation per Head Start Program Performance Standards in program's database (ChildPlus) and in hard copy files.

Additionally, the Family Advocates collaboratively plan and implement center-based parent meetings, parent cafes, various parent engagement activities, and promotes parents' volunteer efforts and leadership roles. These positions will also facilitate/implement child screenings such as dental clinic and hearing/vision tests as well as ensure parent completion of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2). Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned in support of the programs’ mission and goals.

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start program serves more than 860 families and children birth through age five, including children with special needs, and consists of a team of individuals dedicated to making real change that leads to the success of children, families and communities. The program includes a rigorous school readiness program and provides comprehensive services, such as health/dental screenings and family engagement and support activities. Head Start/Early Head Start centers are housed in nine early childhood centers, eight managed directly by SIUE staff and two collaboration sites throughout St. Clair County. Final center assignments, based on program needs, will be discussed during interviews.

To Apply for this Vacancy:
This position is a Civil Service vacancy. It closes to applicants at 11:59 p.m. CST on the posting end date. When applying through the HireTouch system, please be sure to complete updated 2022 forms that are attached to the job located under your Applicant Profile box (refresh browser if needed).

Applicants must submit an updated and complete Civil Service Application, which must include complete employment history. The application is the last form in the document package. Your application should reflect a thorough list of relevant skills and experience related to the minimum qualifications listed for this position. Please be detailed in current and past job duties, as this is what is used in the credential assessments. While a resume may be submitted with the application, data for each employer must be listed on this application form. ("See Resume" may only be used as a substitute in the section entitled "Specific Duties Performed".) If the Civil Service application is incomplete you will not be considered for the position as our office will be unable to evaluate your submission to determine if you possess the required minimum qualifications.

Please submit any required credential/certification related to the position at the time of application. Additional education or certifications credentials may be uploaded at the time of application. Applicants qualifying for veteran’s preference must submit a copy of form DD214 at the time of application. For additional information, please visit: Eligibility Criteria and Point Allocation and Proof of Eligibility.

Applicants will be subject to a background check and/or drug screening prior to an offer of employment. Some positions are represented by a union and may incur union dues. For more information, please visit the Office of Human Resources website at www.siue.edu/human-resources or call Civil Service Testing at 618-650-2190.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nurtures an open, respectful, and welcoming climate that facilitates learning and work. SIUE is committed to education that explores the historic significance of diversity in order to understand the present and to better enable our community to engage the future. Integral to this commitment, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville strives for a student body and a workforce that is both diverse and inclusive. We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups, including women, members of racially minoritized groups, and individuals with disabilities, to apply. For more on our Statement of Diversity, visit SIUE Mission, Goals and Plans

• A credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, psychology, education, sociology or workforce education.

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field as determined by transcript review.
• Family Specialist Credential (Gateway) with minimum of two years experience interacting with low-income families OR Associate's degree with minimum of two years experience interacting with low-income families.
• Computer skills, including basic Microsoft programs.
• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
• Valid Illinois driver's license.