Family Service Advocate

Purpose Statement

The job of Family Services Advocate is done for the purpose/s of increasing parent involvement in students’

education and school site activities; referring students, parents and/or families to social services agencies;

and fostering positive parent, school and student relationships.

This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: The Family Services Advocate

position is assigned to the non-exempt salary schedule; Grade 13. The Family Service Advocate that

provides multilingual communications (verbal and written) utilizing a minimum of three languages (e.g.

Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Kirundi, or Somali) is assigned to the non-exempt salary schedule; Grade 40.

Essential Functions

Assesses family and student needs for the purpose of developing an action plan to remove barriers to

student success and family goals.

Assists parents in locating and enrolling in skill development courses (e.g. ESL classes, nutrition /

cooking, computer training, etc.) for the purpose of promoting parental effectiveness and student

achievement.

Attends parent conferences and district meetings for the purpose of providing information and/or

translating English to Spanish and Spanish to English.

For the Multilingual position: Communicates utilizing verbal and written skills in a minimum of three

languages (e.g. Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Kirundi, or Somali), etc.) for the purpose of translating and

interpreting information to students and families.

For the Multilingual position: Translates multilingual languages for the purpose of communications

between parents, students, teachers, and other district personnel.

Maintains a variety of records (e.g. program participation, activity logs, referrals, etc.) for the purpose of

providing required information and/or documentation.

Orients students, families, teachers, district staff and volunteers for the purpose of establishing familiarity

with program, services, and required processes.

Prepares written materials (e.g. reports, memos, letters, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities,

providing written reference and/or conveying information.

Processes documents and materials for the purpose of disseminating information to appropriate parties.

Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. students, teachers, parents, community agencies,

etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or direction.

Translates English to Spanish and Spanish to English for the purpose of facilitating communication

between parents, students, teachers and other district personnel.

Visits students’ homes for the purpose of assessing family needs.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective

functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

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Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job

conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

preparing and maintaining accurate records; and operating standard office equipment including pertinent software

applications.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed

formats, and/or present information to others; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based

competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: community agencies and available

services; written and spoken Spanish (including current slang/idioms). For the multilingual position: written and

verbal communications in three or more of the following languages: Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Kirundi, or Somali.

ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather and/or collate data;

and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of

circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.

Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with similar types of data; and utilize

specific, job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.

Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited.

Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and

maintaining constructive relationships; displaying tact and courtesy; being accepting and nonjudgmental;

communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working flexible hours; and working

as part of a team .

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading,

guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work

units may be required to perform the job’s functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the

organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some

lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine

finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing. The job is performed under

minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience is desired.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: .