Family Advocate - Head Start & Early Head Start (Multiple Positions)

Job Summary and Responsibilities/Duties

For best consideration, please submit application materials by November 7, 2025

Please Note: Multiple openings are available with the following Full-Time Equivalents (FTE): 0.95 and .86923

Location: We are hiring for positions at our Head Start locations in East Portland, Gresham & surrounding areas.

Job Summary

Provides consultation to families in the program helping them in the evaluation, planning and achieving their family goals and success. Works with families in the areas of social services, transitions,health, nutrition, inclusion, mental health,and parent engagement. Develops compassionate partnerships with families, and provides referrals and support in accessing community resources for needed services.Assists families in crisis, and supports the culture and value of each family.Provides parent education opportunities. 

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED certificate AND Approved Social Service Certificate/Credential in social work, human services, family services, counseling, a related field OR Associate degree in social service, mental health or related field OR ability to obtain one of these requirements within eighteen (18) months of hire

Experience/Training:

• Minimum (2) years of experience providing social services to children and/or families 
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds of the College’s community, students and employees; demonstrated commitment to promoting access and diversity
• Current driver’s license, insurance, and access to a reliable automobile during work hours. Must have at least three (3) years of driving history

Preferred Qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related field

Additional Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in the Oregon Central Background Registry prior to beginning employment and enrollment must be maintained throughout employment
• Post-offer fitness for duty evaluation, must be obtained within 30 days of hire date: 
  1. TB screening
  2. Health appraisal
• Complete required Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) licensing within 30 days of hire
• Must possess or obtain current Infant/Child First Aid/CPR certification within 60 days of hire
• Must possess or obtain Food Handlers Certificate within 30 days of hire
• Must be able to works occasional evening hours as needed (i.e., parent meetings, home visits, etc.) 

Additional Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Skills in:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Leadership and staff training
• Organizational skills

Ability to:

• Apply the understanding of developmentally appropriate activities of children
• Meet and promote the social-emotional, physical and cognitive development needs of children
• Provide and model best practice in ECE and to facilitate team development
• Problem-solve
• Multi-task
• Make sound judgments and demonstrate appropriate role modeling
• Maintain full attention and awareness of children at all times
• Work as a team member and to be self-directed.
• Manage large caseloads at multiple sites

Knowledge of:

• Basic computer skills 

Working Conditions and Important Information 

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs a distance of 10 feet. Ability to push/pull up to 50 lbs. a distance of 10 yards Sufficient mobility and range of motion to perform repetitive standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, sitting on the floor, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and twisting for up to 8 hours per day. Sufficient stamina to perform job duties at frequency required. Ability to react quickly to the physical actions of children. Sufficient vision and hearing to perform job duties. Sufficient manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination to perform job duties.

Exposure to Hazards: Unpredictable child and family behavior, hazardous chemicals, contagious conditions, work with office equipment. Driving and riding in motor vehicles. Working conditions include indoor/outdoor environments, preschool center classrooms, playgrounds, offices, frequent local and occasional out-of-town travel.

Salary Placement

Initial salary placement will be based on applicable education and/or years of relevant full-time equivalent experience at the sole discretion of the College, per the guidelines in the Collective Bargaining Agreement and in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. Please include all relevant education and full and part-time experience (including unpaid and volunteer experience) in your application that you want the College to review towards potential placement. Hired employees will not have an opportunity to update past education and/or experience or appeal initial placement after the time of hire.

Pay range will be determined based on the candidate's educational background.

Family Advocate I - $20.05 - $21.16 Per Hour - Approved Social Service Certificate/Credential or ability to obtain credential within 18 months of hire.
Family Advocate II - $21.07 - $22.24 Per Hour - Associate's Degree
Family Advocate II - $24.43 - $25.77 Per Hour - Bachelor's Degree

Mt. Hood Community College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation, sick and personal leave; medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance; optional short-term disability insurance optional life, optional AD&D; retirement through Oregon PERS, including generous employer contributions; tuition waiver plan and access to professional training and development; and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). For more information about our benefits and wellness offerings, please visit our website here.