Since 1870, Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities.  

Erie Neighborhood House, a progressive social service agency serving the Chicago metropolitan area and dedicated to promoting a just and inclusive society, is seeking a Family Advocate to work in our NAEYC accredited Childcare Program.  

In return to your commitment to Erie House and its mission to the community, you will enjoy excellent professional development opportunities, opportunity for growth, and have direct impact in building powerful communities. Be a part of one of the oldest and most respected Settlement House in the Chicago Land Area.   

Position Summary: 

Reporting to the Family Service Manager, the Family Advocate’s basic function is coordination of health requirements, goal setting, and family partnership agreements for families enrolled in childcare.  This includes written parent communications and data entry in Salesforce database. 

• Maintains all records regarding health services (physical exams, dental exams, hearing and vision screenings, heights and weights, as well as any asthma action plans, or food allergies) according to Head Start/Early Head Start performance standards.  Enters all health-related information into COPA in a timely manner 
• Responsible for communicating with teaching staff about children’s health needs 
• Notifies parents of expiration of health requirements in a timely manner 
• Responsible for obtaining child health histories from social worker/intake 
• Checks classroom First Aid kits and replenishes them as needed, maintains First Aid kit supply logs  
• Participates in the program’s annual self-assessment and community assessment 
• Completes Family Partnership Agreements with all families.  Follows up on progress on goals every three months.  Documents all follow up in CSD Cares
• Maintains a strong system of resource and referral for families including formal and informal partnerships 
• Assists Family Services Manager with all parent involvement activities and events including monthly parent policy committee meetings and special center events 
• Maintains all children’s files in an organized and confidential manner 
• Takes daily attendance in classrooms and enters attendance in Salesforce daily by 10:30 AM according to Head Start standards.  Contacts parents of children who are absent to learn reason for absence by 10:30 AM daily.  This contact is entered in Salesforce 
• Assists parents with transition process.  Notifies parents of children’s transition into new classroom and meets with new teacher to share information regarding child’s health status and potential dietary needs  
• Responsible for compliance with all agency requirements, as well as DCFS licensing requirements, Head Start performance standards and NAEYC standards 
• Participates in recruitment for program twice monthly or as assigned 
• Participates in monthly all staff meetings, and attends all mandated meetings and trainings 
• Maintains a current Illinois Gateways Registry membership 
• Participates in 20 hours of professional development per program year, five hours of which are Gateways approved hours 
• Schedule 9:30am -5:30pm

Travel - Minimal travel is required

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related field 
• Illinois Gateways Family Service credential level 5 by 2024 
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds 
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States 
• Upon offer of employment, must complete all forms related to hiring, including Erie’s application and employment status.  Must provide three letters of recommendation.  In addition, must complete all DCFS licensing forms, including a criminal background check, fingerprinting and a child abuse and neglect background check 

• Must pass Illinois State Police and DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect background checks
• Must pass Illinois Sex Offender background check

TEAM MEMBER BENEFITS 

• Compensation of $19.00-$22.00 based on experience
• Work / life  integration 
  • Generous paid time off        

Full Time employee

• 12 accrued sick days per year 
• 3 personal days 
• Paid birthday off 
• 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth 
• In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day 
• Vacation 
  • Year 1 = 10 days 
  • Year 2 = 15 days 
  • Year 3 + = 20 days 
• Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible 
• Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees  
• Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave 
• Professional Development 
  • Employer-sponsored learning and development programs 
  • Paid day off annually for personal professional development  
  • Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows 
  • DEI Council-sponsored education and engagement series  
• Wellness support 
  • Employer-sponsored  health, dental, and vision insurance 
  • Employer-paid life insurance 
  • Voluntary life and AD&D and shot and long-term disability 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care 
  • 403b with employer match 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Yoga, Zumba and Book Club, when onsite 

CBU STATUS: Union / Non Exempt 

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us at hr@eriehouse.org. 

NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!

MUST BE A MEMBER OF AFSCME OR JOIN AFTER 30 DAYS

ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ACCREDITED BY NAEYC & NATIONAL AFTER SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

RECOGNIZED BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE; 

UNITED WAY MEMBER