Position Summary

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.

Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation (2021), Pierce College is an innovative, mission-driven, data-informed, and equity minded community college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals, with a focus on racial and social equity and justice.

The Head Start Family Advocate/Family Support Specialist is done for the purposes of determining eligibility for program, enrolling families in program, enlisting parental involvement in child educational programs; working with parents in identifying and achieving goals; accessing support services; creating training programs; and facilitating positive parent, school and student relationships. This position reports to the Child Development Center Director.

This position actively supports and engages in Pierce College’s goals for equity and inclusion in order to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners and our goal of becoming an anti-racist institution.

About the District

Pierce College enjoys a strong presence in the community and participates in innumerable partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations. Want a feel for our District. Take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.

Essential Functions

The Head Start Family Advocate/Support Specialist will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:

• Maintain a variety of manual and electronic documents, files and records (e.g. program participation, contact sheets, family file, Child Plus computer program, agency referrals, etc.) for the purpose of providing required information and/or documentation.
• Visit children's homes for the purpose of enrolling students in program, interviewing parents, informing parents/students of school and/or community resources and providing child development and parenting information.
• Report suspected incidents (e.g. physical, sexual and/or substance abuse, contagious diseases, etc.) to appropriate parties for the purpose of maintaining students' personal health and safety and adhering to Education Code, district and/or school policies.
• Orient prospective participants (e.g. site tours, program overview and eligibility requirements, benefits, etc.) for the purpose of establishing familiarity with program, services, and required processes.
• Recruit, select, and enroll eligible children for the purpose of maintaining full enrollment and serving families most in need of services according to federal guidelines.
• Assess family and infant/child needs (e.g. conducts surveys, interviews, etc.) for the purpose of determining eligibility and/or developing an action plan to remove barriers to child's success in school.
• Provide or assist with providing health screenings, immunization verifications, and outside agency referrals (e.g. hearing, vision, immunization compliance, height/weight relationships, etc.) for the purpose of promoting needed treatment and complying with program requirements.
• Develop individualized health, nutrition and family support plans for all enrolled children for the purpose of furthering family goals, plans, and success strategies.
• Participate in workshops, meetings, community events, etc. (e.g. monthly FA meetings, site support, ESD staff meetings, WAEYC/EHS conferences, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or presenting information to both Milgard and Garnero sites.
• Plan and facilitate family meetings and parent involvement events (e.g. health and welfare, nutrition, counseling, etc.) for the purpose of providing for family support needs and complying with program regulations.
• Assist Garnero Family Advocate with the planning and facilitation of family meetings and parent involvement events (e.g. health and welfare, nutrition, counseling, etc.) for the purpose of providing for family support needs and complying with program regulations.
• Assist parents from both sites in a variety of areas (e.g. filling out forms/surveys, health, nutrition living skills, budgeting, job skills, goal setting, etc.) for the purpose of developing an action plan to remove barriers to child's success in school and supporting the family in basic life skills.
• Conform to the PSESD's Principles that Guide Our Culture for the purpose of 1) building trust, collaboration, and strong teams within the program and the Agency and 2) providing exemplary service to external clients.
• Provide assistance to other personnel as needed to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.
• Receive visitors and telephone inquiries, support front office staff as needed.

Qualifications

Education Required

• Some college and credential or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling

OR

• Related field along with thirty (30) job-related credits.

Experience Required

• A minimum of six (6) months job related experience.

Special Requirements

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check
  after a conditional offer of employment.
• Completion of HIV/AIDS training upon employment.
• Written proof of TB testing prior to starting work.
• Proof of MMR vaccination.
• Completion of Blood Borne Pathogens training within three (3) months of hire.
• Valid First Aid and CPR Card upon employment.

Required Competencies

Relationship Building Skills

• Actively demonstrates an understanding of the many facets of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to achieving cultural awareness, sensitivity and competency.
• Ability to build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual regard.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Ability to effectively identify systemic inequities affecting colleagues and students.
  
• Works to remove barriers to workplace wellness and student success.
  
• Engage in healing-centered practices to reduce further harm to historically marginalized groups; engage in cultural humility through listening, observing, valuing/validating, embracing/empowering (LOVE) others.
  
• Seek inclusion through invitation and welcome, recognizes the impact of own identities, and amplify voices often not heard or acknowledged.

Customer Service Skills

• Ability to listen attentively, communicates clearly, identify issues, provide options, and follow-up with concerns.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, organization, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work within an environment supporting students in addressing issues often of a sensitive or controversial nature.
• Ability to maintain a good rapport with children, parents, and co-workers.

Communication Skills

• Ability to convey clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
• Ability to use a variety of tools and methods to encourage adults or children to change behavior and/or overcome physical/emotional barriers.
• Ability to express ideas and information through the spoken word or in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the children, parents and co-workers.
• Ability to read, interpret, and retain information from written material.

Organizational Skills

• Ability to integrate various ideas, intentions and information to form goals, objectives, timelines, action plans, and solutions.
• Ability to coordinate events, activities, services and schedules with necessary and available facilities or equipment.
• Ability to maintain appropriate records of children's social, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and cultural development.

Safety Skills

• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and health standards to establish and/or maintain a safe work environment.
• Knowledge of applicable health regulations for child care facilities.
• Ability to remove children quickly from a dangerous situation by visually observing, physically lifting, running, and alerting to an emergency.

Computer Skills

• MS Office (Word and Outlook): Create, format, edit, preview, print, and save documents.
• Email: Correspondence, update calendars, accept meeting requests.
• Internet: (Google/Chrome): Browse and research information.

Application Process

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.html (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least two professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
• Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question)

How will you support the mission of Pierce College to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world? How has your previous education and/or professional experience contributed to your effectiveness in promoting a climate of student success for a diverse community of learners? Please limit your response to 500 words or less.

Special Note

To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NeoEd account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment

This is a part time (25 hour per week), classified-cyclic, 11.13 months, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a 6-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus. Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekend work, and occasional travel as required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $21.46 dependent upon qualifications, with periodic increments up to $25.43 hourly. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which includes comprehensive health care (medical, dental, and vison insurance) for you and your dependents. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr-benefits.

Physical Work Environment

This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please note

This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Conditions of Employment

Pierce College is a “fully vaccinated campus” under the state’s higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination (or allowable exemption) will be required for all employees and students. More information can be found here: Vaccination Requirements.

Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Bargaining Unit

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

Equal Opportunity

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu.

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Sean Cooke - Title IX Coordinator

9401 Farwest Drive SW

Lakewood, Washington 98498

(253) 840-8472

Tami Jacobs - ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator

(253) 964-6581

Holly Gorski - Vice President for Human Resources

(253) 964-6519

Paula Henson-Williams - District Affirmative Action Officer

(253) 864-3229