Job Description
Job DescriptionCompany Overview
Founded in 1831 as an orphanage, Rising Ground has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of New York City communities. Guided by the belief that everyone can thrive when life offers hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides compassionate support and proven pathways to positive change helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity.
Each year, Rising Ground impacts more than 25,000 individuals through over 50 programs in 70 locations across New York City and Westchester. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected not only in the people we serve but also in the talented and dedicated staff who represent our communities. Rising Ground is headquartered in downtown Brooklyn.
Position Summary
The Family Advocate / Mental Health Consultant plays a dual role in supporting families’ overall well-being and strengthening their access to services within the Early Head Start (EHS) program. This position focuses on two key areas:
1. Family Advocacy: Assisting families in identifying, accessing, and maintaining needed community resources while promoting family engagement and self-sufficiency.
2. Mental Health Consultation: Providing guidance, observation, and intervention strategies to promote positive mental health for children, families, and staff in the EHS setting.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social services, Psychology, Early Childhood, or a related field (master’s preferred).
- Professional licensure or certification in Mental Health (NYS) required for the consultant portion of the role.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in early childhood, family services, or mental health.
- Strong knowledge of child behavior management, family engagement, and community resource linkage.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Family Advocacy:
- Assist families in accessing and advocating for community-based services and supports.
- Identify and maintain partnerships with community agencies to address family needs.
- Guide parents in applying for benefits, entitlements, and local services.
- Lead and facilitate workshops that promote family empowerment and access to resources.
- Screen families for eligibility based on EHS criteria; complete all required enrollment documentation.
- Maintain compliance with 1305 ERSEA regulations (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance).
- Monitor and update the program’s waiting list monthly to ensure full enrollment year-round.
- Collaborate with directors and administrators to develop and monitor annual Family and Community Partnership work plans.
- Establish and maintain relationships with community partners, promoting effective linkages for family referrals and support.
- Participate in home visits as scheduled or as needed.
Mental Health Consultation:
- Conduct classroom and individual child observations to assess behavioral, social, and emotional development.
- Collaborate with teachers and parents to create appropriate intervention and referral plans.
- Provide direct support and counseling as needed for children and families experiencing challenges.
- Promote positive mental health practices and preventative strategies within EHS classrooms.
- Deliver staff development training on mental health-related topics, including behavior management and family engagement.
- Maintain documentation of consultations, recommendations, and follow-up services.
- Work closely with the Health Coordinator to ensure integration of mental health support within the EHS framework.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None directly, though collaboration with classroom staff, family advocates, and administrators is required.
Work Environment
Office, classroom, and community-based settings. Regular interaction with families, staff, and community agencies.
Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
Family Advocate: 40 hours per week | Mental Health Consultant: 12–20 hours per month (flexible schedule). Some evening or weekend work may be required.
Travel Requirements
Travel between program sites in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx as needed.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand, and engage in light physical activity during home visits and community events. Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 lbs.
Compensation
Contractual salary for mental health consultation services; negotiable based on experience and licensure. Full-time benefits applicable for Family Advocate position.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Rising Ground is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We ensure equal treatment for all employees and applicants without unlawful discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, or veteran status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, and termination.