early head start

							I. Site Info

Site Name and Location:
Health Federation of Philadelphia
Early Head Start
2532 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19132

Organization Description and Mission:
The purpose of the EHS program is to support parents in their individual growth and
development while they meet and support the developmental needs of their child(ren) to reach
their full potential. A full range of multisystems family centered, comprehensive and coordinated
EHS services, including high quality health, education, family involvement, nutrition, and social
services is provided to low-income pregnant teenagers/young adults (13-25 years old) and to
teenage/young adult parents of infants and toddlers (0-3 years old) living in the North Central
Empowerment Zone (NCEZ) in Philadelphia. A total of 75 infants and toddlers or pregnant
teens/young adults and their families will be served in the program.

The continuum of services is delivered to children and their families using a home based option
with a community site in North Philadelphia. Services include home visits, parent-child groups,
educational and support groups, individual and family counseling, case management, and
referrals to community agencies and are provided by a multidisciplinary team of child/ family
advocates, social workers, family and community involvement specialists, child development
specialist, registered nurse and registered nutritionist.

Site Supervisor Name/Title/Phone/Fax/Email:
Khadijah Muhammad, Director
Health Federation of Philadelphia, Early Head Start
2532 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19132
215-223-5200 ext 124
215-223-4455- fax
kmuhammad@healthfederation.org


II. Service Description

Position Title: Family Health and Wellness Advocate

Service Activities/Responsibilities:
   1. Works with team members, as needed, to link families with appropriate community
      resources and provides follow-up.
   2. Participates and assists in community outreach activities, recruitment, health fairs,
      special events and family activities.
   3. Participates in ongoing in-service/staff development training programs.
   4. Assists, as needed, with the weekly parent-child play groups.
   5. Participates in the Health Services Advisory Committee.
   6. Provides health education to families.
   7. Participates in the multi-disciplinary case review as needed.
   8. Assists with the organization/planning of EHS’s participation in the Annual Walk Against
      Hunger.
    9. Assists, as needed, in the tracking of the children’s health records, through
        correspondence with health care providers and using the HSFIS data base.
    10. Participates in the development of culturally appropriate educational materials for client
        families.
    11. Implements plans and assists with the coordination of groups at the community site with
        the Health and Nutrition Coordinator.
    12. Keeps accurate record of daily activities and submits paper work/time sheets in a timely
        fashion.
    13. Keeps supervisor completely informed of daily activities by participating in weekly
        individual supervision.
    14. Maintains confidentiality in all areas of family contact and documentation.
    15. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Service Goals:
   • To address the health and wellness of the families and children that EHS serves by
      providing health education and assisting with family interventions/referrals.
   • To assist with ensuring that all children and families have a medical and dental home.
   • To link families to appropriate and effective community services.
   • Being a wellness advocate for our families and children.

Position Requirements/Qualifications:
   • Minimum of an Associate degree in Health, Social Services, Early Childhood
       Development, Mental Health or related field.
   • Knowledge of child development, mental health issues, substance abuse, child abuse
       and neglect, domestic violence, homelessness, and health care.
   • Experience in working with adolescents, young adults and families.
   • Good verbal and written communication skills.
   • Warm, understanding, non-judgmental yet mature personality.
   • Ability to work independently and as a team member.
   • Ability to manage time effectively.
   • Ability to accept supervision.
   • Respect for importance of confidentiality and issues of diversity.
   • Familiarity with major community resources.
   • Computer skills, ability to draft flyers, brochures, newsletters, enter data, etc.
   • Flexibility/ reliability.


III. Logistical Info

Expected Work Schedule:
Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends may be required.

Orientation Plan:
October/ November:
   • Orient to the HSFIS data base one day a week.
   • Attend the monthly EHS staff meeting and the All Staff Meeting.
   • Attend socializations (play groups) once a week to meet program families.
   • Attend the monthly Policy Council Meeting.
   •   Accompany 1 staff person each week on 2 home visits.
   •   Attend 1 Enhanced Parenting Program group.
   •   Attend the bi-weekly Child Development/Health unit meetings.
   •   Attend 2 case reviews each month.
   •   Begin to develop plans for a Health Project.

Service Location(s) if different from site address:
Involves travel in the North Philadelphia area by car and/or public transportation while visiting
families homes, escorting them to appointments, conducting outreach and recruitment activities
and collaborating with other providers in the community.

Additional Info (parking, transportation, ID, etc.):
Street parking available. Tokens will be provided to conduct program related activities. The
program is accessible by the Broad Street subway and major SEPTA routes.