East Durham Children’s Initiative
Bilingual Parent Advocate Position
The East Durham Children's Initiative (EDCI) is working to build a pipeline of high-quality
services for children in East Durham from birth to college or career. EDCI operates in
partnership with residents and other stakeholders in the area to help children succeed, with the
goal that every child finishes high school ready for college or career.
EDCI is currently seeking to fill the position of Bilingual Parent Advocate, a position central to
the EDCI’s work with elementary school children and families. This full-time, benefits-eligible
position will report to the EDCI Director. The Bilingual Parent Advocate will serve as a link
between families and school personnel at YE Smith Elementary School, EDCI’s target
elementary school in East Durham.
Minimum Qualifications for Education, Training and Experience: A Master’s degree in Social
Work (MSW)/related field, or equivalent years of experience. Candidates must be bilingual in
English/Spanish and have some experience working with the Latino community. Translation and
interpretation skills, experience working with low-income families, conducting trainings, and/or
teaching/tutoring at the elementary school level highly preferred. Knowledge of the East
Durham community and/or Durham Public Schools System also preferred. Candidates should
be resourceful and knowledgeable of community resources, with a working knowledge of city
systems and agencies that support children and families. Must be able to work effectively in a
small, team environment. It is essential that candidate be patient and well organized,
dedicated to parent and student success, and committed to the mission of EDCI.
Primary Scope of Work: The Bilingual Parent Advocate will carry out EDCI and Parent Advocate
Program goals and objectives, policies, procedures and additional duties as defined by the EDCI
Director and leadership team. The Bilingual Parent Advocate is responsible for developing and
fostering communication between parents, teachers and students in grades K-3. The Parent
Advocate will be responsible for working closely with parents and caregivers to improve and
increase engagement in their children’s education at home and at school.
Specific Activities: Specific tasks of the Bilingual Parent Advocate will include, but not be limited
to the following:
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1. Develop and maintain positive relationships with students, families and school
administrators.
2. Recruit families into the Parent Advocate Program and other EDCI partner programs.
3. Provide a comprehensive intake of enrolled families, including demographic,
household support, and school-related information, and use that information to
prioritize families and begin providing services and making referrals to partner
agencies and outside services as appropriate.
4. Manage a caseload of approximately 45 students and their families.
5. Provide appropriate contact and regular communication with parents, teachers and
school staff.
6. Conduct home visits and attend school meetings with parents as needed.
7. As families or teachers have concerns about their students, document concerns and
work with both family and teacher to develop plans or make referrals to ensure that
student needs are being addressed.
8. Work with team of Parent Advocates to develop workshops for families, with the
goal of increasing their knowledge and skills around engagement in their child’s
learning at home and at school, and empowering them to advocate on behalf of
their children.
9. Work with team of Parent Advocates to develop workshops for school staff, with the
goal of fostering supportive, equitable, and accountable relationships with parents.
10. Enter program and evaluation data into online database in a timely and thorough
manner.
11. Keep and maintain all files up-to-date and confidential where necessary.
12. Prepare and complete internal reports as assigned.
13. Maintain strict adherence to EDCI and Durham Public Schools policies and
procedures at all times.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.
The East Durham Children’s Initiative prohibits discrimination and harassment, and provides
equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability,
veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex or age. EDCI is committed to recruiting,
hiring, and promoting qualified minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants should send cover letter, resume, and three references by email to:
David Reese
East Durham Children’s Initiative
107 N. Driver St.
Durham, NC 27703
David.reese@edci.org
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