Family Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $22.51/hour

FAMILY ADVOCATE

Job Category:Family Support Programs

Job Status:Part-time

Reports to:Director of Family Support Programs

Job Summary:The FamilyAdvocateprovides immediate crisis support and ongoing education for foster/adoptive/relative/birth families experiencing any child welfare concerns for the purpose ofstrengthening andretainingfoster and adoptivefamilies, andpromoting stability for the abused and neglected children in their care.

Responsibilities:Primary responsibilitiesinclude but are not limited to

• Accept referrals via phone and email communication and in person of foster/adoptive/kinship parents needing help to provide effective care to children.

• Respond to referrals within one (1) business day.

• Attend andparticipatein all scheduled meetings, court hearings, andtrainings.

• Maintain strong, open communication with direct supervisorregardingservices delivered, concerns or questions.

• Obtain necessary releases and consents.

• Gather information from all parties.

• Assess the situation andidentifystrategyto best assure desired outcomes.

• Make referrals or otherwise implementstrategyin partnership with families.

• Complete, obtain, andmaintainup-to-date documentation of families/clientsin a timely manner. Documentation should occur within two (2) days of family contact.

• Teach families to effectively advocate for themselves by providing them with information on effective intervention and helping to build their confidence.

• Develop quality assurance measures to ensure effectiveness of program interventions.

• Monitor the quality of services and provide feedback through verbal and written documentation tosupervisor.

• Prioritize and manage multiple cases simultaneously.

• Liaison with key community stakeholders and develop open and clear communication with those partners.Attend community meetings as needed.

• Participate in staffmeetings, andassistother program staff as needed.

• Collect and record all data on presenting problems and resources/supports given in Client database system.

• Analyze data toidentifytrends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts.

• When possible,participatein task forces, in-services, trainings, and other community educational networking opportunities to educate others aboutFosterAdoptConnectsprograms and to promote partnerships and sponsorships whenever possible.

• Model ethical and professional behavior at all times.

• Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by theProgram Director/COO.

• Participate as an active team member with all agency departments (i.e.attend meetings as assigned, ensure availability of residents for scheduled on and off campus appointments, etc.) so the agencys effortstoassistclients and maintain licensing/contract/COA standards are coordinated for maximum effectiveness.

• Travel required to conduct home visits and attend meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation.

Qualifications& Preferred Skills

• Bachelors Degree(Mastersdegree preferred) in social work (preferred) or in related human services field.

• Previousfoster/adoptive experiencerequired.

• Foster/Adoptive license (active or closed) with the State of Missouri must be in good standing (i.e.no revocations, criminal charges/convictions, or substantiated hotlines).

• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities andproposing new ways of creating efficiencies.

• Outstanding organizational and planning skills.

• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for foster and adoptive families.

• Collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.

• Strong verbal communication skills anddemonstratedcapability to write clearly and persuasively.

• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.Quicklyestablishrapport and build trust.

• Flexible anda self-starter; multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines.

• Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions.

• Flexibility and adaptability,canshift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.

• Flexible in work hours includingsome eveningand weekend appointments.

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensationcommensuratewith experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including

• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Generous paid time off after90 days.

FosterAdoptConnectdoes not and shall not discriminateon the basis ofrace, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs or services. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and members.

Employee Name Printed: ___________________________

Employee Signature: _______________________________Date: _______________________