Family Advocate

Family Advocate

Children's Home Society of Florida

***HOURLY RATE OF $19.71***

Since opening our doors in 1902, CHS became a part of Florida's history.

CHS has been committed to growing and evolving to provide the right services and solutions to address the needs of children and families throughout the changing times. Every day, our team works with parents and kids to empower them and encourage them. With innovative technology solutions and a dedicated, experienced team throughout the state, we're changing the face of foster care and positively impacting children and families' lives for generations to come.

Join our team to continue to do good and create history serving Florida's children and families!

The Family Advocate provides support, advocacy, and guidance to individuals who have experienced or been impacted by crime or trauma. The Advocate will serve as a liaison between victims and the criminal justice system, providing information about the legal process and assisting victims with accessing resources to aid in their recovery. Working as part of an integrated team, the incumbent assists in ensuring clients are accessing the services needed to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Overall, the Family Advocate contributes to the CHS high performance culture by exhibiting our values and providing quality results that position CHS as the leader in delivering proactive behavioral health, case management, community and early childhood solutions for children and families.

WHY JOIN CHS?

• Uplifting mission-driven work culture
• Make an impact in your community and become a part of Florida's history!
• Growth and professional development opportunities
• Great benefits package, including generous paid time off and holidays

Primary Job Functions

1. Provide crisis intervention services to victims of crime or trauma, including emotional support, safety planning, and resource referrals.

• Identify and assess client and family needs; conduct intake screening and assessments to determine appropriate services.
• Serve as a liaison between victims and law enforcement, the criminal justice system, medical providers, and social service agencies.
• Provide victim with education and guidance regarding the investigative process.
• Provide victim information regarding victims' rights and compensation.
• Be present at the CAC during the forensic interview in order to participate in information sharing with other MDT members, inform and support the family regarding the coordinated, multidisciplinary response, and assess needs of children and non-offending caregivers.
• Close communication gaps between law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families regarding assigned cases.
• Participate in Case Reviews and advocate for the needs of the victim.
• Communicate with States Attorney Victim Advocate regarding victim advocacy activity through the investigative process.
• Research specific information on local resources and provide this information to clients and families.
• Provide direct referrals and assure linkages for clients to services based upon eligibility; facilitate access. Refer to specialized therapy as needed.
• Facilitate the client's ability to navigate services and support systems adequately.
• Collaborate with other team members and providers to ensure clients/families are accessing the services needed, addressing the barriers that keep clients from receiving the ongoing resources and treatment they need.
• Facilitate access to transportation to interviews, court, treatment, and other case-related meetings.
• Provide case status updates to the family, including investigations, court date, continuances, dispositions, sentencing and inmate status notification (including offender release from custody).
• Provide court education and support, including court orientation and accompaniment.
• Re-evaluate client needs on a regular basis; implement strategies to motivate participation in the services provided.
• Advocate when there are service provider issues; coach clients in interpersonal skill development, when needed.
• Coordinate networking opportunities for clients/families; make home visits, when needed.

Community Outreach Resource

• Network with community resources to identify referral mechanisms in local communities and organizations.
• Conduct outreach to community service providers.
• Make presentations at events and activities to disseminate information about the programs/services available.
• Support and maintain collaborative relationships with key community service providers and stay abreast of information pertinent to a successful referral and linkage.

Program Administration

• Develop and maintain client records and program documentation in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in team members meetings and other required program meetings.
• Provide training to counselors and other service providers regarding referral resources and mechanisms.
• Support the development and implementation of a client/family resource library and guides.

2. Contribute to a positive, engaging work environment.

• Develop a strong knowledge base and stay current on dependency-related issues and trends.
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, training and education, and the quality management process.
• Comply with CHS's code of conduct, policies, practices, contracts and other legal obligations.
• Assist with training other team members and providing back up when necessary.
• Pick up projects on the fly; perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
• Demonstrate the CHS Common Bond Values in the performance of all job duties.

Job Qualifications

Education, Licenses & Certifications:

• BA/BS in Social Work or comparable Human Services field from an accredited university, required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Florida Driver's License within 30 days from hire with daily access to a reliable and insured vehicle, required.
• Myra Strand victim services training, National Advocate Credentialing Program Certificate OR Victim Services Practitioner Certification, will be completed upon hire.

Experience:

• Two years working in victim advocacy or related field, required.
• Bilingual, preferred.

Competencies

Knowledge of:

• VARIOUS COMMUNITY RESOURCES | TRAUMA | VICTIMIZATION | CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS

Skills and Proficiency in:

• Planning, project management, organization and time management.
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal relationship building, collaboration, teamwork.
• Computer systems and MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook.

Ability to:

• Perform at a high level of autonomy, with general supervision.
• Perform under strong demands in fast-paced, diverse, sometimes ambiguous environments.
• Commit to providing high customer satisfaction with positive service delivery results.
• Meet critical deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy and quality.
• Handle highly stressful, sensitive situations; maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Solve practical problems and document results using sound judgment.
• Maintain professional boundaries and handle confidential information appropriately
• Respond and report appropriately when recognizing crisis situations and risks to others.
• Interact effectively with children/families from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrate awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental factors in the resolution of family and personal problems.
• Demonstrate the behaviors of our CHS Common Bond Values.

All applicants are subject to background screening through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). For more information, visit

Together, good can be done.

Travel Required: Yes. Multi-County

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.