Family Support Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

At Distinguished Journeys, we are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of every family we serve. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where families can overcome challenges, thrive, and flourish. By fostering genuine connections, building trust, and providing tailored support, we ensure each interaction leaves a lasting positive impact.

We currently provide services in Bartow, Barrow, Bibb, Burke, Butts, Carroll, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coffee, Coweta, Dade, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Haralson, Harris, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lamar, Macon, Monroe, Muscogee, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Pike, Polk, Richmond, Rockdale, Schley, Screven, Spalding, Troup, and Walton counties. Please note that the listed location for a case is not the only place services may be provided. As a Family Support Advocate (FSA), your work may take you to various locations, including DFCS offices, client residences, schools, or other case-related settings. Flexibility and adaptability are key to successfully supporting our families.

Please note: All Family Support Advocates (FSAs) at Distinguished Journeys are hired as 1099 independent contractors. As such, you will not be classified as an employee and will be responsible for managing your own taxes and business expenses. All FSAs are also charged a $75 monthly administrative fee, which helps cover ongoing support, system access, and administrative processing. This fee will be automatically deducted from your check each month. This arrangement provides you the flexibility to accept or decline cases based on your availability. However, once a case is accepted, we expect full ownership and consistent care. Consistency is essential, as our work involves children and families in vulnerable situations, and your reliability plays a vital role in their progress and stability.

FSAs at Distinguished Journeys take on dynamic roles that may include behavioral aide services, parent aide support, transporting clients, and conducting drug screen collections. To join our team, you must have a minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience working with children.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and committed to helping families succeed, we’d love to welcome you to our team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Behavioral Aide: Assist children and teenagers in foster care with daily routines, provide emotional support, and help manage and redirect challenging behaviors in a positive way. Supervise children during activities, outings, and family visits, and collaborate closely with foster parents and DFCS staff to ensure the children’s safety and well-being. (Salary: $19 / hour, plus mileage reimbursement)
• Parent Aide: Teach and model effective parenting skills for parents involved in the foster care system. Supervise and document parent-child visitations and provide constructive feedback to parents to support their growth and improvement. (Hourly Rate: $19 / hour, plus mileage reimbursement)
• Transporter: Safely transport children and families to and from appointments, visits, placements, and other essential activities, ensuring their well-being during transport. (Hourly Rate: $15 / hour, plus mileage reimbursement)
• Drug Screen Collection: Collect drug testing samples (urine, hair, nail, sweat patch, or saliva) as requested by DFCS Case Managers. Follow strict procedures to ensure the accuracy, security, and confidentiality of the samples. (Salary: $25 / collection, plus mileage reimbursement)

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience working with children, preferably in a behavioral or support role.
• Experience working with families, especially in a foster care setting, is preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong writing skills, as case notes must be submitted for all interactions.
• Access to a laptop to facilitate the timely submission of case notes and other documentation.
• Patience, empathy, and a positive, supportive attitude.
• Ability to follow strict procedures and maintain confidentiality in all duties.