Family Advocate

Job Description
Family Advocate - LYNC Program

Location: Greater Hartford & New Britain, CT Organization: The Village for Families & Children Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $48,000-$50,000 commensurate with experience


About Us

The Village was one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today, we continue to achieve our mission "to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children" by offering a full range of behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment, and support services for children, adults, and families across the Greater Hartford region.

Named a Connecticut Top Workplace for five consecutive years , with national recognition for workplace culture and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, The Village is an organization where you can grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact. When you join our team, you're joining a community that is just as committed to your success as we are to those we serve.

Job Summary

The Family Advocate position is responsible for care coordination through provision of a range of case management and support services to LYNC youth and families, in coordination with other LYNC staff, agency, and community providers. Works closely with LYNC Service Specialists in identifying and connecting youth and families to community resources. **Bilingual Spanish speaking preferred**

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to youth and families, including clinical assessment, engagement, and development of Risk Reduction Sustainability Plans (RRSP).
• Implement, monitor, and adjust RRSPs throughout service delivery.
• Deliver structured case management using Carey Guides.
• Coordinate discharge planning , ensuring connection to follow-up treatment and community programs.
• Collaborate with schools, courts, and community organizations to support youth and families.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for youth and families during service.

ed to the resources they need to succeed. The Family Advocate plays a key role in promoting safety, stability, and positive behavior change through strength-based, trauma-informed engagement. **Bilingual Spanish speaking preferredComplete all required documentation and reports accurately and on time.

• Participate in all phases of the LYNC model: Engagement, Service, and Sustainability.
• Promote a safe, welcoming, culturally competent environment focused on risk reduction and positive behavior change.
• Provide transportation assistance to youth and families as needed.
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Notify supervisor immediately of any risk or safety concerns , including abuse, neglect, or unsafe home environments.
• Contribute to agency committees, task forces, and community representation efforts.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Experience and Skills
Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Human Services, or related field OR
• High School Diploma with 3+ years of experience working with justice/system/agency-involved youth

Experience & Skills

• Bilingual Spanish speaking preferred

• Minimum three years of experience working with justice-involved or system-involved youth
• Strong case management and engagement skills
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities
• Knowledge of Greater Hartford and New Britain community resources
• Ability to work independently , stay organized, and manage multiple priorities
• Culturally competent; bilingual/bicultural candidates strongly encouraged
• Understanding of risk-needs-responsivity principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer applications
• Valid state-issued driver's license and ability to travel locally
• Ability to function safely in therapeutic environments
• Availability for evening and weekend hours as needed

Why Join The Village?

• Award-winning workplace culture
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Meaningful work that strengthens families and communities

Job Benefits
As a Village employee, you should feel confident that your health and well-being is one of our highest priorities.

The Village offers a comprehensive flexible benefits package designed to aid in the health and well-being of our employees and their dependents.