Advocate/Trainer - Cape Girardeau

FAMILY ADVOCATE/TRAINER  

Job Category: Family Support Programs 

Job Status: Full-time 

Reports to: Program Director 

Job Summary: The Family Advocate provides immediate crisis support, ongoing education and training for foster/adoptive/relative/birth families experiencing any child welfare concerns for the purpose of strengthening and retaining foster and adoptive families, and promoting stability for the abused and neglected children in their care. 

Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Design, develop and implement quality, effective training for all applicable circuits.   
• Assist in the development and planning of monthly trainings, and submit a six (6) month training calendar to the Director as required. 
• Facilitate monthly or bi-monthly support groups. 
• Analyze data to identify trends and needs for the development of future training curricula.  
• 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 and participate in all scheduled meetings, court hearings, and trainings. 
• Maintain strong, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions. 
• Obtain necessary releases and consents. 
• Gather information from all parties. 
• Assess the situation and identify strategy to best assure desired outcomes. 
• Make referrals or otherwise implement strategy in partnership with families. 
• Complete, obtain, and maintain up-to-date documentation of families/clients in 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 to supervisor. 
• 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 staff meetings, and assist other program staff as needed. 
• Collect and record all data on presenting problems and resources/supports given in client database system. 
• Analyze data to identify trends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts. 
• When possible, participate in task forces, in-services, trainings, and other community educational networking opportunities to educate others about FosterAdopt Connect’s programs and to promote partnerships and sponsorships whenever possible. 
• 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 agency’s efforts to assist clients and maintain licensing/contract/COA standards are coordinated for maximum effectiveness. 
• Travel required to attend meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree preferred) in social work (preferred) or in related human services field. 
• Previous experience working with at-risk populations required.   
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies. 
• Outstanding organizational and planning skills.  
• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for foster and adoptive families. 
• The ability to collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.  
• Demonstrated ability to express yourself effectively and persuasively in both verbal and written communications.  
• Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills. Must have ability to quickly establish rapport and build trust.  
• Flexible and a self-starter; able to multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines.  
• Work as a necessary part of a team effort with colleagues of all demographics.  
• Model ethical and professional behavior at all times. 
• Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Director/COO. 
• Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions. 
• Flexibility and adaptability, able to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.  
• Ability to be flexible in work hours including some evening and weekend appointments.  

Compensation and Benefits  

• Compensation commensurate with experience.  
• Comprehensive benefits package including 

• Medical and dental insurance with 80% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents. 
• Vision insurance with 100% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents. 
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution. 
• Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost to employee.  
• Voluntary life and short-term disability options available. 
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match. 
• Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care options. 
• Employee Assistance Program, with 8 annual visits 100% covered. 
• Generous paid time off and holidays. 

FosterAdopt Connect does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, 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.