Family Advocate

Summary

The Family Advocate in the LYNC Program (Linking Youth to Natural Communities) will be the primary point of contact for youth and their families throughout the duration of the program. Engaging and navigating youth and their family is one of the primary functions of the Family Advocate. As part of the LYNC team the Family Advocate will deliver culturally and gender responsive, trauma-informed, strength-based services to assigned youth and their families.

• Liaison to families, parents, guardians and community providers or referral source;?
  
  Serves as point of contact for youth and families/guardians, service delivery in program, and connections to the community (in collaboration with Family Engagement Specialist); primary liaison to referral source and community linkages.
• Engage youth and families/guardians to mitigate barriers and increase likelihood of youth and family success.
• Guide families through each phase of treatment while connecting youth/families to desired community resources in collaboration with both formal and informal supports in creating a meaningful connection to the community.
• Complete intake assessments and review referral documentation using scores from assessments to begin developing recommendations grounded in assessment scores, family report and referral reports that address risks, needs and responsivity factors.
• Collaborates with team through participation in Service Team Meetings and Risk Reduction and Sustainability Plan and aftercare planning.
• Provides strategic case management using Carey Guides, develops and monitor goals, addresses barriers, develops, and builds skill acquisition.
• Works collaboratively with juvenile probation and provides enhanced family engagement services based on the JBCSSD Family Engagement and Partnership pilot.
• Facilitates regularly scheduled parent support groups;
• Continuously educates families about the juvenile court system and how to successfully engage with court and Probation personnel.
• Maintains compliance in documentation with agency and program standards.
• Participates in all required Quality Assurance activities.
• Assigned to work with the youth and family through all three phases of the LYNC program.
• Participates in all required internal and external meetings and supervisions.
• Completes all required internal and external training within required time frames.
• Meets and contributes to agency outcomes and performance measures.
• Adheres to state and federal regulations, standards of accreditation, facility licensure and funding sources.
• May perform other duties assigned by supervisor.

• Case Management and community resources.
• Electronic Healthcare Record systems.
• General office software, particularly Microsoft Office Suite.
• Risk-needs-responsivity principles and risk reduction initiatives.

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Manage priorities effectively to meet deadlines and demonstrate multi-tasking skills.
• Assimilate new information and technology.

• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, or Human Services and a minimum of two?(2) years' experience working with justice/system/agency involved youth.?
• Strong case management skills.
• Effective engagement skills with motivational interviewing skills preferred.
• Strong community connections and knowledge base of resources.

• Must be dependable and reliable; detailed oriented; and able to interface easily with clients, staff, and referral sources.
• Must be able to meet routine office physical demands including climbing stairs, carrying up to 20-pound objects and possess the dexterity and vision to operate office computers and equipment.
• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• Must successfully complete the introductory probationary employment period.

This job description covers the most significant duties but does not exclude other assignments or related duties.