Adoption Program Family Advocate

Location: Township of Columbia

Job Title:

Family Advocate Travel Requirements:
Moderate Status:
Full Time Supervisor:
Family Advocacy Supervisor

Location:

Columbia Direct Reports: 0

About CMFCAAThe Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association is a not-for-profit agency that educates, supports, and advocates for foster, adoptive, & kinship children, youth, & families in central Missouri by offering services & partnering with community & governmental agencies to develop healthy & self-sufficient individuals & families.

Currently, we are assisting over 640 foster families, over 1400 foster children, over 400 adopted children in our service area. Our goal is to be a support to the families, children and youth in this area, and we work tirelessly to provide much needed services to them.

Position Summary The Family Advocate primarily works with foster, adoptive and guardianship families providing support with pre- and post-adoptive services. The advocacy services are a vital support to families who are then able to remain committed and effective as they raise their children. The Family Advocate will assist families in understanding their rights as foster, adoptive or guardianship providers.

Essential Functions/Job Expectations Establishes and maintains outreach efforts, enduring enrollment of eligible families/children in resource services

Assists families in finding/utilizing community resources, including medical, dental, social, legal, educational, and occupational services

Assess families in the 7 domains to evaluate the family’s well-being, needs and strengths.

Completes family needs/goals assessments, keeping proper documentation

Assist families with interpreting external reports and evaluations, as well as explaining their implications/purpose

Participates in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as needed

Core Competencies Time Management Customer focus

Teamwork and cooperation

Resourcefulness Flexibility Commitment Decision  making

Qualifications/Credentials Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or closely related field; and two or more years of experience in education, counseling, case management, or closely related area.

Knowledge of foster care and adoption processes and community-based resources

Knowledge of barriers impacting mental health, educational and legal services for families in foster, adoptive and guardianship homes.

Knowledge in benefit coordination and resource utilization

Skill in serving as an advocate for families

Ability to work with youth with trauma and diverse families

Ability to maintain confidentiality and properly document case notes

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evening and weekend appointments

Valid Driver’s License Required Reliable transportation Required Background checks Required Salary Salary  starts at $44,557.80 commensurate with education and experience

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Premiums covered 100% for employee, 10% covered for dependentsAflac
25K employer paid Life Insurance plan, as an elective, additional coverage for dependents, spouse/partners 3% Match of a 401k15 Paid holidays, plus one floating holiday8 hours Annual Leave a month8 hours Sick Leave a month

Mileage reimbursement at federal rate Usage of Company Vehicle Casual Dress Employee Assistance Program