Family Advocate

Responsibilities

The Family Advocate will teach, model and coach specific patterns of behavior by teaching and coaching basic living and parenting skills to parents whose children have been identified as risk for or placed in foster care. Utilize the evidenced-based Incredible Years Home Visiting curriculum to teach, model and coach specific patterns of behavior by teaching and coaching basic living and parenting skills.

Implement as outlined in the purpose of services, home safety, increased nurturance, appropriate discipline, child development, household management, health, nutrition and building a supportive social network. Provide transportation on a limited basis as it relates to the purpose of service. Maintain client confidentiality at all times. Provide weekly face-to-face contact with clients as agreed upon by case manager and supervisor.

Maintain ongoing communication with supervisors. Immediately report all safety and risk concerns. Meet with supervisor weekly to discuss case progress, challenges, receive guidance and support. Complete and audit all required written documentation according to program mandates. Offer linkages to community resources and other organizations. Provide supervised visits for parents whose children are in foster care or relative placement. Attend and participate in monthly trainings, team meetings and Service Plan Reviews.

Maintain guidelines established by the funding sources and Catholic Charities policies and procedures.

This Position Pays $19.00 Per hour

• Flexible Work Schedules
• Remitted Tuition
• Professional Development
• Competitive Pay and Work Life Benefits
• Professional Supervision and Coaching
• Recognition and Appreciation Programs
• Opportunities for Growth and Promotion

Educational Level:

• High school diploma or GED with 1–3 years of experience providing home-based services with vulnerable families and at‑risk children less than 10 years of age, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses/Certificate/Clearances:

• Valid N.Y.S. Drivers License, registered and insured vehicle, N.Y.S. Child Abuse Registry clearance.

Skills/Abilities:

• Customer service skills. Ability to utilize electronic database system. Proficiency MS Office, specifically Outlook. Oral and written communication skills.

Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands:

• Mobility sufficient to drive to and participate in meetings at client’s homes and/or community facilities which may not meet Federal accessibility standards for disabled individuals, Manual dexterity sufficient to work with children/adults in a challenging and active environment.