Advocate TWC

BCFS Health & Human Services•Corpus Christi, TX

About The Position

The TWC Advocate uses sound professional judgment and best practices to provide quality case management services to youth transitioning out of foster care and help them achieve their goals. The role assesses client needs, coordinates local services, supports youth in preparing for and succeeding in employment, and develops relationships with community businesses and training providers. The Advocate also supports youth leadership development, provides crisis management, makes referrals, and follows up on services and employment placements. The position requires timely case documentation and reporting, coordination with agency staff and community partners, and compliance with contract requirements, laws, regulations, and organizational procedures. The Advocate must be able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, travel as needed, and respond sensitively to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the service population. Required certificates must be maintained, including First Aid and CPR. Employees must receive COVID and annual influenza vaccinations or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 4 years of related experience working with young adults and/or youth advocacy with a high school diploma or equivalent.
Maintain position-required certificates, including First Aid and CPR.
Valid Texas driver's license, clear driving record, and reliable transportation.
Pass a pre-employment drug screen and random drug screens.
Provide proof of work eligibility status upon request.
Pass pre-employment and biennial criminal background and motor vehicle checks; fingerprints are required if the applicant has lived out of state within the past 5 years.
Spanish bilingual skills when applicable.
Communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English; Spanish when applicable.
Work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Maintain computer literacy required to perform the position's responsibilities.
Work effectively without intensive supervision, independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Respond sensitively and competently to the service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
Receive COVID vaccination and annual influenza vaccination, or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Health and Human Services, Education, Social Work, or Criminal Justice.
At least 2 years of professional work experience with a bachelor's degree.

Responsibilities

Complete initial intake assessments for new clients.
Assess client needs and coordinate services through local resources.
Help clients prepare for the workplace and monitor and supervise their performance during employment.
Research, identify, and solicit employment opportunities through community networking.
Monitor contract requirements, special provisions, terms, and conditions to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Obtain Director or Program Director approval for purchases.
Submit receipts, expense reports, sign-in sheets, and other budget and billing documentation in a timely manner.
Develop training partnerships between local businesses and local training providers to prepare clients for employment.
Attend client staffing meetings and department and agency meetings as required.
Provide youth crisis management.
Assist young people in setting and achieving leadership goals for themselves, their families, the program, and their community.
Refer clients to outside agencies as necessary and provide follow-up.
Develop and maintain rapport with community partners, the local workforce, youth, and families.
Coordinate use of leadership curriculum with teachers and other staff and assist with classroom instruction in leadership skills.
Conduct post-placement and follow-up activities, including job coaching, job retention support, and assistance with other opportunities for success.
Conduct job-site and home visits to help ensure clients get to work on time.
Help clients identify strengths and weaknesses, maximize job performance, analyze and break down tasks, and learn how to perform tasks.
Establish relationships with local businesses that result in training or employment for foster youth and support their self-sufficiency, self-esteem, and success.
Attend conferences and serve on youth councils or task groups.
Submit monthly reports to the Director or Program Director for review.
Update required Salesforce documentation within 48 hours.
Enter required data into the computer database of prospective employers to document progress and outcomes and meet contract requirements.
Travel as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned in accordance with grant requirements.