Advocate

BCFS Health and Human Services•Laredo, TX

About The Position

The Advocate provides trauma-informed, relational advocacy and case management services to survivors, offering high-quality support during both crises and longer-term situations. The role includes crisis response, safety planning, assessments, short-term therapeutic interventions, service coordination, case documentation, and in-home family preservation services. The Advocate independently manages an assigned caseload and makes field decisions concerning the safety and well-being of children and families, while working within applicable program, state, federal, licensing, and contract requirements. The position requires participation in an on-call rotation and availability to respond to emergencies at any time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Advocates must be able to meet a 90-minute crisis response timeframe, have a reliable personal vehicle, and travel approximately 75% of the time within the region. Travel may include overnight stays and, occasionally, air travel. Mileage is reimbursed according to organizational policy. The role is highly mobile, involves using a personal vehicle as a primary mobile workspace, and requires sound independent judgment with minimal supervision. The Advocate demonstrates Common Thread’s values of compassion, integrity, resilience, and relational care, as well as BCFS Health and Human Services’ professional and ethical standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, sociology, or a closely related field.
Personal or professional experience with victims of human trafficking, victims of child abuse and neglect, or youth experiencing homelessness and/or addiction.
Two to three years of case management and/or crisis intervention experience.
Demonstrated mastery of safety, resiliency, and mental health assessments.
Maintain required licenses and certifications, such as First Aid, CPR, Emergency Behavior Intervention, OAG Sexual Abuse Program, and a state driver’s license; provide verification upon request.
Current auto insurance and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Pass pre-employment and biennial background checks and drug screenings.
Communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
Respond sensitively and competently to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the service population.
Demonstrate the 26 essential characteristics of an effective advocate.
Work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining emotional intelligence, professional boundaries, and composure.
Maintain the technology and computer literacy needed to manage caseloads, documentation, and communication.
Work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, without intensive supervision.
Adapt immediately to changes in the field.
Have a reliable personal vehicle and consistently meet a 90-minute crisis response timeframe.
Be available for on-call emergency response at any time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Travel approximately 75% of the time within the region, including overnight stays; occasional air travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language skills.

Responsibilities

Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, program, licensing, agency, and contract requirements.
Assess changes in behavior, circumstances, or conditions affecting child safety using child-focused, trauma-informed approaches.
Provide family preservation interventions, including comprehensive safety planning and stabilization planning.
Support the crisis response line with feedback to promote effective responses, follow-ups, and family support.
Respond immediately to referrals and crises for the assigned caseload.
Engage children and caregivers in the casework process and maintain rapport with clients.
Manage the caseload according to agency policies, licensing requirements, and contract standards.
Document progress toward risk reduction, service goals, and positive outcomes, and complete documentation within required timelines.
Follow immediate reporting and response requirements for safety-related field cases.
Transport clients when needed and according to program protocols.
Dispatch within required timeframes to hospitals, police stations, DFPS offices, shelters, community settings, or incident locations.
Maintain the required frequency of contacts with children and families.
Act in the child’s best interest and support relationships with community members and stakeholders.
Participate in community meetings and engage stakeholders to improve access to services.
Attend workshops, seminars, and educational programs for professional development.
Maintain accurate records, files, forms, and statistics in accordance with applicable requirements.
Participate in weekly case staffing with the regional team and weekly supervision with the assigned supervisor.
Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as needed, including voluntary overnight crisis coverage.
Implement safety protocols, including emergency evacuations, in accordance with organizational and program guidelines.
Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with professional, ethical, and dress-code standards.
Coordinate referrals, service planning, and documentation for an assigned caseload.
Accept and respond to crisis calls and provide timely support to children and families.
Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and make independent field decisions regarding safety and well-being.
Deliver in-home family preservation services as assigned.
Serve as a liaison with legal providers, child protection, law enforcement, federal partners, and other stakeholders, following program and local protocols.
Meet deadlines established by program supervisors and federal partners.
Demonstrate knowledge of BCFS Health and Human Services policies and procedures.