C&Y Outreach Advocate - Seneca #1848

Lakeview Health Services•Geneva, NY

41d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves performing a wide range of outreach activities related to advocacy, linkage, and development of services for children and youth, aged 5-18, who have emotional difficulties. The role requires creating a healing environment that respects the perspectives and experiences of individuals, families, staff, and communities, practicing safe and respectful communication, and respecting boundaries and differences. The advocate will work a variety of days and hours depending on program needs.

Requirements

High school diploma, or equivalent, with two (2) years of relevant experience OR an associate’s degree in human services or related field.
NYS Driver’s License as driving is an essential function of this position.
Ability to pass the NYS Office of Children and Family Services Central Database Check.
Thorough knowledge of community services within service area.
General knowledge and understanding of mental illnesses, psychiatric rehabilitation model, and related issues.
Skills for independent living.

Responsibilities

Identify the needs, problems, strengths, and functioning levels of youth served by the program.
Develop and maintain professional, helpful, and supportive relationships with the youth, their families, and other identified supports.
May personally assist with paperwork, transportation, recreation, etc.
Monitor the youth’s functioning and communicate with service providers and family, as appropriate, to assure that the services needed are available and being utilized.
Develop and maintain all records and reports as per organization policies and procedures and completes documentation timely and accurately.
Attend meetings both within the agency and the community.
Facilitate admission and discharge planning with inpatient programs.
Link to resources and services in the community that may be beneficial to the youth and/or family.
Research available resources throughout the county, and surrounding areas, that can be accessible to youth and their family and know how to access them.
Complete all documentation within the required timeframes and submit monthly reports.
Provide advocacy for the youth and/or families.
Provide outreach calls and visits to youth on caseload. Meetings with youth should be face-to-face and can take place in the home, at school, or at the youth’s/family’s preferred location.
Assist with linkage to benefits.
Effectively utilize Microsoft Office applications, navigate the internet, utilize program software and electronic health records for documentation.
Provide outreach to the community about the program and provide in-services to schools, programs, providers, etc.
Demonstrate knowledge of Child Protective Services (CPS) and mandated reporting requirements.
Demonstrate ability to communicate and work with parents/families/caregivers/guardians, etc.
Communicate and collaborate with referral sources and care teams.
Demonstrate the ability to be creative and think outside the box to help engage with youth who have a difficult time trusting and connecting with people.