Family Advocate-Family Empowerment Center

Lake Family Resource Center•Lower Lake, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the FEC Program Coordinator, the Family Advocate provides support, outreach, and training to families of children and young adults between the ages of 3-22 with special needs. The Family Advocate will provide comprehensive and culturally competent support services to clients. Educate families on resources based on their current needs and assist in the development of community support systems and networks. Provide client advocacy to families with all disabilities. Assist parents with understanding their child’s education and developmental needs, communicate with service providers and serve as a resource and support through the IEP process. The Family Advocate works with families to build upon strengths and to enhance self-sufficiency. Provide support, mentoring, resources, referral, education, training, activities, and assistance to the family to identify and utilize resources within the community.

Requirements

Must be a parent or family member of a child or young adult with disabilities.
Bilingual in Spanish.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Relate well to people in a non-judgmental and caring manner.
Possess skills to deal with diverse client population.
Assess client needs and formulate a comprehensive care plan.
Good understanding of community services available for client referral.
Exercise sound judgement in problem solving.
Organize time and set priorities quickly and efficiently.
Good problem-solving skills and can empower families to engage in problem solving.
Manage multiple objectives, both scheduled and unscheduled.
Manage time-sensitive materials.
Work with a minimum of supervision.
Be diplomatic, tactful, and professional.
Possess good judgement and work well with others.
Maintain client confidentiality.
Knowledge and experience in PC operations and Office 365 Software; Proficient in Word and Excel.
Personal vehicle with proof of insurance and valid California Driver’s License required.

Nice To Haves

An associate degree in social work, childhood development, special education, psychology, public health, or nursing preferred or equivalent experience in a related field.
Advocate will utilize their experience and knowledge to assist with planning, problem solving, education and family empowerment.

Responsibilities

Provide parents and families of children and young adults with disabilities, resources, and support to access accurate information, specialized training, and peer-to-peer support in their communities in a linguistically and culturally affirming manner.
Coordinate with existing local and regional service providers to improve, expand, and aid in a network of existing resources available for parents and families of children and young adults with disabilities.
Prepare families to partner with professionals in obtaining appropriate education for children with disabilities.
Collaborate with schools and community agencies to support families in navigating the special education system and IEP process.
Work with the family to develop goals.
Utilize community resources, and support problem solving to help families meet goals.
Assist families in resolving day-to-day logistical problems, negotiating systems, and linking activities to their goals.
Assist family to identify needs and resources to meet those needs.
Maintain regular contact with parents in the program.
Model good communications and relationships skills with the family.
Provide referrals, resources and information on development, special needs, and systems regarding special education, Early Start, and Regional Centers.
Other duties as assigned.