Family Advocate - LINK - Starkville, MS

Canopy Careers • Starkville, MS

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Serve as the primary point of contact between families, community partners, and state agencies, and follow the established family map to link to services, educate/psychoeducation, provide community education, and networking/marketing to strengthen families and keep kids in a stable home. Support families' emotional well-being with empathy and personal experiences of overcoming challenges to help families have hope. Since the family advocate is an integral resource for children, families and their communities and because it reflects Canopy Children’s Solutions core values, the work functions utilize evidence-based practices specific to individual children and families, connecting them within their communities and tracking their progress as well as adhering to Canopy's trauma informed culture.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to articulate concepts in a clear manner to families to help strengthen themselves and the other family members.
• Ability to listen to and problem solve with families individually or in a group setting.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in diverse communication styles and the ability to work with teams.
• Familiarity with MDHS, TANF, and other state services and how to navigate these entities either through direct experience and/or through work in the field.

Nice To Haves

• Personal experiences of overcoming challenges

Responsibilities

• Advocate, represent, support and assist youth and their families.
• Assist in creating and sustaining a family-driven approach.
• Provide families with information, advocacy skills and related activities.
• Provide psycho-education for families as needed.
• Assist families in crisis with appropriate referrals and supports.
• Assist families in resolving complaints and concerns about Canopy Children's Solutions system of care.
• Represent families at team meetings and related activities.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with professional partners.
• Maintain and promote a high level of cultural competency.
• Meet on a regular basis with program staff.
• Coordinates job responsibilities with supervisor.
• Carry out all administrative duties, which include: Maintain regular and predictable weekly work schedule, including irregular hours when needed to meet with families.
• Attend Organization general orientation and required employee trainings including Risking Connection, Department of Mental Health trainings, and other required or supervisor approved conference, workshops or trainings.
• Participate and assist in quality assurance studies and program improvement activities.
• Network/Market in the community for families and the Link Program.
• Document all services within a 48 hour timeframe.
• Other Duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED