Family Advocate - LINK - McComb, MS

Canopy Children's Solutions • McComb, MS

5d

About The Position

The Family Advocate serves as a primary point of contact between families, community partners, and state agencies. The role follows an established family map to connect families with services, provide education and psychoeducation, deliver community education, and conduct networking and marketing to strengthen families and help children remain in stable homes. The advocate supports families’ emotional well-being with empathy and personal experience overcoming challenges, helping families maintain hope.

The position uses evidence-based practices tailored to individual children and families, connects them with community resources, tracks progress, and adheres to Canopy Children’s Solutions’ trauma-informed culture. The Family Advocate represents and supports youth and families, helps establish a family-driven approach, assists families in crises and with concerns, and builds collaborative relationships with professional partners. The role includes administrative responsibilities, regular and predictable scheduling with irregular hours when needed to meet with families, required training, program improvement participation, community networking, and documentation of services within 48 hours.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to clearly explain concepts to families to help strengthen them and other family members.
• Ability to listen to and problem-solve with families individually or in group settings.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience with diverse communication styles and ability to work with teams.
• Familiarity with MDHS, TANF, and other state services, and how to navigate these entities through direct experience and/or work in the field.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for, 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 psychoeducation for families as needed.
• Assist families in crisis with appropriate referrals and supports.
• Help families resolve 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 regularly with program staff and coordinate job responsibilities with the supervisor.
• Maintain a regular and predictable weekly work schedule, including irregular hours when needed to meet with families.
• Attend organizational orientation and required employee trainings, including Risking Connection and Department of Mental Health trainings, as well as other required or supervisor-approved conferences, workshops, or trainings.
• Participate in and assist with quality assurance studies and program improvement activities.
• Network and market in the community on behalf of families and the Link Program.
• Document all services within a 48-hour timeframe.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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