Family Advocate

City of Rock Island•Rock Island, IL

11d

About The Position

The Family Advocate provides advocacy, counseling, and case management services to children and families experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges who are referred by the Department of Children and Family Services or designated agencies. The role promotes quality services and family empowerment while supporting family members. The advocate maintains an assigned caseload and meets with clients weekly or bi-weekly for up to six months, connecting families with available community resources and following up on referrals.

Requirements

Minimum of a BA or BSW.
Three years of experience in social services or a related field.
Knowledge of community resources and counseling or social work practices with high-risk populations.
Strong team-building, problem-solving, organizational, and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of multiple cultures and the cultural impact on service delivery.
Experience working with people in crisis.
Good documentation skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to establish rapport.
Ability to motivate others toward achieving goals.
Ability to work independently with focus, be task-oriented and nonjudgmental, maintain open personal qualities, and demonstrate clear boundaries.
Respect for confidentiality involving clients and fellow employees.
Ability to work in varied settings with culturally diverse families and communities in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.
Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle and provide personal transportation.
Valid Class D Illinois driver's license or an equivalent license from the employee's state of residence.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive case management, including intake and benefit assessments, goal setting, long-term case development, weekly case planning, progress monitoring, advocacy, and referrals.
Maintain an assigned caseload of families.
Meet with clients weekly or bi-weekly for up to six months.
Connect families with needed and available community resources.
Follow up with clients and agencies as appropriate to document referral use and success.
Enter accurate and complete data about all client contacts into the agency database.
Ensure documents and reports submitted on behalf of clients are valid.
Provide required documentation and reports in a timely manner, including client follow-up, outcome evaluations, client contact sheets, and evaluations.
Participate in regular staff meetings, staff training, and supervisory sessions, and help develop positive team relationships as requested.
Adhere to agency policies, procedures, and the professional code of ethics.
Perform related duties as assigned.