Family Resource Advocate

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES OF SUNCOAST LLC•Largo, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as a point of contact for out of home caregivers. Designated to provide immediate and intensive in-home short-term intervention services and supports to caregivers caring for children who have been placed in their homes. Manage a caseload of children as needed to ensure appropriate intensity of services while meeting the immediate individual needs of the caregiver and/or child(ren) for up to 30 business days. Work closely with caregivers to ensure they have the training and resources needed to provide for the children in their care. Assist all caregivers with system navigation, benefit enrollment and accessing community resources. Work to engage caregivers in participating in FAPA/support groups, training and events. Work in collaboration with internal and external partners as needed for placement stability and support to the caregiver.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree in a Human Services related field from an accredited program.
3-4 years experience working directly with high-risk children and families.
Valid drivers license required.
Ability to represent self and the organization in a professional manner with respectful communication
Ability to work independently with little direct supervision
Ability to think and write creatively
Ability to assess a situation and make appropriate recommendations/ decisions
Ability to research, organize and analyze data
Ability to solve problems and to think through critical, time sensitive issues
Ability to establish and maintain relationships
Ability to work collaboratively with staff at all levels in the organization
Ability to follow through on commitments, projects and responsibilities
Ability to communicate effectively through writing including articles, presentations, speeches, reports, correspondence, and documentation.
Ability to speak effectively before small and large groups.
Ability to maintain confidential information
Ability to use de-escalation and conflict resolution skills
Ability to support and train staff
Ability to maintain data tracking and reporting
Strong follow-up and follow through
Strong organizational and time management
Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Word.
Clear a Level II Background screening (Live Scan)
Clear a reference check.
Clear a local background check from the County in which you reside.
Clear a substance abuse screen.
Provide a copy of all degrees prior to your first day of employment.
Clear a Motor Vehicles Records check and must be insurable under the company’s automobile policy.
Provide copy of automobile insurance.
Provide proof of and maintain a minimum personal auto liability insurance level $100,000/$300,000 if deemed to be a driving risk.
Clear an E-Verify check

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with parenting programs or other curriculum such as TBRI or CORE Teen preferred.
Child welfare certification preferred

Responsibilities

Provide in home supports to out of home caregivers regarding children placed in their homes as needed
Provide immediate stabilization and intervention to caregivers to assist in caring for difficult and challenging youth
Ensure caregivers have the basic necessities required for caring for the children in their care and assist with obtaining resources as needed
Provide skill development and training for caregivers
Manage a caseload of caregivers and youth as needed to ensure appropriate intensity of services and meet individual short term needs
Perform and document face to face client contacts in the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN)
Link caregivers with Healthy Start, child care services, and other resources as needed
Collaborate with FSS Placement & Licensing to ensure effective services and supports to youth and caregivers
Collaborate with Family Service Counselors/Dependency Case Managers and other child-related parties, as needed
Ensure high level of customer service and support to caregivers with solution oriented focus
Maintain FRA tracker(s)
Responsible for communications via email, text and mail to caregivers
Assist with placement stabilizations.
Assist staff and caregivers with accessing community resources
Serve as expert on community events, resources, and opportunities for caregivers, including child care and summer camp resources
Develop and coordinate the mentor program for foster parents
Attend and participate in various meetings and events, participate in department meetings, communicate issues, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements and policies
Performs other duties As Needed