Family Resource Advocate (69632)

Family Support Services•Largo, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Family Support Services of North Florida (FSS) is seeking a Family Resource Advocate to serve as a point of contact for out-of-home caregivers. This role provides immediate, intensive, short-term in-home intervention services and support to caregivers caring for children placed in their homes. The advocate will manage a caseload as needed to ensure appropriate service intensity and meet the immediate needs of caregivers and children for up to 30 business days. Key functions include assisting caregivers with system navigation, benefit enrollment, accessing community resources, and engaging them in FAPA/support groups, training, and events. The role also involves collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure placement stability and caregiver support.

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 driver's 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.
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 a high level of customer service and support to caregivers with a 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.