Intake Specialist

Child Advocates of Silicon Valley•San Jose, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Child Advocates works to ensure every foster child in Silicon Valley, who has been abused, neglected and/or abandoned, has the nurturing support and resources needed to thrive. We are looking for people who put children and youth first. People whose compassion leads to hard work and impact. At Child Advocates, it’s about each person bringing skills and passion - their best - so that we can be there for every foster child. We’re looking for an Intake Specialist to join the Program Department. The Program Department is responsible for recruiting, training and supervising Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers and identifying children in foster care who are eligible for, and matching them with, a CASA. This role is responsible for assessing and evaluating children and youth entering the Dependency System to determine the potential benefit and feasibility of having a CASA on the case. The ideal candidate will be highly detail-oriented, with experience reviewing numerous cases and managing large volumes of complex, confidential information. This role requires the ability to accurately enter and track data in a database while maintaining a clear understanding of each case to ensure timely and effective advocacy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Child Development or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Two years experience reviewing and managing information, assessing needs and coordinating with social workers or other professionals
Experience reviewing and interpreting court reports, social worker reports, and case histories
Experience making case-based decisions or recommendations using complex or incomplete information
Familiarity with case management systems and court procedures
Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills, with the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to assess case appropriateness and determine next steps
Highly organized, with the ability to manage a high volume of cases across stages while maintaining timely reviews and up-to-date information
Strong verbal communication skills to engage with social workers, caregivers, and other professionals
Detail-oriented, with a focus on clear documentation of decisions and rationale
Familiarity with topics related to families in the dependency system, such as the effects of trauma on children, domestic violence, substance use disorders and child abuse.
Proficiency in Google Workspace and case management systems
Demonstrated ability to apply culturally responsive practices and actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of work
Applicants must be able to work a variety of hours, including evenings and weekends.
Applicants must have a valid California Driver’s License and current automobile insurance.
Applicants must be able to successfully pass and maintain FBI, DOJ, CACI, DMV background checks.
Applicants must be able to complete CASA Volunteer pre-service training within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within the Juvenile Dependency System preferred
Bilingual, Spanish-speaking highly preferred

Responsibilities

Conducting initial and ongoing review of dependency cases, including active and non-active cases, by reviewing reports, court information, and case history
Gathering additional information through outreach to social workers, caregivers, and other involved professionals as needed
Assessing cases and determine appropriate status and next steps, including reassessment following case changes or closure
Maintaining accurate and timely case records, documenting key information, decisions, and rationale
Preparing cases for transition to the next stage of the process, ensuring sufficient information and clear justification for placement
Participating in agency events and activities.
Participating in agency projects and initiatives.
Completing all other duties as assigned.