Family Advocate

Objectives

Incumbent is responsible for providing home-based intervention, advocacy, and education for families involved (or at-risk of involvement) in the Juvenile Court. Incumbent reports to the Family Advocate Coordinator.

This unique opportunity offers the following advantages/benefits:

• Opportunity, to the ideal candidate, for face-to-face supervision towards independent Social Work licensure (LISW)
• Additional mentorship/consultation with experienced clinicians on-site
• Flexible work hours and some remote work opportunities (at the discretion of Supervisor and Court Administration)
• Unique combination of community-based and in-office/court duties
• Opportunity to help vulnerable youth and families navigate and successfully move on from the juvenile justice system.

Job Standards

The ideal candidate will be working towards Independent Social Work Licensure (LISW). Degree in behavioral science, social science, early childhood development, education or a related field preferred. LSW or LPC licensure through State of Ohio preferred. Experience working with “at-risk” youth and families preferred. Must be willing to make at least a one (1) year commitment. Must have a valid Ohio driver’s license and a clean criminal record. Must assume a flexible work schedule, be available outside normal business hours, including evenings, and have access to reliable transportation. Work consists of complex, varied, non-standardized tasks, requiring the application of numerous laws, rules, procedures and ethical principles.

Essential Functions

• Provides home-based and/or teleconference intervention, psychoeducation and, with appropriate qualifications, therapeutic support for court-involved youth and families;
• Provides family advocacy for juveniles and/or families with other social service providers in the community;
• Assesses family function by observing family interaction and using evidence-based assessment tools;
• Develops a one-to-one supportive relationship with youth and/or family members;
• Collaborates with court staff, various county agencies and other service providers to ensure juvenile and/or family progress and success;
• Develops and updates case plans as needed;
• Maintains positive working relationship with juveniles and families of diverse cultural, racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Provides verbal progress reports at hearings;
• Participates in group supervision and/or process meetings;
• Complies with all documentation, supervision and training requirements designed for the program;
• Makes referrals to other service providers, when needed;
• Utilizes Functional Family Therapy and/or other evidence based practices with youth and families;
• Offers crisis intervention for clients by assessing their situation and directing the family to suitable solutions;
• Models appropriate behavior for juveniles and/or families;
• Teaches and promotes appropriate and effective behavior modification techniques, conflict resolution and positive parenting skills to parents;
• Shares the Court’s philosophy to serve juvenile and/or families in the community;
• Attends team meetings with court staff and service providers to determine family needs, to formulate intervention strategies and to collaboratively develop appropriate courses of action that lead to suitable solutions/reductions of out-of-home placements for youth;
• Documents and maintains accurate and updated records using appropriate case management systems, databases, and client files;
• Receives and responds to calls from families, including calls outside of normal business hours;
• Develops, monitors and evaluates positive family activities; and
• Provides various data, reports outcomes and documents ongoing program statistics and produces related reports.

Equal Opportunity Employer
M/F/D/V