Family Advocacy Center Counselor
POSITION: Family Advocacy Center Counselor
STATUS: Full-time
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Family Advocacy Center Manager
MINIMUM PAY RATE: $41,600
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the guidance of the Family Advocacy Center (FAC) Manager, the FAC Counselor will create, provide, and coordinate community-based, holistic services funded by the Department of Children and Family Services (DFCS). This position will work with parents suspected of child abuse or neglect who are being investigated, have a placement case, or are referred for additional services to foster the wellbeing of children and improve family functioning. The FAC Counselor will also assist families who are not involved with DCFS but have specific needs or circumstances that require one-on-one support.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Complete intake and assessment for families, develop support plans, and provide follow- up services to determine status of case and identify additional needs
- Facilitate referrals and application services to the appropriate providers within the community
- Conduct home visits and accompany participants to identified service providers
- Complete and file court documents for family cases including parental rights and responsibilities, child support, and dissolution of marriage
- Escort, translate or acquire the needed assistance to families who may be unable to act on their own behalf in obtaining services or benefits for programs to which they may be entitled
- Collaborate with staff and families in promoting participant goals throughout case management
- Maintain consistent communication with clients through individual appointments, phone calls, and/or e-mails
- Record all actions taken for each case utilizing the DCFS database and related filing system
- Co-facilitate group services including parent education classes
- Develop and maintain close working relationships with DCFS case managers, supervisors and other professionals
- Keep organized and updated information about local agencies and referral contacts to be able to advocate and connect families to internal and external resources
- Recruit, train and supervise interns from local colleges and universities to assist with case management processes while ensuring students meet their learning objectives
- Participate collaboratively in community activities, networking, and outreach events
- Complete monthly and quarterly reports in compliance with state and agency mandates
- Participate actively in opportunities for continuous professional development
- Perform other duties as assigned or needed
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Applied Behavioral Science, or related field
- Fluent in reading, writing and speaking in Spanish
- Two (2) years of experience in a social services or related agency
- Knowledge and skill in working with families in crisis or in sensitive situations
- Demonstrated high quality interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Professional demeanor and ability to prioritize responsibilities and function effectively during stressful or busy periods
- High degree of cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with families from diverse racial, socio-economic, ethnic and educational backgrounds
- Ability to engage, assess, motivate, and support participants using advocacy and coaching skills that are compassionate, strengths-based, and non-judgmental
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
WORK SCHEDULE:
Monday–Friday; 9am–5pm
Evenings and weekends as needed
The Spanish Community Center is an equal opportunity / affirmative action center supporting diversity and inclusion.