Family Advocate - LINK - Starkville, MS

Job Responsibilities

• Advocate, represent, support and assist youth and their families.
• Affiliate with families in a family-driven approach.
• Provide families with information, advocacy skills and related activities.
• Offer psycho-education for families as needed.
• Assist families in crisis with appropriate referrals and supports.
• Assist families in resolving complaints and concerns about Canopy Children's Solutions system of care.
• Represent families at team meetings and related activities.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with professional partners.
• Maintain and promote a high level of cultural competency.
• Meet on a regular basis with program staff.
• Coordinate job responsibilities with supervisor.
• Carry out all administrative duties, which include:
• Maintain regular and predictable weekly work schedule, including irregular hours when needed to meet with families.
• Attend Organization general orientation and required employee trainings including Risking Connection, Department of Mental Health trainings, and other required or supervisor approved conference, workshops or trainings.
• Participate and assist in quality assurance studies and program improvement activities.

Required Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to articulate concepts in a clear manner to families to help strengthen themselves and the other family members.
• Ability to listen to and problem solve with families individually or in a group setting.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Familiarity with diverse communication styles and the ability to work with teams.
• Familiarity with MDHS, TANF, and other state services and how to navigate these entities either through direct experience and/or through work in the field.