Family Services Advocate

Location: Wheeling, WV

About the Role

The Family Services Advocate works to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families being served by the National Youth Advocate Program by working closely with the youth and family to provide advocacy and support towards targeted goals.

Responsibilities

• Perform all work in a manner consistent with the National Youth Advocate Program’s mission, values, and philosophies.
• Travel as needed to provide and support the provision of services to, and on behalf of, youth and families in compliance with organizational, contract, and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate transportation for youth and families in the community, including but not limited to familial visitation, medical, dental, and/or mental health appointments.
• Comply with all safety regulations for transportation of youth as established by the National Highway Safety Transportation Board, Florida State Law, and other federal laws.
• Communicate requests for changes to assigned tasks, including scheduled transportation or visitation facilitation on behalf of youth and families.
• Ensure visitation sites are conducive to enhancing the visitation experience for families and children, including having age-appropriate toys and supplies, as well as a safe and sanitary space to visit.
• Observe and document visitation proceedings in an objective manner and without bias in accordance with the judicial system and NYAP guidelines.
• Complete all required documentation for assigned tasks within designated time(s).
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with foster parents and families of origin.
• Enforce the NYAP Visitation Agreement & Guidelines, including intervening or terminating the visit when behaviors violate the agreement.
• Provide ongoing and timely communication with Case Management staff regarding any visitation challenges, concerns, violations, or if a visit is terminated for any reason.
• Complete other tasks that support the daily operations of the case management program.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Requirements

• 21 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or equivalent GED.
• Bachelor's degree in social services is preferred.
• Working, reliable telephone.
• Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets, printers, fax machines, and photocopiers, as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Skills

• Travel is required.
• Must be open and willing to work non-traditional work hours as well as on-call responsibilities.
• Must be able to embrace working as a diverse team both effectively and respectfully with persons of any background, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, ability, national origin, or culture.
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service.
• Must possess good verbal, listening, and written communication skills.

Driving and Vehicle Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Reliable personal transportation.
• Good driving record.
• Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability.

Pay

$12 - $30 hourly

About Us

National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and continues to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement, and Reunification/Permanency. We look for individuals who are compassionate and dedicated to serving clients and communities, and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team.