(PT) Family Advocate I

About the role

The Family Advocate provides comprehensive case management services, therapeutic intervention, and community advocacy for families in need, ensuring that FIVE18 delivers the necessary resources to support and strengthen family units. The purpose of this position is to enhance the well‑being and stability of all families with a primary relationship to a child by linking them to appropriate services and resources. This individual will communicate effectively with colleagues and consumers to create and cultivate a positive impression of FIVE18, striving to present a culture of hospitality and competence.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate services for and provide direct support to families, ensuring comprehensive and continuous access to necessary resources.
• Minimize fragmentation of care, reduce barriers, and link families with appropriate services.
• Provide direct support to families, including goal setting, assisting skill growth, and accessing benefits and services.
• Facilitate and support family caregiver support groups.
• Execute timely case management and maintain accurate documentation; respond to new referrals within 2 business days and follow a level‑based contact schedule for established clients.
• Maintain daily case records and prepare requested documentation promptly.
• Contribute to regular outcome‑measure reports demonstrating the effectiveness of services provided.
• Promote awareness of Family Care Services through direct and indirect marketing, website outreach, and community outreach.
• Facilitate and maintain an online resource directory to assist families in accessing local, state, and federal resources.
• Participate in and occasionally lead various meetings and training; attend TBRI and Trauma‑Informed Care training.
• Lead training at regular support‑group meetings and create a positive impression of Family Care and FIVE18 programming.
• Produce accurate, timely, consistent, thorough, and concise communications.
• Other administrative duties, hospitality or housekeeping tasks as assigned to support the mission and operations of FIVE18.

Deliverables

• Maintain a caseload of 2.5 units per hour of work.
• Lead at least one training session quarterly.
• Maintain favorable, proactive relationships with local DSS agencies.
• Achieve Teaching Family Model Lighthouse Certification within one year of hire.
• Provide support to at least 30 families annually.
• Produce accurate, timely documentation and contribute to quarterly reports indicating high‑quality services rendered.
• Share upcoming events and training opportunities.
• Participate as an active and collaborative member of the Family Care team.

Requirements

• Knowledge of best practices in child welfare and state/federal regulations; Virginia LCPA licensing standards (required after hire); Teaching Family Model (required after hire); trauma‑informed modalities of care (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and appropriate insurance coverage.
• Commitment to diversity, passion for the work, discernment, empathy, compassion, and ability to work well with others.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field (preferred) with minimum 1 year related experience; or Associate’s degree with minimum 2 years casework experience; or High School diploma with minimum 5 years related experience.
• Experience providing casework services to children/families, interdisciplinary teamwork, and direct trauma‑informed care.
• Technology skills: competency with computers, scanners, copiers, fax machines, telephones; proficiency preferred in Google suites.
• Extended Reach Certification & Licenses: Virginia Notary Public Commission (preferred).
• Knowledge of child development and ability to assist distressed families in navigating resources.

Pay

$17.00 – $21.00 per hour

Schedule

20 hours per week, Monday‑Friday with varied evening/weekend hours. Up to 20 % travel required.

Additional Information

Job type: Part‑time, hourly. FLSA status: Non‑exempt. Reports to: Director of Family Advocacy. Grade/Level: Caseworker. No supervisory responsibilities. Decision‑making authority: moderate level.