Foster Kinship Family Advocate Job Description

Reports to: Family Advocate Supervisor

Reporting Positions: None

Career Ladder Levels: FA I, FA II, Sr FA

Classification: Non-exempt hourly, part-time to full-time.

MISSION STATEMENT

Foster Kinship strengthens kinship caregivers’ capacity to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors Degree or Equivalent
• Nevada Drivers License
• Employment is contingent upon the results of a background investigation. Must not have any qualifying offense that violates the standards required by NRS 43B.198 and/or NRS 432B.199.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a drug test
• Employee must be willing to comply with all requirements under NRS 424 for licensed caregivers.
• Cell Phone
• Vehicle

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work shifts may include day and swing shift (including Saturdays).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Per the Foster Kinship Navigator Model, provide intake/assessment or case management level services to any kinship family (formal, private, diverted)
• During the assigned shift, can multitask effectively and manage phone calls, emails, walk-ins, appointments, and scheduled follow-ups, working with up to 15 families a day
• Able to make emotional connections, build trust, and help caregivers achieve case plan goals for family stability with caregivers over the phone, email, in the office, in their homes, and in the field.
• Strong understanding of all local, state, and national resources available to kinship families, including an understanding of the policies, laws, and systems kinship families work and interact with, i.e., Welfare, Child Welfare, Social Services, and Community Resources.
• An expert understanding of the difference between types of kinship families (formal, private, diverted), the ability to assess families correctly using Foster Kinship assessment tools
• Maintain detailed and accurate records by creating and reviewing case notes, logging events and processes using Foster Kinship tools
• Regularly staff cases with all Family Advocates to conduct fidelity checks and share performance feedback
• Ensure families are supported as they work their case plan, including providing ongoing and regular follow ups and support for classes
• Keep all company and caregiver information confidential
• Regularly teach one or more training classes, including CPR, Car Seat, Classroom QPI, and/or Kinship Licensing Training
• Facilitate support groups, DFS info sessions, and Kinship Advocacy Network (KAN) meetings as necessary and assigned
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with community partners (such as DFS, welfare, and family court) and follow up regularly and respectfully with partners
• Attend community partner and outreach events as scheduled
• Assist with planning and attending family events for kinship families as scheduled
• Participate in other Foster Kinship initiatives, as requested and as time and interest allow

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment
• Stamina to remain seated and maintain concentration for an extended period
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand for up to 5 hours at a time
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in a variety of settings

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to quickly prioritize needs and help caregivers reach their goals in the most reasonable time frame and in alignment with the Foster Kinship Navigator model.
• Adaptable, big-picture thinker who can also pay attention to details.
• Connect with community partners and create lasting connections for caregivers
• Possess a compassionate and nonjudgemental approach in communication with adults and children of all backgrounds and experiences
• Proven ability to approach self and families from a trauma-informed framework
• Creative problem solver with exceptional research skills (online, phone, field)
• Attention to detail in documentation, data analysis, and reporting
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Skilled in conflict resolution
• Work with integrity and honesty
• Advocate for children and families
• Professional and positive attitude and appearance
• Demonstrated understanding of diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ability, religious, and ethnic backgrounds
• Proficiency in Google Office Suite, Microsoft tools, Google Drive, Zoom, Adobe and Database Software (SalesForce, Access, Obvibase)
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and Saturdays
• Able to work from home and field
• Willingness and ability to be a team player to meet organizational goals

IDEAL CANDIDATES

• Ideal Candidates will possess a solid working knowledge of child welfare policy and macro-level kinship care issues.
• Have a master’s degree or higher in Social Work or related field; NV social work license
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• First-person experience with kinship or foster care

COMPENSATION

• $41,000-$69,000 annual full-time salary.
• Benefits include 208 hours of holidays/paid time off.
• Access to Health Karma and AFLAC
• Health Insurance Reimbursement
• Mileage for all in-home visits
• Partial cell phone reimbursement

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44,400.00 - $49,200.00 per year

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person