Adoption Program Advocate

Job Title: Family Advocate  

Travel Requirements: Moderate 

Status: Full Time 

Supervisor: Family Advocacy Supervisor 

Location: Jefferson City

Direct Reports: N/A 

About CMFCAA 

The Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association is a not-for-profit agency that educates, supports, and advocates for foster, adoptive, & kinship children, youth, & families in central Missouri by offering services & partnering with community & governmental agencies to develop healthy & self-sufficient individuals & families.  

Currently, we are assisting over 640 foster families, over 1400 foster children, over 400 adopted children in our service area. Our goal is to be a support to the families, children and youth in this area, and we work tirelessly to provide much needed services to them.  

Position Summary  

The Family Advocate primarily works with foster, adoptive and guardianship families providing support with pre- and post-adoptive services. The advocacy services are a vital support to families who are then able to remain committed and effective as they raise their children.  The Family Advocate will assist families in understanding their rights as foster, adoptive or guardianship providers. 

Essential Functions/Job Expectations 

• Establishes and maintains outreach efforts, enduring enrollment of eligible families/children in resource services 

• Assists families in finding/utilizing community resources, including medical, dental, social, legal, educational, and occupational services 

• Assess families in the 7 domains to evaluate the family’s well-being, needs and strengths. 

• Completes family needs/goals assessments, keeping proper documentation 

• Assist families with interpreting external reports and evaluations, as well as explaining their implications/purpose 

• Participates in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as needed 

Core Competencies 

• Time Management 

• Customer focus 

• Teamwork and cooperation 

• Resourcefulness 

• Flexibility 

• Commitment 

• Decision making 

Qualifications/Credentials 

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or closely related field; and two or more years of experience in education, counseling, case management, or closely related area. 

• Knowledge of foster care and adoption processes and community-based resources 

• Knowledge of barriers impacting mental health, educational and legal services for families in foster, adoptive and guardianship homes. 

• Knowledge in benefit coordination and resource utilization 

• Skill in serving as an advocate for families 

• Ability to work with youth with trauma and diverse families 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and properly document case notes 

• Ability to communicate effectively 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evening and weekend appointments 

• Valid Driver’s License Required 

• Reliable transportation Required 

• Background checks Required 

Salary

• Salary starts at $44,557.80 commensurate with education and experience

Benefits 

• Health, Dental, and Vision Premiums covered 100% for employee, 10% covered for dependents 

• Aflac  

• 25K employer paid Life Insurance plan, as an elective, additional coverage for dependents, spouse/partners   

• 3% Match of a 401k  

• 15 Paid holidays, plus one floating holiday  

• 8 hours Annual Leave a month  

• 8 hours Sick Leave a month  

• Mileage reimbursement at federal rate    

• Usage of Company Vehicle  

• $250 Wellness Benefit  

• Casual Dress 

• Employee Assistance Program  

Salary : $44,558