Family Advocate - Child Welfare

Do you enjoy helping others? Would you like a career that provides you an opportunity to help families and to make a difference in the lives of children? Join us in creating a brighter future for children and their families.

At Kids Central we believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving home that provides a path to a bright future. However sometimes children, and their families, need additional support to ensure their safety and well-being. That is where we step in.

The Family Advocate facilitates and implements direct, strength-based services and engages families and children at risk of a removal episode. The Family Advocate works closely with other members of the system of care to provide services through a team approach to help the family remain intact.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Provides family preservation services to families in crisis.
• Respond to referrals in accordance with timeframes.
• Responsible for assessing initial risk and safety to the children and determining if program is appropriate for family.
• Work with families to identify needs for service and make appropriate referrals to meet those needs.
• Connects family with all needed services within the community.
• Conducts announced and unannounced home visits.
• Administers Drug and Alcohol screens as needed.
• Conducts a joint home visit with the referring investigator or case manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education / Experience

Bachelor's Degree in social work or related human services field with three years' experience in child welfare or a related human services field. Child Protection Professional is preferred.

Other Requirements

Ability to successfully clear a Level II Background Screen as required by Florida Statute and DCF.

Possess a valid Florida driver's license and be insurable by the agency's current insurance carrier.

Must meet eligibility to transport clients, including 100,000 / 300,000 Liability Insurance, possess an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally in an office environment, but may also be required to visit other settings such as a client's home, court, or other agencies. The noise level is usually moderate.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and to reach with hands and arms. The employee must also frequently lift and / or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is regularly required to bend / stoop and kneel. Repetitive motion is also required. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Our mission is, "Protecting Children, Supporting Families, and Engaging Communities". Kids Central, Inc. is the lead Community Based Care agency for child welfare in Circuit 5, which encompasses Marion, Lake, Hernando, Sumter, and Citrus Counties. We maintain a system of care for children and families that have experienced or are at-risk of experiencing child abuse or neglect. Kids Central, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, disability, or veteran status as those terms are defined under applicable law. Kids Central is a Drug-Free Workplace, Equal Employment Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Kids Central, Inc. provides a comprehensive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and a generous paid time off allotment.

Employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer M / F / D / V