Job Purpose:
Within the Family Service area, Family Advocate will be assigned a caseload of youth/families/Individuals that have been referred to the program through the court system, schools or other sources. Will develop and follow ISP's (Individual Service Plan) for each individual; will work with youth and families to ensure that they are progressing toward the satisfactory completion of their plan. Provide case management utilizing an integrated system of care to multiple program service area within SDC (Youth Gang Diversion, Prostart, Absolute Advantage, Education Services: GED/HSED, Financial Literacy, Adult & Family Services, Youth Food Program, and the Counseling & Wellness Clinic) and with community partners as assigned.
Essential Duties:

Provide integrated family case management for youth/families/Individuals referred to program through court system, schools, community organization, and/or partners of SDC

Intake Process:

Completes an initial intake/assessment and acts upon critical needs appropriately and immediately
Orients clients to the SDC programs and services, program requirements and consequences of behavior

Case plan:

Develops a comprehensive client-driven case plan with both short-term and long-term goals identified
Completes a timeline and measures for each goal
Monitors progress towards goals in regularly scheduled weekly sessions
Evaluates and adjusts case plans as needed and provides written progress notes
Empowers clients to become self-determine with involvement in their own planning and goal setting
Refers clients to appropriate resources to assist with meeting goals

Training Programs:

Designs, coordinates and implements Life Skills and other training program aimed at learning and practicing life and coping skills and decision-making
Evaluates the program for effectiveness and producing changes in client behaviors
Establishes and coordinates day and evening programs; schedules outside service providers and volunteers
Participates in Substance Abuse/Prevention/Crisis Intervention/Mental Health training, and other trainings deemed necessary for position competency
Maintains an active caseload of a minimum of 25 families/youth providing case management, supportive counseling, interventions, case consultation and referral as needed assuring procurement of additional services as needed.

Must have a working knowledge of Screening, Intake, Client Orientation, Assessment, Basic Supportive Counseling, Case Planning, Case Management, Client Education, Crisis Intervention, Consultation with other Professionals, Report and Recordkeeping and Referral Services.
Coordinate and provide care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and client-centered.
Must be able to assess and address motivational and psychosocial (housing, employment, education, financial, legal, social, emotional and physical) issues to meet the needs and of the client
Consults and cooperates with community systems to facilitate linkage, referral, crisis management, advocacy, and follow up with the focus on attaining treatment goals
Must have a solid working knowledge of community resources to provide information and referral services to clients and their families
Maintain client case records as proposed by SDC and the funding sources, including use of CAP60 system
Advocate and intervene for/with clients in accessing services
Conduct home visits and school visits to make appropriate assessment of client's situation. Will need use of own insured and registered vehicle
Track clients while in program and when they leave the program; maintain activity records and follow up as needed
Assist with/lead special activities (field trips, recreation events, job readiness. athletic leagues, etc.) as assigned
Conduct community education classes, workshops and presentations for youth and/or parents as assigned
Provide individual and group outreach, referral and information sessions for parents\Individuals; assist them in accessing Family Services, SDC and Community Resources
Attend court and case staffing for youth/families as assigned
All other duties as assigned