Job Title: Family Advocate (Birth Parent)
Reports to: Director of Family Services
Classification: Non-Exempt, Full or Part Time
Annual Salary Full Time: $52,650-$58,500
Be the Source is seeking a full-time (also open to part time) Family Advocate (FA). As an FA, you will be responsible for providing wrap-around support services to qualifying birth parents/first-families who are experiencing child welfare. Services may include but are not limited to one-on-one support, identifying resources, community referrals, navigating benefits, basic needs assistance, connecting families with financial and therapeutic services, and promoting birth-foster/kin parent relationships.
Who We Are
Be the Source, formerly known as Foster Source, is a growing non-profit that exists to promote healing for children and families impacted by child welfare through meaningful, transformational resources, community and support. Rebranding to Be the Source better captures where we are heading as an agency as we move forward in providing support to birth parents (also referred to as “first families”) who are engaging with child protective services. It is our belief that when all parties feel supported and collaborate in the shared goal of reunification and/or permanency, the child(ren) involved will benefit immensely. We know that families are struggling, and support services are lacking. Children are lingering in out of home care far too long. Child welfare is on the verge of doing more harm than good. It’s time to support all families, reunify children when possible and support lasting and therapeutic permanency when reunification isn’t possible.
We are a small but mighty team of individuals with lived experience in the child welfare space. We are excited to expand with like-minded individuals who are eager to dream and grow with us as we launch a three-year pilot program to extend our services to support birth families
What You’ll Do
● Administer intake forms and match parents with appropriate services
● Carry a caseload of up to 20 families at a time, providing support services as appropriate
● Develop case plans
● Make appropriate referrals when needed
● Assess families and their needs appropriately
● Maintain detailed records including case notes and data entry
● Ensure families feel supported during family services support time frame
● Manage phone calls, emails, walk-ins, appointments, and scheduled follow-ups
● Help facilitate in-person or virtual classes/trainings
● Help facilitate in-person or virtual support groups
● Maintain positive and professional relationships with community partners
● Attend community partner and outreach events as requested
● Attend events with birth parents as requested (court, home visits, team meetings, etc.)
● Participate in other Be the Source initiatives, as requested and as time and interest allows
● Meet regularly with the Director of Family Services and/or Executive Director to ensure continuity of care and mission alignment
● Advocate for clients and promote social justice
- Assist in advancing birth-foster/kin parent partnerships
- Assist in program creation and implementation of pilot program
What You Will Bring
We are looking for someone who possesses a strong understanding of child welfare and the needs of birth parents/first-families who are currently separated from their children. We are looking for someone who desires to better the outcomes of children placed in out-of-home care while supporting the goal of reunification; possessing an understanding and awareness of the importance of stable, thriving, and unified parents and caregivers. You’ll desire to connect families to appropriate resources and provide many different types of support (bio-psycho-social). You will belong at Be the Source if you desire to seek systemic change, think outside the box, and bring your ideas to the table.
Qualifications:
● Ability to juggle multiple priorities and maintain concentration in a busy work environment
● Ability to prioritize client needs and help them reach their goals in the most efficient and reasonable time frame
● Networking abilities
● A compassionate and non-judgemental approach to communication with adults and children of all backgrounds and experiences
● Ability to approach families from a trauma-informed framework
● Creative problem solver
● Attention to detail
● Clear and professional written and verbal communication
● Skilled in conflict resolution
● Work with integrity and honesty
● Professional attitude and appearance
● Demonstrate understanding of diverse backgrounds (academic, socio-economic, cultural, ability, religious, and ethnic)
● Proficient at Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and basic computer skills
● Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule
● Willingness and ability to be a team player and meet organizational goals
● Recognizes power dynamics in helping relationships and distinguishes between help that empowers and help that hurts
● Multi-culturally competent. Aware of one’s own cultural values, can recognize cultural differences, and can build bridges with people of other cultures, races, and nationalities
● Adaptable and discrete, maintains a high level of confidentiality
● Self-starter
● Able to combine care and compassion with healthy limits
Minimum Requirements:
● Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field AND/OR, lived experience as a birth parent who has navigated child protective services
● Valid Colorado Driver's License
● Employment is contingent upon approved background check
● Bi-Lingual (English/Spanish) preferred
What We Offer
● Targeted hiring range of $52,650-$58,000 annually depending on experience and education. Part time employment is also an option.
● Comprehensive benefits plan available for full time employees (medical, dental, vision, life insurance)
● Sick leave and vacation time (all employees)
● Mileage reimbursement (all employees)
● Flexible work environment
At Be the Source, a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard. We’re committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire foster industry of the nonprofit sector, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift, M - F
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In-office hours required with potential for some remote work after probationary period, Westminster, CO 80234
Job Type: Full-time. Also open to part-time.
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Flexible schedule
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
People with a criminal record are eligible to apply.
Pay: $52,650.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Please tell us about your lived experience in child welfare.
Language:
Work Location: In person
