Family Advocate

The Child Specific Recruitment Youth Advocate provides individualized, child-centered recruitment services to support children and sibling groups involved with the Arizona Department of Child Safety in achieving legal permanency through adoption, guardianship, parental restoration, or transition to a family-like setting. This position develops and implements Child Specific Recruitment Plans, identifies and engages relatives, fictive kin, supportive adults, and prospective permanency resources, and collaborates closely with ADCS, caregivers, service providers, and Child and Family Teams to promote stable, permanent connections for children in out-of-home care.

• →Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• →Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• →None. 

• 60% throughout the state

• Associate degree with two (2) years of experience in a related field, or bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field with prior experience in child welfare, specifically working with children and youth.
• Knowledge of Arizona’s child welfare system, permanency planning, family-centered practice, child safety services, and applicable federal and state requirements.
• Minimum age requirement is 21.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid unrestricted Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Ability to pass and maintain a clear Central Registry Background Check and any required out-of-state central registry checks.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing drug screening requirements.
• Must meet the requirements of a safe driver. 
• Must possess a current Arizona State Driver’s License and have an acceptable driving record for the past three (5) years. 
• Must have personal vehicle liability insurance and vehicle registration as required.
• When required, the ability to pass a criminal background clearance check, drug screen, and if requested a physical exam.
• Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification upon hire.
• Strong knowledge of the behavioral health systems processes, practice, and components.
• Skills, knowledge, and ability to instruct clients in the following topics: child development, home management, personal problem solving, accessing community services, and supports domestic violence issues, appropriate discipline and childcare techniques and age-appropriate parenting skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field preferred when not otherwise required.
• Experience with child-focused recruitment models, such as Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, the 3-5-7 Model, or other ADCS-approved permanency or recruitment curriculum preferred.
• Bilingual ability, or experience working with interpreters and families with Limited English Proficiency preferred.

• None  

• Language Skills

Ability to respond effectively displaying professionalism, sensitivity, and empathy to linguistic, cultural, social, economic, and individual differences and challenges. Ability to write and maintain accurate and timely documentation. Ability to present information 1:1 and to groups in an organized and concise manner.

• Multi-tasking Skills 

Must be able to work independently as well as a member of a team. Must have excellent organizational and time management skills. Must remain flexible and able to handle multiple priorities with the ability to adjust to high pressure and rapidly changing business conditions.

• Reasoning Ability

Ability to quickly assess unique situations and develop and apply strategies to effectively meet the needs of the child and family. Ability to interpret contracts and ensure compliance. Ability to provide exemplary service to employees and outside constituents.

• Consistently exemplifies Clarvida Core Values of Compassion, Inclusion, Accountability, Advocacy, and Resilience.
• Ability to maintain ethical standards and professional boundaries.
• Adhere to HIPAA and confidentiality standards.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Strong knowledge of overall company operations and policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of program development.
• Knowledge of community resources and services.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to collaborate internally and externally.
• Ability to identify needs and articulate and advocate on behalf of the child.
• Ability to identify indicators of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
• Ability to work with diverse population.
• Ability to build and maintain positive internal and external relationships.
• Ability to provide exemplary customer service to all employees and outside constituents.
• Must be flexible and able to handle multiple priorities, with the ability to adjust to high pressure and rapidly changing business conditions.