Family Advocate

About Us & Why We're Hiring

We empower children, youth and families to flourish in vibrant communities.

• Child and Family Guidance Center (CFGC), established in 1962, is a leading provider of community mental health and social services in the San Fernando and Antelope Valleys
• Our mission is to empower children and families to achieve health and well-being through innovative mental health services.
• We serve thousands of children and families annually
• We are inspired by our staff of caring and committed professionals
• We are seeking passionate people to join our team
  
  
  

If our mission resonates, keep reading.

• As part of our team, you will join us in providing a continuum of prevention, early intervention, and intensive treatment services to children and families.
• We offer services in our offices, at schools, and in homes.
• Together, we seek to create stronger, more resilient communities
• Your role will center around changing lives, extending our reach, deepening our impact, and building meaningful outcomes for those seeking help.
  
  
  

The Position

We are seeking a full-time bilingual Family Advocate for our Balboa site Northridge. Join our close-knit team of case managers to make a difference in the lives of low-income children and families receiving mental health services in the San Fernando Valley. We are seeking a supportive, creative, and resourceful case manager as an essential member of our clinical team to improve outcomes in the areas of appropriate school placement, access to community resources, and family cohesiveness. Intensive orientation, ongoing weekly supervision, hands-on-training and a small caseload are integral features of the job. Case managers work hand-in-hand with all members of the client's mental health team to develop/monitor a treatment plan in addition to collaborating with staff at local public schools to advocate for appropriate educational services, including Special Education. Teaching parenting skills and witnessing our families improve their lives are two of the most rewarding aspects of this position.

Essential Job Functions

• Accepts case assignment from CRS supervisor, reviews medical record and contact treating therapist to obtain case history and clarify the case management request.
• Meets with family in their home to complete the CRS psychosocial assessment for the purpose of identifying the family’s strengths and needs.
• Develops a case management treatment plan that will address the concerns of both the family and the treatment team (treating therapist, psychiatrist).
• Interfaces with community agencies through phone contact, community meetings and/or site visits to locate organization that offer services requested by the family, determine that the services are culturally sensitive and adequate to address the family’s unique needs.
• Facilitates parent’s acquisition of knowledge through the use of educational materials, such as brochures, books, and videotapes, to increase their understanding of their child’s special needs and their knowledge of successful techniques for managing their child’s mental health symptoms in the home and community.
• When the client has mental health symptoms that impact their academic performance, the Family Advocate will complete a comprehensive assessment of their school difficulties. This assessment will include: obtaining and reviewing all school records and IEPs, a school observation, and an interview with the child’s teacher.
• When appropriate, the Family Advocate will educate parent on the special education services available through the school system, assist with requesting these services, and monitor the delivery of these services to ensure school success.
• Communicates on-going case management progress with the treatment team.
• Completes clinical documentation in a timely manner of all services provided in accordance with the standards set by the State Department of Mental Health
• Participates in monthly CRS staff meetings, weekly clinical supervision meeting, weekly Full-Service Partnership Team meetings and mandatory Center in-service trainings.
• May perform other duties assigned by Director of Community Resource Services.
• Must meet productivity standards.
• Drives own vehicle as needed. Must have valid California driver's license.
• Promote workplace Vision and Culture.
• Starting salary: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour (commensurate on experience)
• Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:30 pm, one-hour meal period (some evenings may be required)
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• Two years minimum experience working with children and youth.
• Ability to provide services in a warm and supportive manner with children who have behavioral, academic and social/emotional difficulties.
• Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team, form and maintain professional relationships, and accept and utilize supervision from clinical staff.
• Must have strong organizational, time management and writing skills.
• Must be a self-starter and be able to work independently
• B.A. / B.S. required
  
  
  

We’re building a diverse, inclusive team

• You’re welcome here. We want CFGC to reflect the diversity of our community and flourish together.
• CFGC is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and strives to create a diverse, welcoming and supportive workplace
  
  
  

CFGC promotes professional development and a healthy work-life balance

• Educational Assistance Reimbursement
• Great training/learning opportunities
• Supportive, friendly work environment that prioritizes YOU
• Work-life balance – flexible time off policies
• Committees and workgroups that always strive to make CFGC’s workplace culture the best it can be.
• Premier Benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, identity theft protection, Tickets at Work discount services, and even pet insurance policies!
• Employees in this role may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
• And much more! Check out our full benefits summary https://www.childguidance.org/portfolio/benefits/
• This job posting includes a summary of duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for this position. It is not a complete job description and is subject to change based on the needs of the center.