Family Advocate Foster/Kinship Care

Job Title: Family Advocate (Foster Parent/Kinship Caregiver)

Reports to: Director of Family Services

Classification: Exempt, Full Time

Annual Salary Full Time: $55,000-$58,000

Be the Source is seeking a full-time Family Advocate (FA). As an FA, you will be responsible for providing wrap-around support services to qualifying foster and kinship families including but not limited to one-on-one support, identifying resources, community referrals, navigating benefits, basic needs assistance, and connecting families with financial and therapeutic services. This position can also provide an LSW or SWC with necessary experiences and supervision hours to obtain an LCSW.

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. Recent rebranding to Be the Source better captures where we are heading as an agency as we move forward in providing support to children and all adults in a child welfare case (birth parents - also referred to as “first families”, foster parents and kinship caregivers). 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.

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 foster and kinship caregivers 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

● (Optional opportunity for LSW/SWC) Provide direct therapeutic services for foster or kinship parents (up to five sessions per week)

What You Will Bring

We are looking for someone who possesses a strong understanding of child welfare and the needs of foster and kinship families. Lived experience is our top core value. We are looking for someone who desires to better the outcomes of children placed in out-of-home care; possessing an understanding and awareness of the importance of stable and thriving 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 systematic 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 foster or kinship caregiver.

● Valid Colorado Driver's License

● Employment is contingent upon approved background check

● Bi-Lingual (English/Spanish) preferred

What We Offer

● Targeted hiring range of $55,000-$58,000 annually depending on experience and education.

● Comprehensive benefits plan available for full time employees (medical, dental, vision, life insurance)

● Sick leave and vacation time (full time employees)

● Mileage reimbursement (full time 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 very rarely

Work Location: In-office hours required with potential for some remote work after probationary period, Westminster, CO 80234

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• What is your lived experience in child welfare?

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Denver, CO 80234