Job Location : Santa Maria,CA, USA
Category Family Support Services Description Why join our countywide agency? Because each day we are making a difference in our community, and because we have a positive, employee- and client-centered work culture. We pay competitive rates and offer a strong benefits package that includes generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay, employer-paid medical insurance, a free subscription to the meditation/sleep app Calm, and much more! We offer continuous employee education and development and paid clinical supervision. We work with our staff to offer flexibility whenever possible.We look forward to you joining our team at FSA of Santa Barbara County!The Position:The Promotore Family Advocate (PFA) is certified to provide support for the wellbeing of families and academic success of their children. Guided by the Protective Factors and Promotore framework, the PFA provides comprehensive services to families, such as access to basic needs; responds to requests for services by FSA staff and school personnel; and may respond to an imminent family crisis. The Promotore framework utilizes the community transformation model to motivate community participation by building egalitarian relationships with families. Through advocacy and linkage to community resources, the PFA will identify risks, promote strengths, and equip parents with the skills and knowledge needed to overcome sources of stress and provide nurturing environments.The PFA is part of FSA's Family Support Services (FSS) Program and works within the values and principles of the FSS program. The PFA collaborates and works closely with other FSA programs, as well as school district personnel such as psychologists, resource specialists, teachers, and nurses.The PFA is assigned to a specific school site. Services may be provided at a designated school site, a Family Resource Center (FRC), home, or community setting. The PFA reports directly to the Promotore Family Advocate Manager.FSA strives to be a trauma-informed and resilience-oriented organization. Because working with those impacted by trauma can affect staff in various ways, FSA actively identifies and employs methods to support staff to embody a healthy and sustainable balance of care.Specific Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:I. Promotore Family Advocate Provide community resources and provide appropriate referral(s) to support access to social, educational, and health services. Facilitate relationships with the school and community partners to coordinate services and promotes continuity of care for students and their families. Respond to immediate referrals. Support parents to increase their knowledge of child development and strengthen parenting skills. Services can be provided one on one or in a group setting. Conduct client intake, evaluate needs and develop service plans. Provides case management including referrals, and monitors progress for families to meet goals identified in service plans. Serve as a liaison between the family and school to support student success in the school environment. Participate in school and program events during traditional and non-traditional business hours to conduct outreach, build relationships, and enhance service access. There will be up to twenty (21) school site and/or district events that take place in the evening. May participate and represent FSA in school functions such as Family Nights, Open House, Parent/Teacher Conferences, etc. Organize and facilitate various activities for families, such as: food and clothing closet distributions. Provide interpretation support for families. Participate in the Student Study Team meetings (SST), Coordination of Services Team meetings (COST), Parent/Teacher Conferences, and other support team meetings as applicable. PFA will be assigned at a school site and/or the Family Resource Center FRC. Maintain staffing at the FRC during regular business hours to deliver functions. Complete the 48-hour training to become a certified Promotore Family Advocate within the 30 days of employment. Work collaboratively with FSA staff in other programs to provide whole person care services.II. Program Development, Compliance and Evaluation Ensure client records and documentation are accurate, up-to-date, and confidential. Utilize databases to monitor and reflect program contacts, activities, and outcomes. Conduct pre and post-screening, including the development of case plans to support families. Determine and evaluate strategies in working with families to determine effectiveness. Conduct regular data entry and maintain accurate program records. Conduct regular data entry and documentation for third party billing, if necessary. Develop and implement activities to meet the needs of the school community.III. Supervision Participate in 1:1 supervision and other meetings as scheduled. Communicate regularly with the Program Manager about all issues or concerns such as personnel, school sites, or FSA. Participate and complete goals developed during supervision and year-end evaluations. Attend case consultation meetings.IV. Community Partnerships Participate in community events to promote FSA services to enhance visibility and build connections with community members. Events may be in the evenings or on weekends. Maintain professional and collaborative relationships with community partners. Crisis response is not a primary job function; however, staff may be called upon to assist in a crisis.V. FSA Team Member Participate in and attend FSA team and all-staff meetings and trainings, and other required events/activities. Attend professional development training courses, webinars, and other conferences. Participate in and support agency-wide organizational initiatives. Adhere to agency, policies, and procedures. Participate in FSA committees as needed. Support a climate that invites employees from diverse backgrounds to grow and lead at FSA. Model and ensure an inclusive, welcoming, and inspiring organizational culture aligned with FSA's values. Work collaboratively and respectfully with other FSA staff members. Provide a safe and trauma-informed environment for staff, clients, and community partners. Reflect, embody, and practice professionalism through behavior and language. Exemplifies thoughtful and open communication with colleagues and community partners by providing constructive feedback about programs, staffing, and other matters related to working at FSA. Ability to act with discernment and maintain confidentiality. This is not limited to client records and databases, but also includes verbal and written communication. Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and exhibit cultural humility. Ability to maintain regular attendance. Practice continuous learning and adaptability. Apply skills and knowledge for personal, professional, and organizational improvement. Other duties as assigned. Position Requirements Employment Standards: Must have a working knowledge of trauma-informed care. A minimum of three years' work experience in schools or community-based programs. Excellent written and communication skills required. A professional attitude, a team player, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are necessary. Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contribution to an inclusive working and learning environment.Employment Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, education, health service or related field is required. Under specific circumstances, a high school degree may be acceptable. Will speak, read, write, and understand English and Spanish fluently. An additional language, such as Mixteco/etc., is desirable, and may be required in some instances. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, including MS Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook. Ability to learn and apply knowledge and skills to various types of software. May involve lifting up to 15 pounds. Possess a valid California Driver's License, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation to travel throughout Santa Barbara County.To apply for this position, it is required that you submit a cover letterClassification, Hours, and Pay Rate: This position is hiring for a full-time (40 hrs/week) non-exempt, with full benefits. Benefits include: flexible spending accounts, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan. Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave also offered. Pay is based on education and experience, with starting rates of $24.00/hour up to $27.00/hour. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Shift -not applicable- Position Promotore Family Advocate Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt Req Number FAM-24-00010 Location Santa Maria Office (SMVYFC) About the Organization Family Service Agency (FSA) has long been regarded as one of Santa Barbara County's most reliable and effective nonprofit human service organizations. Our mission is to strengthen and advocate for families and individuals of all ages and diversities, helping to create and preserve a healthy community. We are committed to providing services where they are needed most: in the community. Eighty percent of our services are delivered on school campuses, at community centers and in clients' homes. Our programs, which serve more than 25,000 people annually, combine clinical expertise, bilingual and bicultural staff, and close collaboration with other agencies. At FSA, all services are provided free or on a sliding fee/donation scale and no one is denied assistance because of an inability to pay. EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. This position is currently accepting applications.