Advocate

10 BCFS Health and Human Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

BCFS Health and Human Services in Houston is seeking an Advocate to provide trauma-informed, relational advocacy and case management to survivors, ensuring high-quality support in crisis and long-term situations.

The role requires crisis response, safety planning, documentation, and coordination with state and federal standards; travel up to 75% regionally and possibly overnight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, sociology, or a closely related field.
• 2–3 years of case management and/or crisis intervention experience with survivors.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma‑informed advocacy and case management to survivors.
• Respond to crises with safety planning and timely documentation.
• Coordinate services with partners and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Travel regionally and respond to emergencies as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and complete timely records.

Skills

Case management experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, sociology, or a closely related field of study

Job description

Academic Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, sociology, or a closely related field of study.

Work Experience

Required – personal or professional experience with victims of human trafficking, child abuse and neglect, or youth experiencing homelessness and/or addiction. 2‑3 years of case management and/or crisis intervention experience.

Summary

The Advocate provides trauma‑informed, relational advocacy and case management services to survivors, ensuring high‑quality support in both crisis and long‑term situations.

Responsibilities

• Immediate crisis response, safety‑planning, case documentation, and coordination of ongoing services in alignment with program, state, and federal standards.
• Flexibility for after‑hours and weekend crisis coverage; participation in an on‑call rotation; availability to respond to emergencies at any time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Use personal vehicle as a primary mobile workspace; maintain a 90‑minute crisis‑response timeframe and travel as required (regional to occasional overnight travel, including air travel).
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and program regulatory guidelines; manage caseloads per agency policies, licensing, and contract standards.
• Document progress toward risk reduction, achievement of service goals, and positive case outcomes; complete all documentation within program‑required timelines.
• Transport clients when needed; dispatch within required timeframes to hospitals, police stations, DFPS offices, shelters, community‑based settings, or incident locations.
• Maintain a minimum number of daily or weekly contacts with children and families to ensure consistent support; continuously evaluate and strengthen rapport with assigned clients.
• Act in the child’s best interest and support relationships with community members and stakeholders; participate in community meetings and engage stakeholders to ensure services are accessible.
• Attend workshops, seminars, and educational programs to promote professional growth and development; prepare and maintain accurate records, files, forms, and statistics in accordance with agency, licensing, and contract requirements.
• Participate in weekly case staffing with the regional team; maintain strict confidentiality in all areas of service, population interactions, and program operations.
• Implement safety protocols, including emergency evacuations, in accordance with BCFS Health and Human Services and program guidelines; uphold BCFS Health and Human Services professional and ethical standards, demonstrating respect for staff, the service population, and community members.

Essential Functions

• Provide comprehensive, trauma‑informed services, including safety planning, immediate risk reduction, and short‑term therapeutic interventions.
• Independently coordinate referrals, service planning, and documentation for an assigned caseload.
• Accept and respond to crisis calls, providing timely support to children and families in need.
• Conduct thorough assessments, develop treatment plans, and make independent field decisions regarding the safety and well‑being of assigned children and families.
• Deliver in‑home family preservation services as assigned; serve as a liaison with stakeholders—including legal providers, child protection, law enforcement, federal partners, and others—ensuring adherence to program and local protocols.
• Engage in weekly supervision, either face‑to‑face or via phone, with the assigned supervisor; travel approximately 75% of the time within the region, including overnight stays, often requiring use of a personal vehicle.
• Meet all deadlines established by program supervisors and federal partners; demonstrate thorough knowledge of BCFS Health and Human Services policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Demonstrate mastery of safety, resiliency, and mental health assessments.
• Maintain all required licenses and certifications (First Aid, CPR, Emergency Behavior Intervention, OAG Sexual Abuse Program, State Driver’s License) and provide verification upon request.
• Possess current auto insurance and proof of work eligibility.
• Pass pre‑employment and biennial background checks, drug screenings, and consistently maintain professional composure.
• Respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio‑economic characteristics.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English (Spanish is a plus).
• Work in a fast‑paced environment and always maintain emotional intelligence and professional boundaries.
• Maintain technology and computer literacy necessary to manage caseloads, documentation, and communication effectively.
• Work effectively and without intensive supervision both independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team; adapt immediately to changes in the field.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.; we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

EEO Statement

In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal and state laws, including the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity and treat all employees equally regardless of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, or any other classification made unlawful or prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws, such as age, citizenship status, veteran or military status, or disability. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.