Family Advocacy Center Director

SPANISH COMMUNITY CENTER; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community-based organization seeks a Family Advocacy Center Director to oversee program operations and ensure high-quality service delivery. The role includes managing staff, providing case management, and engaging with families at risk. Candidates should possess a master’s degree in Social Work and be bilingual in Spanish and English. Comprehensive benefits are offered.

Benefits

401(k)

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work required.
• At least two years of experience in social service.
• Fluency in spoken, written, and reading Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight of Family Advocacy Center operations.
• Supervise and train program staff.
• Manage a limited caseload and provide case management.

Skills

Bilingual in Spanish and English

Cultural sensitivity

Advocacy skills

Long-term case management

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work

LSW required, LCSW preferred

Job description

Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Family Advocacy Center (FAC) Director leads a community-based program that supports families involved with or at risk of involvement with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This role balances program oversight with direct service responsibilities, providing long-term case management while supervising staff, managing program operations, and coordinating family engagement initiatives. The Director also collaborates with internal teams and external partners—including the Kankakee office and Parenting Program—to ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with the needs of the families served.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Leadership & Administration

Provide strategic direction and daily oversight of all Family Advocacy Center services and operations.

Supervise, mentor, and train program staff to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery aligned with trauma-informed practices, program models, documentation standards, and client engagement strategies.

Train, and supervise interns from local colleges and universities, ensuring alignment with learning objectives and program needs.

Monitor compliance with DCFS contract requirements and agency standards.

Review and approve financial assistance requests from Family Caseworkers; maintain accurate records to ensure emergency funds are used appropriately and equitably.

Track program expenses and ensure budget adherence across designated line items.

Coordinate with the Parenting Program to develop and implement family-centered activities that benefit both caregivers and children.

Implement family engagement events such as workshops and interactive community activities.

Oversee support groups for women and mothers that foster emotional wellness, parenting support, and peer connections.

Collaborate with the Lead Worker in the Kankakee office to align efforts and expand program reach in that service area.

Develop and maintain partnerships with external agencies to strengthen referral networks and service integration.

Represent the program at outreach events, community forums, and coalition meetings.

Complete and submit required monthly and quarterly reports in a timely and accurate manner.

Utilize data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify service gaps, and support continuous quality improvement efforts in collaboration with agency leadership.

Direct Services

Manage a limited caseload and provide long-term case management, including intake, assessment, service planning, and follow-up.

Advocate for families and connect them with appropriate internal and external resources.

Document all casework and family interactions in compliance with DCFS and agency procedures.

Coordinate services with DCFS caseworkers and other community professionals to ensure comprehensive family support.

Maintain current knowledge of local resources and eligibility requirements to facilitate effective referrals.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree required in Social Work

LSW required, LCSW preferred

At least two (2) years of experience in a social service or child welfare setting.

Bilingual in Spanish and English (fluent in speaking, reading, and writing).

Knowledge and skill in working with families in crisis or in sensitive situations.

Professional demeanor and ability to prioritize responsibilities and function effectively during stressful or busy periods.

High degree of cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with families from diverse racial, socio-economic, ethnic and educational backgrounds.

Ability to engage, assess, motivate, and support participants using advocacy and coaching skills that are compassionate, strengths-based, and non-judgmental.

Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Monday–Friday; 9am–5pm

Occasional evenings and weekends, as needed

Required in-person work at the Kankakee office (2) days per month

Benefits:

401K

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid time off