Family Advocate

University of Missouri-Saint Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Caregiver leave

Educational fee discounts

Job summary

The University of Missouri-St. Louis seeks a Mental Health Professional for the Child Advocacy Center in St. Louis. This full-time role provides advocacy services, caregiver interviews, safety planning, and referrals within the child abuse investigation framework.

You will collaborate with law enforcement, social services, and medical staff; mentor practicum students; and assist with grant writing and trainings. The position offers University benefits; visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in related area or equivalent plus 1 year of relevant experience.
• Preferred Master's degree in related area.
• Experience in child protection and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy services to non-offending caregivers and coordinate referrals.
• Interview caregivers and document information regarding history and safety needs.
• Conduct needs assessments with caregivers for safety planning.
• Identify and connect families with community services and treatment.
• Educate caregivers on trauma impact and CAC investigations.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and peer reviews.
• Mentor practicum students and assist in grant reporting.

Education

Associate's degree in related area

Master's degree in related area

Job description

Job ID: 61004

Location: St. Louis

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Hiring Department

Child Advocacy Center

Job Description

• Provide support and strength-based advocacy services to non-offending caregivers which may include individual screenings, assessments, crisis intervention, support, community referrals, establishing services, safety planning, and other assigned tasks from the point of referral for forensic services through CAC case disposition
• Interview non-offending caregiver and accurately documents information provided regarding relevant history, current family functioning, knowledge of alleged abuse, response/support to child, safety planning, support systems and other relevant information
• Conduct brief needs assessment with the non-offending caregiver regarding the alleged child victim and family, assisting the caregiver in developing safety plans
• Identify and provide referrals to community services, mental health treatment, medical treatment and other identified services as needed
• Provide the non-offending caregiver education and information regarding the impact of trauma, how to provide a supportive environment for the child, and what to expect within the child abuse investigation and potential legal proceedings
• Participate in and facilitates meetings designed to review/discuss current investigations involving multidisciplinary team members (e.g. law enforcement, child protective services investigators, deputy juvenile officers, medical providers, prosecuting attorney, mental health providers)
• Participate in peer review with other family advocates as directed
• Remain current on research involving current trends in family advocacy, as well as the child advocacy center model, and uses these to perform job duties when appropriate or as directed
• Assist in grant writing/management/reporting as requested, which includes the accurate documentation of daily activity time reporting
• Assist with conducting community based trainings when requested
• Participate and facilitates, as requested, meetings designed to review/discuss current investigations involving multidisciplinary team members (e.g. law enforcement, child protective services investigators, deputy juvenile officers, medical providers, prosecuting attorney, mental health providers)
• Provide mentorship/supportive services to practicum students; mentor others in completing forensic services duties as requested
• All other duties as assigned

Shift

40 hours per week Monday through Friday / possibility of on call responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

An Associate's degree in related/ relevant area or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related/relevant area
• Two (2) years practical experience in the child protection field that includes knowledge regarding family advocacy, child protection, child development, and other dynamics associated with child abuse/neglect
• History of successful collaboration within a multidisciplinary setting that includes: law enforcement, social service, mental health providers, medical specialists and both criminal and family court

Anticipated Hiring Range

$19.25 - $27.40

Grade: GGS-008

University Title: MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail].