Family Advocate

National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP); Sycamore (IL); On-site; USD 48,924 - 59,797; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days off each year

11 paid holidays per year

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Student loan repayment assistance

Flexibility

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) is looking for a Family Advocate in Sycamore, Illinois. This role involves implementing targeted services for families and individuals involved with the DCFS. Responsibilities include facilitating classes, conducting assessments, and offering support to families facing challenges. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and a minimum of two years’ experience in family services. Fluency in English and Spanish is highly preferred. Flexible work schedule required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services required.
• Minimum two years’ experience in case management, facilitation, and youth/family services.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement targeted services that support the family unit.
• Facilitate classes on Anger Management, Parenting, and Financial Literacy.
• Conduct in-person intake and assessment sessions.

Skills

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Case management experience

Customer service skills

Detail oriented

Effective problem-solving skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

Desktop and laptop computers

Smartphones and tablets

Job description

Pay

54,361.00 annually

Schedule

Tuesday‑Saturday, flexible to meet program needs.

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Highly preferred.

Position Summary

The Family Advocate works alongside the Center for Adolescents and Families staff to implement targeted services that support the family unit, DCFS alumni and other adults in the community in accordance with the Family Advocacy Center's program plan.

Responsibilities

• Perform all work in a manner consistent with the National Youth Advocate Programs mission, values, and philosophies
• Facilitate Anger Management, Parenting and Financial Literacy classes
• Schedule and conduct in‑person intake and assessment sessions with program participants
• Assist parents/caregivers to strengthen family connection and communication
• Provide support and guidance to parents/caregivers whose youth are involved with substance abuse and other risky behaviors
• Engage in community networking and outreach by working with different community agencies; attend meetings and trainings as required by the organization
• Collaborate with program and agency staff to create and implement supportive and healthy programs for parents/caregivers and their families
• Provide referral services to families
• Advocate for the family/families when appropriate
• Maintain up‑to‑date documentation of all activities as required by state and federal guidelines
• Maintain program records in accordance with program policies and procedures
• Schedule and conduct home visits as required by program
• Travel within the communities served to deliver programmatic services
• Attend all professional development training required

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services required; Master’s degree preferred
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) highly preferred
• Minimum two years’ experience in case management, facilitation, and youth/family services
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and use of desktop/laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, fax machines, and photocopiers; familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication and customer service skills
• Detail oriented, organized and focused
• Daily access to a reliable car and must meet agency vehicle insurance requirements (100,000/300,000 bodily liability car insurance)
• Ability to work a non‑traditional schedule, including weekend and evening hours
• Must hold and maintain automobile liability insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000

Other Skills

• Sensitivity to cultural diversity is required
• Enthusiastic self‑starter
• Ability to engender trust and create reciprocal relationships with DCFS participating agencies and case workers
• Ability to complete all necessary record‑keeping, reports, and compliance data for DCFS
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Effective problem‑solving and decision‑making skills

Benefits

• Commitment to children, youth and families as a core value
• 22 days off each year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Summer hours (half‑day Fridays)
• Student loan repayment assistance, up to $1,200 per year
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family
• Competitive salaries and benefits, including a 401(k)
• Work anniversary trips
• Parental leave
• Mileage reimbursement
• Flexibility
• Tuition reimbursement

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans