Career Opportunities - Child Advocates of Fort Bend
Career Opportunities

All interested applicants must complete a CAFB employment application and submit to Human Resources (HRRM@cafb.org), along with your cover letter and/or resume.

 

Advocacy Specialist

The Advocacy Specialist is responsible for supervising and evaluating advocates appointed to
serve children in foster care. The goal is to provide advocates with supervision and monitoring
to ensure children’s best interest are being met while involved in the legal system. In addition,
this position assists with advocate recruitment, screening, and training of advocates as well as
program development, tracking and evaluation.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Advocates and Casework

Supervise and monitor up to 30 advocates and up to 45 cases. Provide consultation,
problem solving, troubleshooting, feedback, guidance, evaluation, motivation,
training, monitoring and preparation for court appearances. Demonstrate
knowledge of each case’s history and pertinent advocacy issues.

  • Monitor CASA’s involvement in these cases and case activity, while assuring that
    Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s policy and practice standards and sound case
    management practices are followed.
  • Attend court hearings as necessary
  • Attend emergency hearings as necessary
  • Consult with appropriate DFPS staff regarding client needs and advocate
    assignments
  • Act as primary liaison with advocates. Release and reassign advocates whose
    advocacy is inappropriate or detrimental.
  • Provide assistance and consultation to advocates as needed and when requested.
  • Contact volunteers a minimum of once per month
  • Notify advocates well in advance of hearing dates
  • Review court reports prior the hearing date
  • Assess and record advocate performance
  • Maintain compliance with Texas CASA and National CASA standards
  • Maintain orderly CASA case files

Volunteer Training

  • Assist with the design and implementation of volunteer pre-service and in-service
    trainings
  • Participate in quarterly training sessions
  • Provide training to other CASA Programs as needed

Collaboration and Outreach

  • Participate in public awareness and community outreach
  • Coordinate assigned activities with key stakeholders in the community

Financial and Records

  • Assist in preparing outcome reports for grants
  • Collect and tabulate program effectiveness measures

Program Activities

  • Attend all available conferences and workshops for the development of programs
    for advocates
  • Participate in program implementation, evaluation and planning
  • Attend monthly staff meetings
  • Serve on appropriate community committees and task forces
  • Participate in planning for all CASA programs

Strategic and Operational Plan

  • Assist in the development of a CASA long-range plan and annual operational plans

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field with at least 3 years experience working with
services for children and adolescents. Strong project management skills and ability to work
independently with a wide variety of people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Highly organized and detail-oriented. Use computers and program related softwar5e
proficiently, ability to develop and design a program for advocates and children/youth, and
evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

Other Requirements

  • Pass a child abuse and criminal background check
  • Complete 30+ hour pre-service training
  • Bending, stooping, reaching and other movement required
  • Ability to lift 20 pounds
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Must comply with all city, state and federal laws
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Measurement Outcomes
Every child in the foster care system in Fort Bend County will be served by an advocate.
Advocates will receive direct supervision to support them in serving the children.
1. The Advocacy Specialist will ensure all advocates assigned to children in the program
know the resources to help them effectively advocate.
Measures:
– Number of advocates and children that know available resources.
– Number of children receiving age appropriate services.

2. Advocacy Specialist will provide effective case management and support to advocates
serving children in program.
Measures:
– Advocate survey with 85% or high very satisfied
– Number of advocates maintaining cases
– Number of advocates providing effective advocacy
– Frequency and quality of contact by Advocacy Specialist and advocates

Interested individuals should send a CAFB employment application, cover letter and resume to Luisa Bowers at HRRM@cafb.org.

 

 

Bilingual Family Advocate

The Bilingual Family Advocate is responsible for providing case management services to English and Spanish speaking children and non-offending caregivers who have been impacted by allegations of sexual abuse, serious physical abuse, or have witnessed a violent crime.  The Bilingual Family Advocate is assigned to cases to provide support, resources, and referrals to clients and must be able to work professionally and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team setting.

The Bilingual Family Advocate is also assigned to work with English and Spanish speaking clients whose cases are with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.  The Bilingual Family Advocate provides information, support, and accompaniment services to child victims of abuse or any other child who is involved in the criminal court process.  The Bilingual Family Advocate acts as the liaison between the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s office and the family and provides court orientation to children having to testify.

The Bilingual Family Advocate must have the ability to engage with children and families of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds to help restore and enhance psychosocial functioning of individuals and families adversely affected by child abuse and trauma.

The Bilingual Family Advocate acts as a liaison between the Children’s Advocacy Center and community providers to maintain the accuracy of referral materials given to clients.  The Bilingual Family Advocate is responsible for collaboration with the Clinical Family Advocates, Bilingual Clinical Family Advocates, Criminal Court Advocates, and Bilingual Criminal Court Advocates in researching, identifying, and updating psychoeducation materials provided to clients.

The Bilingual Family Advocate must possess strong oral and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Support for Forensic Interview Clients on Select Cases

  • Contact caregivers prior to appointments to answer questions and process concerns.
  • Implement early interventions and the psychosocial support model to address the needs of victims of child sexual abuse and their non-offending caregivers.
  • Support clients to identify needs and ensure that children and families have appropriate resources to heal from their abuse experience.
  • Provide psychoeducation and resource coordination to appropriately address post-traumatic symptoms.
  • Conduct trauma screenings with child victims who meet criteria following the forensic interview to refer to licensed staff for necessary therapeutic interventions.
  • Conduct trauma screenings with caregivers to make appropriate psychotherapy and diagnostic referrals.
  • Work collaboratively with caregivers and their social systems to process the development of the case.
  • Ensure understanding of investigative process and the dynamics of sexual abuse.
  • Provide and make appropriate referrals as needed. Refer and connect Spanish speaking clients to community providers who are equipped to engage, support, and meet the needs of Spanish speaking clients.

Support for Clients through the Criminal Court Process

  • Provide support, information, and updates on the status of the court case to English and Spanish speaking children and their parents or caregivers.
  • Conduct home visits with children in preparation for court.
  • Provide accompaniment to children and their families to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.
  • Provide age-appropriate court orientation to children who may testify in court.
  • Ensure that families are referred to appropriate health and social service agencies to obtain additional services as needed.
  • Assist families with applications for Crime Victims’ Compensation.
  • Develop and maintain professional working relationships within the Criminal Justice System.

Ongoing Client Support

  • Provide ongoing emotional support to restore and enhance psychosocial functioning by conducting follow up phone calls with caregivers and scheduling additional client sessions as needed.
  • Participate in multi-disciplinary team review meetings and consultations with partner agencies concerning Children Advocacy Center clients to ensure client’s needs are being addressed.
  • Work collaboratively and effectively with Law Enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, Child Protective Services, and Forensic Interviewers in investigations of child abuse and/or investigations involving children who have been exposed to violent crimes.
  • Collaborate with other Child Advocate of Fort Bend Departments to manage community donations for the Children’s Advocacy Center clients.
  • Provide Follow Up Caregiver Surveys to English and Spanish speaking clients to gauge program effectiveness.
  • Note all case activity and maintain case tracking documentation.

Outreach, Networking, and Referrals

  • Participate in community outreach activities such as speaking engagements and fundraising events.
  • Assist in the development and facilitation of psychoeducation programs for the Spanish speaking population.
  • Help identify and community resources and supports who are equipped to serve Spanish speaking clients.
  • Network with community providers to determine services provided.
  • Educate community providers about Child Advocates of Fort Bend and Children’s Advocacy Center services.
  • Host networking events for local providers including tours of Child Advocates of Fort Bend.
  • Develop and maintain community provider list to include populations served, services provided, languages in which services are provided, payment options.
  • Collaborate with the Clinical Family Advocates, Bilingual Family Advocates, Criminal Court Advocates, and Bilingual Criminal Court Advocates in researching, identifying, and updating psychoeducation materials provided to clients.

Professional Development

  • Participate in training to enhance professional skills and development.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Social Work or related field and with a minimum of one-year direct experience working with sexually and physically abused children.
  • Bilingual required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Submit to a child abuse and criminal background check.
  • Complete 30+ hour pre-service training
  • Bending, stooping, reaching and other movement required
  • Ability to lift 20 pounds.
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Must comply with all city, state and federal laws.
  • Willingness to work in a smoke and drug free environment.
  • Willingness to work some evening and weekend hours.
  • Participate in the Children’s Advocacy Center’s Late Night and On Call programs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Interested individuals should send a CAFB employment application, cover letter and resume to Luisa Bowers at HRRM@cafb.org.

 

 

REVISED  POSITION

Collaborative Family Engagement Coach

The Collaborative Family Engagement Coach provides coaching and consultation to Fort Bend County’s CASA and CPS programs with the overall goal of being able to increase capacity and implement CFE in Fort Bend County. CFE is integrated within all of CASA’s specialized programming including Infant and Toddler, NEST, and WINGS. CASA volunteer advocates are trained to utilize tools that assist in family finding and helping families recognize available support systems to them. Knowing that every child in the child welfare system has experienced trauma to some degree, CFE strives to decrease long-lasting issues and help these children move on with their lives in a family environment. Working together to strengthen families helps provide accountability, safety, placement, permanency, and healing. CFE also recognizes children heal through relationships, and that every child has a family who can be found through perseverance. This position reports to the Collaborative Family Engagement Manager.

 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Administration

  • Coach and guide implementation of Collaborative Family Engagement Program and the 4C’s of CFE (Collaborate, Cultivate, Convene, Connect) to engage families and children involved in Children’s Protective Services’ cases
  • Facilitate trainings for volunteers based on information vital in helping engage families in the foster care system
  • Provide assistance and consultation to CASA volunteers, CASA staff, and CPS staff as needed on issues surrounding family engagement
  • Coordinate with CASA Program, Director, Advocacy Specialists and Family Group Decision Making (DFPS) staff to schedule family meetings

Casework Responsibilities

  • Provides consultation, feedback, guidance, evaluation, motivation, training, monitoring and preparation to CASA volunteers, CASA staff, and CPS personnel on the use of CFE tools and meetings
  • Facilitate CFE team meetings and Family Meetings
  • Attends all case staffings for CFE cases
  • Contacts families and all parties to coordinate family meetings
  • Co-facilitates family meetings with DFPS Family Group Decision Making staff
  • Documents and disseminates all notes for family meetings
  • Keeps necessary and appropriate records for all CFE cases
  • Consults with appropriate DFPS staff regarding client needs and volunteer assignments
  • Assist in gathering and reporting data to Texas CASA and University of Texas as requested
  • Document CFE implementation in Optima and prepare reporting

Volunteer Supervision and Case Management, as needed

Supervise and monitor overflow up to 10 CASA cases and volunteers, as needed, based on the number of children coming into care and caseloads of other CASA Staff. This would entail the following:

  • Attend court hearings as necessary
  • Attend emergency hearings as necessary
  • Consult with appropriate DFPS staff regarding client needs and volunteer assignments
  • Act as primary liaison with volunteers
  • Provide assistance and consultation to volunteers as needed and when requested. Contact volunteers a minimum of once per month
  • Notify volunteers well in advance of hearing dates
  • Review court reports prior the hearing date
  • Assess and record volunteer performance
  • Maintain compliance with Texas CASA and National CASA standards
  • Maintain orderly CASA case files

Strategic and Operational Plan

  • Assist in the development of a Collaborative Family Engagement long-range plans and annual operational plans

Community Outreach Responsibilities

  • Maintain effective     relationships      through      personal      contact     and written communication with other providers and resources for youth in foster care, professional and social service organizations, Texas CASA, the Department of Family and Protective Services, and University of Texas
  • Engage in public speaking regarding the Collaborative Family Engagement project when appropriate

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in social service-related field. Ability to communicate with and empower volunteers, CASA staff, CPS personnel, and other CFE team members to be effective in their roles. Knowledge and understanding of issues and dynamics within families in crises relating to child abuse and neglect. Experience working with such families given preference. Ability to work within a team atmosphere.

Other Requirements

  • Submit to a child abuse and criminal background check Complete 30+ hour pre-service training
  • Must maintain 12 hours of continuing education annually Valid driver’s license
  • Must comply with all city, state, and federal laws

Interested individuals should send a CAFB employment application, cover letter and resume to Luisa Bowers at HRRM@cafb.org.

 

 

REVISED  POSITION

Outreach Coordinator

The Outreach Coordinator is a member of Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Community Engagement Team. The Outreach Coordinator will be the primary lead in coordinating/managing community outreach and education presentations in Fort Bend County and surrounding counties. The Outreach Coordinator will be the lead in the education and outreach efforts in the community with a focus on making strategic connections with schools, civic-minded businesses, organizations, faith groups, alumni associations, city and state employers, and other small to large entities to raise awareness and educate the community on child abuse and child abuse prevention. The Outreach Coordinator will ensure that information and education reaches vulnerable populations including children and adults and that CAFB is highly regarded as an educational resource and subject-matter expert on child abuse and prevention. The Outreach Coordinator will report to the Training & Outreach Manager.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Outreach

  • Develops and manages plan for community outreach and marketing and coordinates activities with the Community Engagement Director, Graphic Designer, CASA & CAC Program Directors, Clinical Director, and Chief Executive Officer.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with schools, school districts, day care centers, youth-serving organizations, community centers, civic-minded businesses, organizations, faith groups, city, and state employers, and other small to large entities to educate the community on child abuse.
  • Develops and organizes community outreach opportunities for the agency.
  • Delivers presentations to promote Child Advocates of Fort Bend Prevention programs and education from small to large-scale groups in schools and the community.
  • Develops a Speaker’s Bureau to include staff, volunteers, board, and approved community members.
  • Works with Training Coordinator to organize and conduct trainings to develop the Speakers Bureau.
  1. Evaluation of Outreach Activities
  • Collects, analyzes and reports on community outreach data and trends.
  • Reviews and evaluates the community outreach plans at least quarterly and, in consultation with the Community Engagement Director and makes revisions and modifications as needed to fulfill Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s mission and meets goals of outreach. Seeks input from Community Engagement Director.
  • Provides documentation and reporting related to outreach and education efforts of the agency in accordance with TX CASA, National CASA, CAC’s of Texas and National Children’s Alliance Standards.

Program Oversights 

  • Schedules and oversees Outreach Planning Meeting and Outreach Calendar to CAFB staff monthly.
  • Serves on CAP-C Committee and Outreach Subcommittee and coordinates prevention activities with CAP-C Coordinator.
  • Communicates outreach activities and community outreach/education needs to CEO, Community Engagement Director, Program Directors and program staff designees.
  • Participates in public speaking and outreach.
  • Schedules and coordinates community outreach opportunities with CAFB staff members, volunteers, board members or community members. This includes community fairs, vendor booths, school outreach booths, donation drives, etc.
  • Participates in pre-service training interviews with prospective advocates as needed
  • Assists and supports advocates recruitment and retention events including but not limited to volunteer appreciation events, retention events, swearing-in ceremonies and in-service trainings.
  • Works with CAP-C Outreach Subcommittee to plan and coordinate special projects for the agency such as Light of Hope and Child Abuse Prevention Month events, and other projects as reviewed by the CEO, Program Directors and Community Engagement Director.
  • Participates and partners with Volunteer Coordinator for civic engagement activities.
  • Researches, develops and communicates prevention training curriculums to be utilized in community and school presentations.
  • Updates any prevention training needs for area school districts based on policy changes or school needs.
  • Assists with other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in social services, education, management, human services and 3+ years of experience in community outreach. Previous working/volunteer experience in a school/social services setting is preferred. Ability to communicate in a friendly and informative manner with people from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles; ability to work independently and possesses strong time management skills; ability to multi-task; is highly organized and extremely detail-oriented. Ability to establish strong working relationships with small to large scale businesses, community groups, and other entities needed in Child Advocates of Fort Bend. Competency in office software applications. Knowledge and skills in utilizing social media. Demonstrated collaboration and leadership ability and sound understanding of the principles of volunteer management. Ability to communicate and empower volunteers to be effective in their roles. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Other Requirements

  • Submit to a child abuse and criminal background check
  • Complete 30+ hour pre-service training
  • Bending, stooping, reaching and other movement required
  • Ability to lift 20 pounds
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Must comply with all city, state and federal laws
  • Perform other duties as assigned
  • Evenings and weekends may be required

Interested individuals should send a CAFB employment application, cover letter and resume to Luisa Bowers at HRRM@cafb.org.

 

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CAFB adheres to a strict Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse Policy in our practices and operations.