ADOPTION PROGRAM EDUCATION ADVOCATE JOB DESCRIPTION

BASIC INFORMATION

Job Title: Adoption Program Education Advocate

Travel Requirements: Moderate

Status: Full Time, Exempt

Supervisor: Adoption Program Supervisor

Location: Columbia

Direct Reports: N/A

ABOUT CMFCAA

The Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association is a not-for-profit agency that educates, supports, and advocates for foster, adoptive, & kinship children, youth, & families in central Missouri by offering services & partnering with community & governmental agencies to develop healthy & self-sufficient individuals & families.

Founded in 2007 by a former foster youth, foster parents, and adoptive parents, the CMFCAA is a community service organization that provides for the needs of foster, adoptive, kinship, and guardianship youth and families. What began as a small support group has grown into a multifaceted organization that provides direct support, education, services and advocacy to foster and adoptive families in a 24-county central Missouri region.

Currently, we are assisting over 640 foster families, over 1400 foster children, over 400 adopted children in our service area. Our goal is to be a support to the families, children and youth in this area, and we work tirelessly to provide much needed services to them.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Adoption Program Education Advocate primarily works with post-adoption families in the aspects of educational wellbeing, but may also assist foster and kinship youth. The Adoption Education Advocate advises families about services, programs, and accommodations to meet their family's and/or child's needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES (THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE)

• Completes needs assessments to determine appropriate levels of care
• Obtains information from providers and educational institutions
• Identifies ways to add value to education plans
• Works with families, schools, other individuals in developing IEP’s or other education plans
• Assist families with interpreting reports and evaluations, as well as explaining their implications/purpose
• Drafts requests, complaints, responses to schools in collaboration with families
• Prepares families/youth for IEP and 504 meetings, helps prioritize goals and objectives; attends meetings as requested
• Identifies ways to increase value to education plans and consults with staff and education professionals on those ideas
• Participates in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as needed
• Participates in community outreach and development
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES (KSAs)

Knowledge of foster care and adoption processes and community-based resources

Knowledge of barriers impacting mental health services

Knowledge in benefit coordination and resource utilization

Skill in serving as an advocate for families

Ability to work with youth with trauma

Ability to maintain confidentiality and properly document case notes

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evening and weekend appointments

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or closely related field; and two or more years of experience in education, counseling, case management, or closely related area.

(Additional qualifying education or experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the minimum qualifications)

(Preference will be given to a qualified parent or caregiver of a child with physical impairments, mental illness, and/or developmental delays)

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Health insurance benefit 90/10
• Dental and Vision options
• Aflac
• 25K employer paid Life Insurance plan
• 1% Match of a Simple IRA (after qualifying time period)
• Paid time off
• Mileage reimbursement at federal rate
• Continued Education Opportunities
• Usage of Company Vehicle (provided complete and clear driving background has been submitted)

CMFCAA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs or services. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and members.