ADOPTION PROGRAM LEGAL ADVOCATE JOB DESCRIPTION

BASIC INFORMATION

Job Title: Adoption Program Legal Advocate

Travel Requirements: Moderate

Status: Full Time, Exempt

Supervisor: Adoption Program Supervisor

Location: Osage Beach

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 Legal Advocate primarily works with adoptive families providing support to those with children with physical, mental health, and/or developmental needs. The post-permanency services are a vital support to families and with the proper support programs, families are able to remain committed and effective as they raise their children who have special needs. The Legal Advocate will assist families in understanding their rights as foster/adoptive providers.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES (THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE)

• Establishes and maintains outreach efforts, enduring enrollment of eligible families/children in resource services
• Encourages and achieves parent participation in center-based program and activities
• Assists families in finding/utilizing community resources, including medical, dental, social, legal, educational, and occupational services
• Completes family needs/goals assessments, keeping proper documentation
• Assist families with interpreting reports and evaluations, as well as explaining their implications/purpose
• Participates in screening processes as requested and shares results in a timely manner
• Documents family contacts and home visits
• Ensures children receive all required screenings and exam within required timeline
• 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 and diverse families

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.