Family Advocate/Case Manager

Requirements:

The Advocate/Case Manager must possess a bachelor's degree. A degree in the human service field or a similar field (social work, criminal justice, public administration, counseling) related to the mission of the CAC is preferred. However, other bachelor's degrees and job experience will also be considered. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and have strong interpersonal skills. They must pass a background check, have a valid Illinois Driver's license and maintain auto insurance on their vehicle.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Advocate/Case Manager is the primary contact person for families utilizing CAC services and the first person the child/family sees when they come to the CAC for a forensic interview.
• To review and document the receipt of Child Protection Services and Law Enforcement referrals and coordinate efforts between Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services to schedule forensic interviews of children as determined in the

TPCAC MDT

protocols.

• Prior to the initial appointment the Advocate calls the caregiver to confirm appointment, discuss special considerations the child may need and answer questions from the caregiver and/or child.
• Opens case files for each new case.
• Upon their arrival the Advocate welcomes the family.
• Assists the non-offending caregiver in filling out the intake paperwork and explains the forms, CAC model and interview process/procedures.
• Collects family history and demographic information. Conducts family assessments in order to provide needed services and referrals to assist the family.
• Provides education to non-offending caregiver on process of interview, investigation, how children perceive abuse, how to best support the child, VESSA, Crime Victim Compensation, specialized counseling and specialized medical exam.
• Provides relevant information to MDT members in case reviews and ongoing follow up.
• Provides families with referrals to services, including mental health, medical, and community resources.
• Serves as a liaison between the family and MDT before, during and after the interview and through disposition of the case.
• Assists in updating MDT case lists for all counties before and after monthly MDT meetings.
• Works closely with Director to understand what is needed for grant reporting and ensure we are collecting all data needed for reports from MDT partners and clients.
• Maintains and updates client files and CAC case databases.
• Calls non-offending caregiver after the forensic interview and provides ongoing follow up according to CAC policies on topics like: case status, continuances, dispositions, sentencing, and offender release from custody at least monthly with information deemed appropriate to share with families.
• Completes all required training and continuing education programs for the Advocate/Case Manager role and child abuse/trauma in general.
• Provides support at and accompaniment to court for child victims and their non-offending caregivers.
• To ensure culturally competent services are provided to all families served without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, gender or sexual orientation.
• To maintain current case disposition information on all CAC cases and documenting case progression throughout the civil and criminal justice system response.
• Completes reports needed within time requested, maintain case files and related documents according to CAC policies, and completes data collection and satisfaction surveys.
• Documents any client, non-offending caregiver and ancillary contacts and case updates in case file.
• Ensures waiting area is clean and orderly including vacuuming, furniture arrangement, cleaning and arranging toys as needed.
• Assists in coordinating and executing special events at or for the CAC such as holiday celebrations, awareness events and events/ groups for counseling clients.
• Actively works and participates with the Friend's Board in fundraising activities.
• Assist in coordination and presentation of prevention education in the schools if necessary.
• Testifies in court or DCFS administrative hearings upon request.
• Follows the CAC protocol and contributes to the positive work environment.

All other duties as assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the duties above.

Pay:

From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person