Job Title:

Staff Advocate Classification:

Full-Time Reports To:

Program Manager New Mexico Kids Matter advocates for children who have been abused or neglected by training and supervising individuals to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). CASAs are specially trained, usually volunteers, and are appointed by a Judge to the case of a child or sibling group who has/have been abused or neglected. Their role is to advocate in Court on behalf of the Child's best interest.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Staff Advocate provides direct advocacy and case coordination services for children involved in abuse and neglect proceedings. Serving as the assigned CASA representative on designated cases, the Staff Advocate gathers information, maintains consistent contact with children and key stakeholders, attends court hearings and multidisciplinary meetings, and advocates for each child's safety, permanency, well-being, and best interests. Working collaboratively with attorneys, Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) personnel, caregivers, educators, service providers, medical and behavioral health professionals, and the courts, the Staff Advocate ensures children have consistent advocacy and access to services throughout the life of each case. The Staff Advocate promotes continuity of advocacy by maintaining active involvement as cases evolve, identifying barriers to services, facilitating communication among stakeholders, and ensuring critical information is shared with the court. This position supports the CASA program's commitment to providing every child referred by the Bernalillo County Children's Court with meaningful advocacy and consistent access to resources that promote positive outcomes.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Direct Child Advocacy:

Serve as the assigned CASA representative on abuse and neglect cases referred to the program. Build and maintain professional, consistent relationships with children, families, caregivers, and professionals involved in each case. Meet regularly with assigned children and maintain ongoing contact throughout the life of the case. Gather information through interviews, observations, record reviews, and communication with family members, caregivers, educators, service providers, attorneys, and child welfare professionals. Conduct home, school, placement, and community visits as necessary to assess each child's circumstances and needs. Advocate for each child's safety, permanency, well-being, educational success, and access to appropriate services and support.

Court and Case Coordination:

Attend and actively participate in court hearings, judicial reviews, permanency hearings, family meetings, treatment team meetings, educational meetings, and other case-related proceedings. Prepare timely, accurate, objective court reports and recommendations that reflect the child's best interests. Monitor compliance with court orders, treatment plans, and permanency goals. Maintain communication with attorneys, CYFD, service providers, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated case planning and timely resolution of concerns. Identify barriers to services and collaborate with involved professionals to develop solutions that promote positive outcomes for children and families.

Continuity of Advocacy and Services:

Maintain active involvement throughout the duration of assigned cases to ensure continuity of advocacy and access to services. Monitor changes in placement, educational services, behavioral health treatment, visitation, and permanency planning, ensuring appropriate follow-up and documentation. Facilitate communication among stakeholders to ensure critical information is shared appropriately and timely. Promote smooth transitions when case assignments, placements, or service providers change. Ensure children remain connected to appropriate resources and supportive relationships throughout the life of the case.

Documentation and Recordkeeping:

Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential case records in Optima or other designated case management systems. Document all case activity, contacts, court proceedings, recommendations, and relevant information in accordance with program policies and National CASA standards. Ensure case documentation is timely, complete, and compliant with organizational, state, and court requirements. Compile and submit reports and case information as requested by program leadership.

Professional Responsibilities:

Maintain confidentiality of all case information and records. Attend required staff meetings, case consultations, and continuing education opportunities. Participate in community meetings, multidisciplinary collaborations, and program initiatives as assigned. Assist with outreach, volunteer recruitment events, fundraising activities, mission-related events, and other organizational initiatives as needed. Promote and maintain ethical, professional, and collaborative relationships with staff, volunteers, court personnel, community partners, and families. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, or a related field preferred. Equivalent education and relevant professional experience may be considered. Experience working with children and families in child welfare, behavioral health, education, juvenile justice, social services, or a related field preferred. Knowledge of child welfare systems, child development, trauma-informed practices, permanency planning, and family systems preferred. Ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information to make sound recommendations regarding a child's best interests. Strong written and verbal communication, interviewing, organizational, and report-writing skills. Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with children, families, court personnel, volunteers, and community partners. Ability to manage multiple cases, prioritize competing responsibilities, and meet deadlines. Must be able to pass National Criminal, FBI Fingerprint, Children, Youth and Families Department background checks, and Sexual Abuse Registry checks. Commitment to the mission of New Mexico Kids Matter and to ensuring equitable access to advocacy, services, and opportunities for children and families.

Core Competencies:

Child Advocacy Case Management and Coordination Trauma-Informed Practice Child Welfare Systems Knowledge Court and Systems Collaboration Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Relationship Building Professional Ethics and Confidentiality Written and Oral Communication Organization and Time Management Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

The Staff Advocate will be expected to have dependable daily transportation to attend staff meetings and events as needed. This position will work in the office and at events that may involve physical activities such as lifting, bending, reaching, sitting, standing, and walking. Additionally, the person may spend several hours sitting at a computer daily. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable a person with disabilities to do the job. This position is hybrid/remote, and specific in-office requirements will be determined based on experience and the needs of the organization.

Pay:

From $21.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Albuquerque, NM 87106