Family Advocate - Foster Care Program

Job Type
Contract
Description
WAGE: Starts at $23.37 per hour
FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: Hourly On-call without Benefits; Casual
SCHEDULE: Flexible - Varies
PROGRAM(S):Foster Care
REPORTS TO: Coordinator and Assistant Manager
OPENING DATE: March 5th
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.
REQUIREMENTS: Bilingual Preferred - Fluent in English, Driver license and proof of vehicle insurance.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
This is a home visiting/Family Advocate position that serves Foster Care Program in the Early Learning Sector of IRCO. The primary responsibility for this position is to provide case management and direct support to potential/existing Refugee/Immigrant Foster Care providers and 6 to 7 Refugee/Immigrant children placed in Foster Care. Conduct and assist in training to potential/existing families to explain the DHS guidelines for providing Foster Care for children/youth and assisting parents in developing individual goals related fostering skills. Perform activities to meet the needs of Refugee/Immigrant foster children and youth through personal home/community visits, referring individuals to services for physical, mental, educational health and other relevant social support services. Develop & deliver culturally appropriate parenting education, parent-child centered, peer-peer activities to ensure child/youth's retention of language and culture. Provide safe parenting role-modeling practices to parents during home visits with all family members. Work in a multi-cultural environment to provide services that meet IRCO's goals and objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform outreach to and maintain contact with potential/existing Refugee/Immigrant foster families within Portland Metro area who would like to or have participated in IRCO's training and pro social activities.
• Assist families in managing and completing goals related to children/youth's linguistic/cultural retention.
• Provide home visits, one-on-one intensive parenting skills training, and support to foster parents.
• Provide referrals to culturally appropriate community services such as parenting skills programs, health and dental clinics, family planning, low-income housing, nutrition services, LIEAP, and childcare as needed.
• Advocate for and refer Refugee/Immigrant children/youth to culturally relevant educational, physical, mental, social health community resources.
• Provide direct interpretation as needed for parents to access service providers such as hospitals, clinics, and social service programs.
• Provide training to service participants regarding public transportation as needed.
• Role model to foster parents on how to make appointments, to advocate for the linguistic/cultural needs of foster children and assist foster parents in becoming self-sufficient in accessing services.
• Translate program training materials and brochures/resource flyers as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records that display family's success in completing service goals.
• Provide follow-up counseling, referral, and support as needed for foster children/youth and their foster families.
• Coordinate and assist in delivering Foster Care training and pro social activities with IRCO Foster Care team.
• Conduct regular service reports through IRCO database.
• Engage in regular consultation with IRCO program coordinator and bi-weekly clinical supervision to ensure program efficacy.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and volunteer activities to support IRCO's goals and objectives as requested by IRCO program coordinator/manager.

Requirements
JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be through the following:

• A minimum of High School/GED diploma, some college coursework, or equivalent professional experience.
• A minimum of 0-2 years' experience in early childhood services, parenting education and assessment, child development, nutrition, preventive health care and/or home visiting.
• Professional level experience providing outreach, information, referrals, and follow-up to clients.
• Experience working with children, youth, and their families.
• Must have knowledge of local refugee, immigrant and/or Latino communities, community leaders and organizations.
• Must be familiar with service providers involved with parenting education, social services, health care, emergency services, and childcare.
• Must be able to work in a multi-cultural, multiethnic, fast-paced work environment.

KNOWLEDGE:
Education: High School or GED (1)
Experience: 1-2 years of experience is required (3)
Licensure, Certification: L/C 2
Additional Language Required: Preferred Second Language/Must Speak Fluent English.
Computers: All positions at IRCO require use of a computer and experience working with Microsoft Products including but not limited to Microsoft 365, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
SKILLS:
Communication:
Regular communication inside the organization to exchange ideas and gather information (4)
Creativity:
Regular need for redesign of a single focus process or procedure is needed (3)
EFFORT :
Mental:
There is regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed (3)
Physical:
Positions at this level require some physical efforts or manual labor such as lifting, carrying or constant movement. Positions with regular responsibility for driving are to be placed at least at this level (3)
RESPONSIBILITY:
Impact and Influence:
Minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Dollar amounts influenced would be considered small. Responsibility for the prudent use of assets does not extend beyond own work responsibilities. (2)
Work Independence:
Positions perform routine work with regular supervision and generally are given instructions or written procedures. Positions occasionally encounter variation and are encouraged to suggest ways to respond, but can't take final action without approval (2)
Planning:
Positions at this level must be able to foresee issues associated with own work and identify future needs for supplies, equipment, resources which would stall operations or activities. (2)
Supervision:
Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions or responsibilities but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers. (1)
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment:
There is a moderately low level of personal risk encountered. Job conditions are occasionally uncomfortable relative to noise, temperature, inside/outside work, dirty conditions, or interactions with angry or hostile people (3)
Schedule:
The work schedule occasionally fluctuates based on organization or customer needs. This fluctuation may occur with or without prior notice. (3)
HOW TO APPLY:
1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position www.irco.org.
3. Email jobs@irco.org with questions about this position.
Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO's main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Applications without both a cover letter and Resume will be dismissed as incomplete.
ABOUT IRCO:
IRCO's mission is to welcome, serve, and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Our vision is a future where all refugees and immigrants belong, our staff are nurtured, and all communities thrive.Founded in 1976 by refugees for refugees, IRCO has over 40 years of experience working with refugee and immigrant communities in the Portland metropolitan area, and over five years in Eastern Oregon. IRCO is the largest provider of employment services and job training for newly arrived refugees in Oregon; and we support families at every stage of their lives from the time they arrive in Oregon. Find out more at www.irco.org.
IRCO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Salary Description
23.37/hour