Spanish Speaking Youth Family Advocate
Torrington, CT - On Site
Full-Time - Salary $50,000-$57,000
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Family Advocate is responsible for providing case management to youth and families by working to mitigate barriers and increase the likelihood of success. The Advocate supports family well‑being by providing resource information and incorporating goal‑setting with families. This position is responsible for engaging families as full partners in their child’s development and addresses challenges by building their self‑esteem using cultural strengths.
Point of contact for youth and families
Assigned to the youth and family through all 3 phases of the LYNC program (from referral to discharge)
Identifies basic needs of the youth and family and advocates for services to meet those needs
Focus on understanding the youth and family needs in the context of strengths, and connecting them with appropriate services, ensure multidisciplinary coordination and planning, with inclusion of community and natural supports
Works closely with the Service Specialist to connect youth and families to community services and/or group interventions
Work with youth and families to mitigate barriers and increase the likelihood of youth and family success
Provide structured case management, work on goals developed, address barriers, develop and build skill acquisition
Use Motivational Interviewing and client engagement strategies within each case management session
Organizes resources to get things done, orchestrates multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal, and arranges information in a useful manner
Maintains effective relationships with client, families and community resources
Facilitating and empowering youth and families to access support and resources within the community
Exploring and enrolling youth in prosocial communities and connections
Reinforcing and transferring skills learned in other program interventions
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with justice/system/agency involved youth - Required
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, or Human Services - Preferred (not Required)
Bilingual - Required to be fluent in Spanish and English - Required
Strong case management skills
Effective engagement skills
Strong community connections and knowledge base
Demonstrated understanding of risk‑needs‑responsivity principles, and risk reduction initiatives
Personal Effectiveness/Credibility
Communication Proficiency
Collaboration Skills
SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday hours between 9:00am and 7:00pm where hours are needed
total of 35 hours per week
Hours can be flex as needed to accommodate needs of families and students
SALARY
Salary $50,000-$57,000 per year
Actual pay is determined based on a variety of job‑related factors, including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, certifications, scope, and performance, as well as market rates, internal equity, budget constraints, the role’s responsibilities, candidate’s unique qualifications, potential for growth, benefits, and organizational policies.
BENEFITS
At CJR, we pride ourselves on creating a compassionate, culturally responsive work environment and offering a comprehensive benefits package that encourages and supports a healthy work/life balance. Joining our team, full‑time employees will enjoy the following benefits:
Low‑cost Medical Insurance Plan option
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance offered after 30 days of employment
Company Paid Life and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
Generous Paid Vacation Package (unused time eligible for carry over)
Generous Paid Sick Time (unused time eligible for carry over)
Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time)
Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and paid holiday time)
Annual monetary incentives
Tuition Assistance
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
Career Growth Opportunities
Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
Employee discounts (cell phone, computer)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid
10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance
ABOUT CJR
A career at CJR is focused on working to ensure that every young person has an opportunity to thrive! CJR reaches across the state of Connecticut to deliver a broad continuum of care through our residential, education, wellness, and community‑based programs. At CJR, you will experience a fulfilling career with an employer that encourages advancement, respects diversity, and rewards excellence!
CJR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry. We embrace the competitive advantage of diversity.