At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower families and support caregivers in nurturing environments.
- Company: Family Service Rochester, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health insurance, flexible hours, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture that values collaboration and employee voice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: Degree in human services and experience with families preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Family Service Rochester is seeking a compassionate, community-focused Family Advocate to join our Family Resource Center (FRC) team in a full-time role. This position is ideal for someone passionate about strengthening families, supporting caregivers, and helping children thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing environments — including children being raised in kinship care arrangements.
As a Family Advocate, you will help plan, coordinate, and deliver programs and services that empower families and promote child and family well-being. You will collaborate closely with families, kinship caregivers, community partners, stakeholders, and service providers to ensure families receive meaningful, accessible, and coordinated support. This role includes supporting grandparents, relatives, and other caregivers who are raising children through kinship care arrangements by helping them navigate systems, access resources, build support networks, and strengthen family stability.
Your work will focus on:
- Connecting families and kinship caregivers with concrete resources and supportive services
- Strengthening parental and caregiver resilience and healthy social connections
- Supporting caregivers in developing parenting skills and child development knowledge
- Promoting the social and emotional well-being of children
- Helping kinship families navigate community systems and reduce barriers to support
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct support services, including person- and family-centered needs assessments, active listening, referrals, advocacy, and warm handoffs to community resources
- Support kinship caregivers by helping them identify and access financial, educational, social, and emotional supports available within the community
- Collaborate with community agencies and stakeholders to coordinate services for children and families, including families caring for children in kinship care arrangements
- Maintain working knowledge of county and community service systems, policies, procedures, and applicable statutes related to child and family services
- Partner with community organizations and the Family Advisory Board (FAB) to support Family Resource Center operations, service delivery, logistics, and outreach efforts
- Facilitate meetings and community conversations to identify local needs, gather feedback, and support the development of programs and services that reflect community priorities
- Help create welcoming, strengths-based spaces where caregivers and families feel supported, respected, and connected
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field
- 1–3 years of experience working with children and families in child welfare, human services, kinship care, family support, or a related setting preferred
- Minnesota Social Work licensure (or eligibility for licensure) preferred
What We’re Looking For
- Works effectively with diverse individuals, caregivers, and families
- Understands the unique strengths and challenges experienced by kinship families
- Demonstrates excellent communication, advocacy, and relationship-building skills
- Is comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Has experience with crisis intervention and trauma-informed care
- Understands how mental health and chemical health challenges can impact family stability and access to resources
- Values collaboration, equity, and community partnership
- Possesses strong computer skills
- Bilingual abilities are a plus
Why Join FSR?
At Family Service Rochester, we are committed to creating a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all identities are welcomed and valued. We believe meaningful partnerships begin with listening, respect, shared power, and recognizing the strengths in every person and family we serve. We offer:
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 5% retirement contribution match
- Continuing education and professional development opportunities
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources
- Flexible scheduling
- 4 weeks of PTO starting accrual
- 11 paid holidays annually
Our culture emphasizes learning, growth, and employee voice. Staff regularly engage with senior leadership to share ideas, feedback, and innovation. We believe our employees are our greatest asset, and we are proud to foster an environment where people can grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the community. If you are passionate about supporting families, advocating alongside caregivers, and strengthening the well-being of children and kinship families in our community, we encourage you to apply.
Family Advocate/Social Worker - Family Resource Center employer: Family Service Rochester
Family Service Rochester is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every employee's voice is valued. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive benefits, and a culture that prioritises learning and community impact, employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions while growing in their careers. Located in a supportive community, this role as a Family Advocate offers the unique opportunity to directly influence the well-being of families and children, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Advocate/Social Worker - Family Resource Center
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work and family services field. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips on landing that Family Advocate role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your commitment to supporting families and children. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication to the cause—this will help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their programs and values, especially around kinship care. This way, you can tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Family Service Rochester. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Advocate/Social Worker - Family Resource Center
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting families and children shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it helps us see your genuine commitment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Family Service Rochester.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This makes it easier for us to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Family Service Rochester
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Family Service Rochester’s mission and values. Understand the specific challenges kinship families face and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the community.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past work that highlight your advocacy, communication, and relationship-building skills. Think of situations where you’ve successfully supported families or collaborated with community partners. Concrete examples will help demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current programs for kinship caregivers or how they measure success in supporting families. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way. Be open about your passion for supporting families and children. Share your personal motivations for wanting to work in this field. The interviewers want to see the real you and how you can contribute to their team culture.
