Family Advocate - LINK - Gulfport, MS

• Founded in 1912 as an adoption agency, Canopy Children's Solutions is Mississippi’s most comprehensive nonprofit provider of children’s behavioral health, educational, and family support solutions. Canopy employs a diverse group of mission-driven individuals committed to honoring the voice of Mississippi children and families. Being an integral part of the Canopy team involves committing to the Core Values that drive our organization forward:
• The voice of our children and families always comes first
• Relationships matter and our differences make us stronger
• We take great joy in service to others
• Our families and our communities deserve our very best

Canopy has been designated a Great Place to Work® for the fifth consecutive year, and is one of only eight companies in Mississippi to qualify for this certification in 2026-2027. Canopy’s employees are charged with building a healthy work culture within their teams, that focus on trust, and the collective goal of helping kids thrive and families to overcome extraordinary challenges.

Family Advocate Overview

• Serve as the primary point of contact between families, community partners, and state agencies, and follow the established family map to link to services, educate/psychoeducation, provide community education, and networking/marketing to strengthen families and keep kids in a stable home.
• Support families' emotional well-being with empathy and personal experiences of overcoming challenges to help families have hope.
• Since the family advocate is an integral resource for children, families and their communities and because it reflects Canopy Children’s Solutions core values, the work functions utilize evidence-based practices specific to individual children and families, connecting them within their communities and tracking their progress as well as adhering to Canopy's trauma informed culture.

Job Responsibilities

• Advocate, represent, support and assist youth and their families.
• Assist in creating and sustaining a family-driven approach.
• Provide families with information, advocacy skills and related activities.
• Provide psycho-education for families as needed.
• Assist families in crisis with appropriate referrals and supports.
• Assist families in resolving complaints and concerns about Canopy Children's Solutions system of care.
• Represent families at team meetings and related activities.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with professional partners.
• Maintain and promote a high level of cultural competency.
• Meet on a regular basis with program staff. Coordinates job responsibilities with supervisor.
• Carry out all administrative duties, which include:
• Maintain regular and predictable weekly work schedule, including irregular hours when needed to meet with families.
• Attend Organization general orientation and required employee trainings including Risking Connection, Department of Mental Health trainings, and other required or supervisor approved conference, workshops or trainings.
• Participate and assist in quality assurance studies and program improvement activities.
• Network/Market in the community for families and the Link Program.
• Document all services within a 48 hour timeframe.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to articulate concepts in a clear manner to families to help strengthen themselves and the other family members.
• Ability to listen to and problem solve with families individually or in a group setting.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in diverse communication styles and the ability to work with teams.
• Familiarity with MDHS, TANF, and other state services and how to navigate these entities either through direct experience and/or through work in the field.