TTU Home Human Sciences Home HDFS Home Careers Home Section II Home

Section II | Advocacy

Nature of the Job

Advocacy work typically is involved to some degree in most social service or human resources positions. Some careers, however, are devoted solely to advocacy—to being a spokesperson and activist on behalf of targeted groups such as children, the elderly, the disabled. Advocacy addresses both individual needs and societal institutions. Advocates represent the interests of individual clients within the educational, legal, and social service systems, and they also work to change discriminatory laws or institutional policies.

Where You Might Work

Advocacy jobs are available in many different settings. Your choice of setting would depend upon whether you were interested in working with children or adults and whether you have interests in certain special groups such as those with physical or mental disabilities. Most communities have state/federally funded or nonprofit agencies devoted to advocacy.

Preparation

Suggested Areas for Minor/Collateral:

  • Social Work, Sociology

Suggested Internship Sites for HDFS 4314:

  • Advocacy, Inc.
  • CASA of Lubbock
  • Children’s Advocacy Center

Suggested Practicum Site:

Go Back

Advocacy
Advocacy

Sample Job Descriptions/Ads

Click on any of the headings below to view description/ad


  • Advocacy/Case Coordinator
    • Conducts public educational programs; identifies community educational needs and plans programs to meet the needs of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing; advocates for full and equal accessibility to services and programs and provides assistance in attaining accessibility; works with clients on a daily basis with living skills and other needed services. Specialization or major in topics related to deafness acceptable. A minimum of two years experience in community and social work preferred. Should have experience in organizing and presenting information to large groups and organizing outreach activities. Must have the ability to communicate effectively with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing utilizing a wide variety of communicative styles. Must also have expressive and receptive skills in American Sign Language and an awareness of other sign systems used by persons who are deaf.
  • Child Care Family Advocate
    • Provide culturally relevant support and access to services to families who have children in child care programs. Bachelor’s degree or equivalency and two years of experience or volunteer experience.
  • FAMILY ADVOCATE
    • Bachelor’s degree in social services, social work or equivalency; experience working with low-income families; knowledge of family dynamics, community agencies/resources. Strong communication and record keeping skills.
  • HOUSING SEARCH ADVOCATE
    • Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or relevant work experience and strong ability to work independently; will provide housing search services to homeless adults in shelters and transitional housing programs.
  • SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAM CONSULTANT LEGAL PROTECTION GUARDIANSHIP SPECIALIST
    • Assess incapacity and need for guardianship. Coordinates application process. Assumes care, control, and protection of ward and manages the estate. Makes decisions related to complex issues concerning the person and estate of the ward. Intervenes on a crisis on a 24 hour basis. Files legal documents with the court, and attends court hearings and testifies. Completes monthly status updates, plans of services, required documentation, and correspondence. Coordinates case staffing with professionals. Prepares and delivers public awareness presentations on guardianship.
  • VICTIM ADVOCATE
    • For a statewide organization. Bachelor’s degree and two years experience in the social service field; strong background in psychology/social work required; and knowledge of state criminal justice system preferred. Travel is required.
  • Child Protective Services