Family Support Advocate (Part-Time)

Under general direction, interviews and evaluates client needs and provides referrals to support programs that assist families in need; and performs related work as required. 

Receives general direction from the Family Resource Center Supervisor.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This is a single-position classification in the Family Resource Center function.  Responsibilities include assessing needs and assisting families to access resources available in the community, developing case management plans, ensuring that goals and objectives in the plans are accomplished.  This class is distinguished from the Family Resource Center Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for all program planning, staff supervision, and administration for the Family Resource Center.  This classification is assigned to a County of Orange grant-funded program operated by the City of Westminster as the lead agency.

• Meets and assesses clients, develops case plan to document services needed such as counseling, food, and other basic needs; tracks clients in order to monitor situation and determines if continued assistance is required.
• Pre-screens families for homeless prevention and rapid re-housing program; collects client documentation and forwards to housing department.
• Presents family case plans in weekly team meetings; team reviews and recommends additional services for clients, if necessary.
• Inputs case management notes and data into City database programs.
• Performs outreach to agencies throughout the local area and Orange County to update resource database for client referrals; delivers promotional materials to outside agencies to promote programs and services.
• Assists with preparations for Center events; attends events with other community based agencies.
• Assembles aid packages (i.e., food, diapers, etc.) for requesting families.
• Provides childcare to families participating in Center programs, events, and counseling.
• Performs intermittent duties at the intake desk to provide coverage during staff absences, breaks, and lunches.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
 

• Needs, problems, attitudes, and behaviors of people in target communities.
• Available community resources.
• Practices and philosophy of human service programs, social services agencies operations and procedures, and case management.
• Basic principles and methods of public administration, family management, and youth development.

• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.

• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:
 

• Perform technical research, evaluate data, and prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written and oral reports.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in Spanish and/or Vietnamese as well as English.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, procedures, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate records and files of work performed.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.

• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.

• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human services, public administration, social work, psychology, or related field, OR, in lieu of degree, three  (3) years of experience working with families in crisis and the community and knowledge of the child welfare system; requires incumbent be proficient in Spanish and/or Vietnamese.

Licenses and Certifications:
 

• None.
• Must obtain American Red Cross First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate for infant, child, and adult within three (3) months of hire.

 Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.  This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids rendering First Aid and CPR.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. 

Salary : $19 - $26