Program Advocate, Food Pantry

Summary: Working as part of the regional team, provide brief assessment, information, and referral opportunities to assigned residents who need short-term or limited supportive services to maintain their housing placement and enhance self- sufficiency. Provide case management services to assigned clients residing in supportive (sober) and permanent housing including completion of Individualized Service Plans (ISP). On-call and after-hour coverage will be required.

Why Work for SMOC?

• Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
• Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide triage case management services for clients residing in assigned properties, including assessment, referrals and service linkages based on identified needs.
• Conduct time-limited follow-up and support as the client accesses the new services and initiates action plans for change.
• Establish an Individualized Service Plan with required individuals and as needed.
• Provide related information and referrals to community-based resources including Fuel Assistance, Food Stamps, food pantries, and other services that can assist the client in the maintenance of sustainable housing.
• Participate fully as part of the Opportunity Center team, attending all team meetings and participating in service planning discussions and decision-making.
• Work with each tenant to identify the problem area in a non-judgmental way and help identify strategies to address the problem behavior or need area.
• Support tenants in financial literacy and planning through educational workshops and information/referral.
• Maintain up-to-date case notes, telephone contact logs, and referrals to community-based services. Enter all client data into the required database(s) on a daily basis.
• Under the supervision of the Supportive Service Manager, work collaboratively with the Property Managers and management team to effectively coordinate service delivery among the various properties.
• Assist the Property Manager, to ensure operational readiness for new properties.
• Partnering with the Property Manager, ensure that all necessary funder and other reports are completed and submitted in a timely manner.
• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee, and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or a minimum of CDAC and 3 years experience in related fields.
• Minimum one year assessment, advocacy and case management skills.
• Sensitivity to low-income people of diverse backgrounds; excellent listening skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and meet insurance standards.

Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to the Supportive Services Manager.

Physical Requirement: Ability to drive a vehicle. Must be able to climb stairs in residences.

Working Conditions: Travel via car is required. On-call and after-hour coverage is required. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Resident Support Case Manager will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

Remote Work Option: Remote work is permissible in some positions at SMOC depending on the key functions and responsibilities. The Program Advocate position is eligible to work from home 0% of the week in scheduling coordination with the department manager.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace