Family & Community Services Advocate

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

• Provide guidance and/or referral to resources, which will enable program clients to select an appropriate occupational goal and to identify barriers.
• Provide clients with the direction and support necessary to follow that plan with the goal of increased client employability.

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS

• Adhere to Agency policies and procedures.
• Acts as a role model within and outside the Agency.
• Provide friendly, responsive service to the public, community organizations and to those we serve.
• With a respectful and positive attitude, work with low-income individuals and families with diverse backgrounds.
• Support, develop and maintain productive relationships required to carry out job activities.
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all records and interpersonal interactions.
• Serve as an advocate.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with community partners and co-workers.
• Participate in Agency-wide and program events.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, sociology, social services or related field or equivalent experience
• One (1) to three (3) years of related experience
• Excellent communication skills; verbal and written
• Computer proficient and knowledge in Microsoft Office software desirable
• Proof of valid driver’s license and current/adequate vehicle insurance coverage

Preferred

• Professional experience working for or collaborating with a CAP agency.

REPORTING TO THIS POSITION ARE:

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Complete necessary counseling and follow-up including but not limited to the following programs: Transitional Housing, Homework starts with Home, Emergency Services Grant, and Homeless to Housed, HUD RRH, Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP), and other programs, as necessary.
• Facilitate client advisory boards/support groups.
• Provide outreach with our five-county service area.
• Evaluate client support service requests based on budget and client’s goal plan.
• Manage relationships with vendors and community partners to ensure a continuum of services for housing clients.
• Determine needs of client base and prioritizes resource purchases accordingly.
• Complete and enter all related data systems.
• Determine eligibility for program services.
• Refers client within WCMCA and to other agencies, which provide the services required to meet client needs and acts as liaison and client advocate for such referrals.
• Complete and enter all related data systems (serve on Cap60 and Technology committees)
• Provide MNsure Navigation services to clients as needed.
• Assist Program Director in program reporting as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS

Physical demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; each with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:  Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.