Family Advocate

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, this position provides program and support services to participants of the Transitional Living Center (TLC) and Rapid Rehousing tenants (RRH). Performs as a supervisor ‘on call’ on a rotating basis. This position is grant funded. Continuation of position is contingent upon the availability of grant funds.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Regular attendance at Employer's place of business and/or during particular hours, as assigned, is an essential function of this position.  Employee must comply with and follow YWCA’s attendance policy at all times, unless a reasonable accommodation is requested and granted, as required by law. 

  • Performs intake activities for TLC participants. Assesses each participant and, together with participant, develops a housing stabilization plan.

  • Meets with TLC participants and RRH tenants to provide case management and review housing stabilization goals as well as to reassess needs for mainstream services; mental and medical services; family issues; transportation services; legal and community living issues; and personal relationships. 

  • Provides advocacy for RRH tenants and TLC participants and serves as an ongoing liaison between property managers and tenants.

  • Works in tandem with appropriate support services staff to assure participants and tenants are invited to participate in educational sessions: financial management, types of housing options, housing rights, understanding rental agreements, etc.  

  • Serves as a supervisor ‘on call’ for the entire facility on a rotating basis, handling multiple issues and ensuring the safety/security of residents.

  • Works with Lead Shift Advocate to assign rooms/apartments to new participants/tenants.

  • Communicates with Operations Services staff to assure coordination of effort in monitoring compliance with curfew, chores, child care, and safety/security procedures.

  • Learns, conveys and enforces YWCA policies and procedures.

  • Complies with documentation requirements of multiple funding sources, including timely recording of data for current and exiting residents into individual participant files and into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

  • Strictly follows and adheres to funding sources requirements for client services documentation, including documentation of time spent in specific grant related tasks and distribution of this information to the administration office on at least a monthly basis.

  • Advocates with community agencies, schools, and governmental entities on behalf of participants and coordinates support services for participants and their children.

  • Coordinates needed educational programs with education advocate and/or community agencies. 

  • Provides training, advocacy, expertise and assistance to encourage participants to negotiate and resolve conflicts.

  • Adapts work schedule to meet the needs of the program, especially attendance during Life Skills classes and other evening and week-end events.

  • Search, contact, schedule speakers and set up area for life skills classes. Conduct financial literacy classes. Plan and coordinate events for adult participants. Set up room for support groups.

  • Conduct job searches and obtain credit reports with adult participants. Maintaining job board.

  • Search and contact daycare providers; obtain documentation for attendance and payments on a weekly basis.

  • Planning, scheduling and overseeing call activities. Maintain communication with volunteers who assist on a regular basis (childcare, monthly birthdays, school supplies, summer and holiday events).

  • Children’s matters: monitoring grades and attendance, arranging transportation to and from school, attending school meetings, managing school issues with the parent. Monitoring tutoring.

  • Provides employment statistics, childcare statistics. Obtain quotes for supplies and childcare costs.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Requires a Bachelor’s degree or five (5) years of related experience in human or social services, psychology, sociology, case management, or related field.

  • Knowledge of dealing with a sensitive population required.

  • Knowledge of assessment and intervention methods relating to substance abuse, domestic violence, youth at risk, and homeless issues preferred.

  • Must be able to meet varied work schedule, to include some weekends to meet the needs of the TLC, including serving as TLC supervisor ‘on call’ on a rotational basis.

  • Must be skilled and respectful in working with people of diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.

  • Must have ability to be objective but caring when dealing with problems of others.

  • Must be flexible, creative and willing to accept new assignments as program develops and adapt to time and funding level changes.

  • Excellent verbal/written communication and crisis intervention skills required. 

  • Must be organized and able to handle multiple tasks at same time and work under pressure, with continual interruptions

  • Must be able to work independently and autonomously.

  • Must be able to solve problems and make sound judgments and decisions.

  • Bilingual capabilities in English/Spanish preferred.

  • Hands-on, working knowledge with PC operation, as well as MS Software applications. 

  • Must acquire CPR, First Aid certification prior to start of employment.  Must maintain these certifications throughout employment. Along with internal van certification.

  • Must have access to vehicle and possess valid driver's license and sufficient liability insurance.

Anticipated Benefits:
YWCA Membership and Program Discounts
Basic Life Insurance and Retirement
Medical, Dental, Vision