Family Advocate

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Company: CROSS Services

Job Title: Family Advocate

Department: Operations

Supervisor: Family Advocate Manager

Schedule: Full-time, non-exempt

Pay: $21.00 - $24.00 per hour

Apply: HR@CROSSservices.com - only applications to this email address will be considered.

Position Overview:

The Family Advocate will work directly with families and individuals seeking assistance from the food shelf and social service programs. This role involves assessing needs, connecting clients with resources, and supporting them in achieving stability and long-term goals. The advocate serves as a liaison between CROSS Services and the families, ensuring they receive holistic support in food security, financial assistance, employment and enrichment programs for children.

Key Responsibilities

Client Support and Advocacy:

• Welcome and conduct intake assessments for families visiting the food shelf and accessing social services programs.
• Provide families with information about available services such as food assistance, financial assistance, employment resources, and enrichment programs for children.
• Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with families, outlining goals and steps to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Manage, lead, and implement programs like the Peaceful Dreams providing beds for our families, coordinating with community partners.
• Advocate on behalf of families with external agencies and organizations to ensure they receive the necessary services.
• Collaborate in the client intake process with the Family Intake Specialist at the front desk and the facility program experience.
• Direct backup for the Family Intake Specialist
• Support the client shopping experience assisting in the food shelf as needed, along with keeping the program area clean and attractive.

Referral and Resource Coordination:

• Collaborate with other social service providers to ensure comprehensive support for families.
• Maintain a network of local and regional service organizations to ensure quick referrals for clients.

Case Management and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of clients, documenting services provided, case notes, and progress towards goals.
• Conduct follow-up with families to track progress and offer continued support to ensure program success.
• Collect data for CROSS Services on client outcomes and resource utilization.
• Outreach and Community Engagement:
• Participate in community outreach activities to raise awareness of the food shelf and social service programs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to broaden the reach of services.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field.
• Previous experience in social services, case management, or community advocacy.
• Knowledge of food insecurity issues and available resources within the community. (preferred but not required)
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in maintaining confidential records and data management.
• Bilingual in English and another language (preferred but not required).

Skills, Education, and Competencies:

• Empathy and a client-centered approach to service.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with local social service agencies, housing, employment, and public assistance programs.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook Office Suite, calendars and email communication

Apply by sending your cover letter and resume to HR@CROSSservices.com

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear.

The employee will need to be able to articulate, hear and be heard across phone lines. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the employee, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

CROSS Services is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Our policy reflects and affirms CROSS’ commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment (paid and volunteer), including but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff recall, transfer, leaves of absence, benefits, compensation, and training. We seek to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to discrimination and will not tolerate interference with the ability of any of CROSS employees to perform their job duties.

Discrimination is prohibited at CROSS at all levels of employment and services provided. We make decisions concerning employment based on an individual's qualifications and ability to perform the job under consideration, the comparative qualifications and abilities of other applicants or employees, and the individual's past performance within the organization.

Not a fit? Learn more about volunteering with CROSS Services.