Family Advocate
About the role
Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay. We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit serving families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference.
The Family Advocate provides mobile case management services; evaluates and assesses immediate needs; coaches clients in the development of case plans; functions as a liaison between clients, community service providers and program component staff. In addition, the Family Advocate connects families with services and coordinates all First Hug services for families.
Pay
Salary: $44,000 – $48,000 annually.
Benefits
- Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, with family coverage available; preventative care 100% covered on all plans
- PTO for full-time and part-time employees: 11 days PTO and 10 paid holidays annually
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- $15,000 employee life insurance paid by Metropolitan Ministries
- Employee Assistance Program
- Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Training and career development
- Discounted YMCA membership
Responsibilities
- Provide mobile social work services (home visits) to First Hug families, developing a case plan, coordinating all First Hug services, and directing clients to other areas of assistance
- Maintain minimum weekly contact to track family’s progress
- Maintain up-to-date client case notes, history, and data, utilizing best practices to keep client information confidential
- Generate and compile client outcomes and reports within Unity and Excel for reporting to funders
- Keep confidential records up to date and according to the Code of Ethics
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Coordinate with all Metropolitan Ministries program staff to ensure each service is utilized to best meet the needs of the family
- Incorporate all staff in follow-through of service utilization
- Visit and meet with community service providers, service organizations, and institutions beneficial to First Hug families
- Meet personal goals and actively contribute to team and organizational targets/goals as stated on the KPI and in the annual plan
- Support team in other tasks as assigned
- Attend all required staff meetings and ongoing trainings
- Support holiday tent operations as directed
Requirements
Education and Experience: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in the human services field and two years of work experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Must be knowledgeable about homeless issues, with experience working with individuals with mental health/substance abuse issues and/or be willing to seek continuing education related to the homeless population with opportunities for certification or licensure.
Skills
- Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
- Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team framework
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Dependability
- Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients served
- Ability to handle job-related matters in a professional, diplomatic, and confidential manner
- Willingness to work with minimal supervision, yet able to accept direction
- Well organized and detail oriented
- Heart for ministry and comfort working with poor and homeless families and individuals
- Understanding of poverty, high degree of maturity, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work with low socio-economic and diverse populations facing crisis situations professionally and diplomatically
- Knowledge of community resources available to homeless population
- Maturity and sensitivity to issues of faith, culture, and other sources of diversity
- Ability to offer services where homeless families are staying (car, tent, motels, housing not fit for habitation)
- Ability to de-escalate clients on the edge of verbal or physical violence
- Computer literacy with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Oral and written communication skills and ability to write reports and conduct/participate in meetings
Physical Requirements
Hearing and speaking ability for effective oral communication; physical and emotional stamina to effectively handle job-related issues and stress.
Other
- Must pass applicable pre-employment screening and demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States
- Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities: contact 813-209-1083 or Daryl.Belluccia@Metromin.org