Family Advocate - ECE

About the Role

The Family Advocate provides case management services to families enrolled in Our House Services. The primary responsibility is to complete intakes, program eligibility and enrollment, engage in recruitment, create goals in collaboration with families to help define their needs, and develop individual family plans to support them throughout enrollment.

While engaging in recruitment activities, the Family Advocate will work towards creating community partnerships with other organizations and establish a referral list to ensure that families can access the services needed. The Family Advocate is responsible for the intake and assessment of families into the Family Services program, documenting each case appropriately, and providing supportive services to meet each family's needs.

The Family Advocate will work with families to identify needs and set goals that allow for additional stability and access to resources including early education services, medical care, housing resources, and workforce development. The role involves goal setting, resource connection, and ongoing support while in the program. The Family Advocate will also develop community partnerships and coordinate with other organizations and agencies to develop a well-rounded referral base and provide necessary follow-up.

Responsibilities

• Eligibility and Enrollment
  • Support clients who call in for access to programs.
  • Meet with families to complete enrollment paperwork.
  • Collect required eligibility paperwork.
  • Complete all required data entry.
• Case Management
  • Carry a caseload of 40 families.
  • Complete needs assessments with each family to determine current and ongoing needs.
  • Meet with families weekly or monthly depending on program and needs.
  • Utilize various interventions to help families achieve goals in housing, education, job training, employment, and healthcare.
  • Provide ongoing support to each enrolled family.
  • Work with clients to establish short- and long-term goals and objectives.
  • Provide conflict resolution, problem-solving, planning, and life skills development support.
  • Meet with clients regularly to ascertain progress and determine additional needs.
  • Adhere to strict boundaries and professional ethics.
  • Coordinate and facilitate group events, including parent, community, and psycho-educational meetings.
  • Ensure effective service delivery by coordinating with other case managers serving the client.
  • Work with Family Services staff to update information and contacts with community organizations.
  • Build positive working relationships with community organizations and resources.
  • Provide clients with appropriate community referrals and follow-up to assess effectiveness.
  • Evaluate the need for program changes and work to implement agreed-upon changes under the direction of the Senior Director of Housing and Family Services.
  • Participate in interagency and external collaborative efforts and community groups as requested.
• Housing Assistance, Referrals, and Groups
  • Develop case plans with each family using empirical goals and measurable outcomes.
  • Work closely with the client’s external housing case manager and visit housing placements if necessary.
  • Assess barriers to housing and refer clients to appropriate community resources.
  • Assist clients with housing applications, government and healthcare assistance applications, and other resource applications.
  • Coordinate transition to permanent housing as needed.
  • Partner with other Family Advocates to provide support and educational groups.
• Maintaining Client Records and Data Entry
  • Ensure high level of accuracy and commitment to entering data.
  • Complete intakes and exits with families for program enrollment and discharge.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of service objectives, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with Federal, State, County, and other guidelines.
  • Maintain and enter data into assigned software systems: HMIS/Penelope/GoEngage, and other internal or required data collection systems.
  • Assist with the compilation and tracking of grant delivery and report deliverables.
  • Assist with grant reporting requirements and data “clean-up” and tracking.

Requirements

• Education
  • Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Social Work or related field required.
  • Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field preferred.
• Experience
  • Minimum of one year of experience working with families in need of support required.
  • Minimum of 2 years of related experience preferred.

Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, particularly in forming positive connections with children, families, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong management and organizational abilities, including effective multitasking and strategic planning with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office suites and complex software systems related to the role.
• Exemplifies the values of Our House through teamwork, positive guidance, and professionalism.
• Actively seeks solutions and offers suggestions to assist in solving broader organizational challenges.
• Models professionalism including professional attire, timeliness, accountability, active listening, empathy, and commitment to the organization’s mission.
• Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth through lifelong learning.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Prolonged sitting and typing.
• Regular use of hands and arms to operate standard office equipment.

Health Requirements

• Proof of Tuberculosis (TB) test clearance required prior to employment.
• Must comply with any additional health screenings or vaccinations required by Our House or other regulatory agencies.

Work Environment

• Team-oriented environment with regular communication across departments.
• Fast-paced, collaborative, and service-oriented, supporting both internal staff and organizational initiatives.

Schedule

In-office, 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Occasional overtime may be required during peak periods. This role may occasionally require evening and weekend availability to support events, deadlines, and organizational priorities.