Job Description

Are you passionate about helping families experiencing homelessness? Do you want to make a difference in your community? Then YOU are who we want! Bring your enthusiasm and dedication to our team at the YWCA Family Center. We have an immediate opportunity for a full-time experienced Family Advocate , where your desire to serve will impact the lives of area families.

In this role you will be responsible for the assessment of client strengths and needs, development of individual action-oriented goal plans, and coordination of linkage and referral to community resources to assist families in quickly moving to appropriate next-step housing and promote self-sufficiency and stability.

 

Example Duties: (not in order of priority): Any one position may not include all the duties listed; nor do the listed examples include all that may be found in positions of this class.

Work with families to develop action-oriented weekly goal plans with a focus on securing appropriate next­ step housing:

• Operate from a "housing first" model.
• Implement intake and planning systems that reflect client strengths and needs, client responsibilities, and action-steps to help families achieve their goals.
• Provide budgeting and other planning assistance toward the goal of housing retention, including establishing mandatory savings plans based on family income.
• Coordinate employment and benefits services for residents of the YWCA in a manner that promotes program philosophy of Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Nurture (the EARN Model).
• Develop individualized strength-based plans designed to increase the income YWCA clients through employment, benefits, or other assistance.

Maintain. clear and precise data and case notes. including careful documentation of all relevant interactions:

• Ensure collection of required release and other documentation in a timely manner.
• Maintain system for tracking and reporting outcomes on a monthly basis.

Refer clients to partner agencies and community resources that benefit their short and long-term goals:

• Interface closely with all Family Center staff to provide superb "wrap-around" services for families.
• Gather information on potential resources for clients in the larger community, creating working relationships. and disseminating information.
• Actively participate in case review, including brainstorming with other team members toward positive client outcomes.

Incoordination with the Family Center Director of Family and Housing Advocacy:

• Maintain a schedule that meets the needs of the Housing Resources Program.
• Facilitate productive collaboration with project partners by referring clients to partner agencies and community resources that benefit their short and long-term goals.
• Actively participate in weekly Providers Administrative meetings. Contributing to Critical Case Review to develop well-orchestrated housing plans.

Create an atmosphere of safety and cleanliness for staff and client support:

• Assist in cleaning and upkeep of the Family Center.
• Thoughtfully receive information from other staff about the needs of clients.
• Assure client confidentiality.

Provide guidance and general supervision of clients while in the Family Center.

• Create and support an atmosphere of hospitality, sanctuary, and resource.
• Help with atmosphere through constructive and friendly client interaction.
• Engage families in a way that encourages stability and growth.

Assist with crisis intervention and de-escalation. Interact in a calm, professional manner with clients, volunteers, and staff.

• Model professionalism and problem-solving behavior for clients, staff, and community.
• Conduct weekly informational meeting with families reviewing rules, placement information and any changes with-in system.

Identifies opportunities for professional development and attends trainings as requested by supervisor.
Understand and promote the Mission and Vison of the YWCA that values diversity and celebrates the positive aspects of a multicultural society.
Perform other duties as required.

 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Four-year degree in Social Work or related field or equivalent experience required. 
• L.S.W. preferred. Minimum one-year experience as a primary case manager in a human services program. 
• Experience working with homeless or other vulnerable populations. 
• Experience working with at-risk families.

  Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Enthusiasm for "housing first" and "EARN" model. Dedication to excellent customer service. 
• Strong oral and written communications skills. Attention to detail important. 
• Ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations. 
• Strong time management skills required. Commitment to and aptitude for working in a team environment. 
• Valid Ohio Driver's license and access to reliable insured transportation required.

 

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 essential functions.
• While performing the duties of the jobs, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; stand; walk; use hands, handle, or feel; 
• Reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. 

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Immediate start,

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