ADVOCATE I

COMMUNITY BRIDGES•Watsonville, CA

6d•$23 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision by the Program Manager, the Advocate I provides a combination of direct human services and referrals to community members in need. The incumbent collaborates with program staff, collects data, and performs other duties as required to provide clients with access to resources that offer stability and hope for the future. Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Our family of ten programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life.

Requirements

AA/AS degree in Psychology, Sociology, Community Studies or a related field preferred.
At least 2 years of experience in the human service or a related field preferred.
Must be able to work at a computer for full workdays; some routine lifting and reaching required.
Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
Must have a valid CA Driver’s License, have access to drive a motor vehicle incidental to the performance of the work, and be insured.
Must pass a criminal background check and maintain a clean record.
Advocates who transport clients must pass a pre-employment drug screen and comply with periodic testing for drug use and alcohol misuse.
Bilingual English/Spanish required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures, including filing, record keeping and gathering of detailed information.
Knowledge of social service programs and other community resources, as well as their eligibility and enrollment requirements.
Knowledge of the particular challenges facing at-risk populations and best practices for helping them overcome those challenges.
Knowledge of effective outreach and marketing principles and practices.
Ability to manage competing priorities.
Ability to maintain organized, accurate information and records.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
Ability to work independently and with a team.
Ability to use a computer, including word processing, email, and data management programs, as well as other ancillary office equipment.
Ability to recognize confidential information and maintain it appropriately.
Ability to identify strengths and underlying needs in individuals, families, and communities.

Responsibilities

In rotation with other staff, greets clients over the phone and in person, assesses their needs, and provides them with information and/or referral to any relevant services; maintains a database of current community resources and services.
Helps clients obtain, complete, and submit applications and forms for a variety of services, including housing, health insurance, education, employment, and others.
Provides immediate, short-term assistance to clients in crisis.
Provides basic life skills education.
Follows up on referrals and applications as necessary.
In collaboration with other staff, sets up and assists with the Center’s food distribution.
May transport clients as needed.
Collects, organizes, and records data about clients and services; enters data into a centralized system, and complies with the reporting requirements of all funders.
Assists with all aspects of community events hosted by the Center.
Performs outreach to raise program visibility in the community—represents the program at events, distributes informational material, and maintains contact with other relevant organizations and government bodies.
Completes all training requirements, including maintaining any accreditation, as required by Community Bridges and its funders; engages in ongoing training and development to ensure effective programming.
Attends all required staff meetings.
Serves as a State Mandated Reporter for vulnerable populations.
Communicates and works effectively and respectfully with people from different racial, ethnic and cultural groups and from different backgrounds and lifestyles; demonstrates a knowledge of and sensitivity to their needs.
Will work with specialized populations that may include the homeless, foster families, youth on probation, and others.
Develops and maintains positive community relationships with clients, coworkers, supervisors, partners, stakeholders, and the public.
Assists in the training of new staff, interns, and volunteers through job shadowing.
In accordance with the Community Bridges Customer Service Plan, provides excellent customer service to clients, colleagues, and the public.
May be required to work at other Family Resource Collective sites as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.