ADVOCATE III

COMMUNITY BRIDGES•SantaCruz, CA

7d•$27 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision by the Program Manager, the Advocate III provides a combination of direct human services and referrals to community members in need. The incumbent collaborates with community partners and program staff, manages a caseload of clients, collects and reports 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

BA/BS degree or higher in psychology, sociology, community studies or a related field required.
At least 2 years of experience with case management in the human service or a related field required.
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/biliterate English/Spanish required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of interactive education and training techniques
Knowledge of best practices in case management
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 build effective working relationships within a multi-disciplinary team
Ability to write clearly and concisely
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.
Works with a defined caseload of clients to assess, plan, implement, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the options and services required to meet the client's health and human service needs.
Participates in multi-disciplinary teams to coordinate client services.
Educates clients in a variety of life skills, including nutrition, parenting, and interpersonal communication; coordinates and leads support groups and classes.
Serves as a State Mandated Reporter for vulnerable populations.
May transport clients as needed.
Supports the Program Manager in a variety of areas, including drafting and reviewing documents and preparing reports as required by funders.
Collects, organizes, and records data about clients and services; enters data into a centralized system, and complies with the reporting requirements of all funders.
In collaboration with other staff, sets up and assists with the Center’s food distribution.
Plans, coordinates, and implements 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.
Trains and mentors interns and volunteers.
Assists in the training of new staff.
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.
May be required to work at other Family Resource Collective sites as needed.
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.
In accordance with the Community Bridges Customer Service Plan, provides excellent customer service to clients, colleagues, and the public.
Performs other duties as assigned.