Family Advocate

PARTNERSHIP FOR STRONG FAMILIES INC•Gainesville, FL

14d•$17

About The Position

Our part-time Family Advocate is often the first point of contact for our Family Resource Center (FRC) patrons, helping to create a warm welcoming environment, completing brief needs assessments, scheduling appointments, and directing patrons to the appropriate FRC staff for assistance. The Family Advocate also provides limited hands-on assistance to patrons, such as providing food from our emergency pantry and helping with online applications. In addition, the Family Advocate manages essential front-desk duties such as answering calls, directing visitors, data entry, and keeping resource displays organized. Serving our patrons with high quality customer service is critical. This is a grant-funded position that reports directly to the Family Resource Center Manager.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED from an accredited educational facility.
One year of office experience.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of word processing and basic computer skills.
Strong intrapersonal skills.
Excellent telephone etiquette.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive data.
Knowledge of various types of office equipment (i.e., copier, fax, switchboard).
Understanding of the causes and effects of trauma and victimization and willingness to provide compassionate, trauma-informed support to individuals and families in need.
Sensitivity to cultural needs and willingness to serve as a positive member of a working team.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products.
Experience working with at-risk children and families or a social service agency.

Responsibilities

Answer incoming telephone calls and direct calls to the appropriate Family Resource Center staff; taking complete, clear messages, using high quality customer service.
Check voice mail daily and forward messages to appropriate personnel.
Greet Resource Center patrons, ensuring they are treated with dignity and feel welcomed and supported.
Provide basic assistance to patrons, including brief needs assessments, follow-up, and support with online applications or resource connections, under the guidance of the FRC Manager.
Support the Resource Center staff with data entry, reports, and patron follow-up, as needed.
Maintain organized and informative resource displays and help keep shared areas tidy and accessible.
Support community partners with meeting room setup.
Help manage conflicts and/or challenging situations under the guidance of the Resource Center Manager.
Stay familiar with Resource Center policies and procedures to effectively assist patrons and partners.
Display an understanding of, and sensitivity to, service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
Other duties and special assignments, as needed.