Family Advocate

Metropolitan Ministries•Tampa, FL

1d•$44,000 - $48,000

About The Position

The Family Advocate provides mobile case management services to First Hug families, assesses immediate needs, coaches clients in developing case plans, and serves as a liaison among clients, community service providers, and program staff. The role connects families with services and coordinates all First Hug services. Metropolitan Ministries is a community nonprofit serving families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Hernando counties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and two years of work experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Knowledge of homelessness issues and experience working with people with mental health or substance abuse issues, or willingness to pursue related continuing education and opportunities for certification or licensure.
Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team framework.
Strong interpersonal, oral communication, and written communication skills; ability to write reports and conduct and participate in meetings.
Dependability, maturity, sensitivity to cultural and individual differences, and ability to handle job-related matters professionally, diplomatically, and confidentially.
Willingness to work with minimal supervision and accept direction; strong organization and attention to detail.
Comfort working with poor and homeless families and individuals; understanding of poverty and ability to work professionally with low-socioeconomic and diverse populations facing crises.
Knowledge of community resources available to people experiencing homelessness.
Maturity and sensitivity regarding faith, culture, and other sources of diversity.
Ability to provide services where homeless families are staying, including cars, tents, motels, and housing unfit for habitation.
Ability to de-escalate clients at risk of verbal or physical violence.
Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Hearing and speaking ability sufficient for effective oral communication, and physical and emotional stamina to handle job-related issues and stress.
Must pass applicable pre-employment screening and demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide mobile social work services, including home visits, to First Hug families; develop case plans, coordinate First Hug services, and direct clients to other assistance.
Maintain at least weekly contact with families to track progress.
Keep client case notes, histories, data, and confidential records current and consistent with best practices and the Code of Ethics.
Generate and compile client outcomes and program reports in Unity and Excel for funders.
Maintain professional boundaries.
Coordinate with Metropolitan Ministries program staff and support follow-through to ensure services meet family needs.
Visit and meet with community service providers, organizations, and institutions that benefit First Hug families.
Meet personal goals and contribute to team and organizational targets and goals in the KPI and annual plan.
Support the team with other assigned tasks.
Attend required staff meetings and ongoing training.
Support holiday tent operations as directed.

Benefits

Salary of $44,000–$48,000.
Affordable group health, vision, and dental coverage, with optional family coverage.
Preventive care covered at 100% on all plans.
11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually.
Option to participate in a 401(k) plan with employer match.
$15,000 employee life insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries.
Employee Assistance Program.
Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Training and career development.
Discounted YMCA membership.