Family Advocate

Family Advocate

If you're looking to transform the lives of poor and homeless men, women, and children in your community, we may have a job for you. Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay. We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit. At Metropolitan Ministries, we serve families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference.

What we offer:

• Salary: $45,000-$47,000.
• Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, along with family coverage if you choose to purchase it.
• Preventative care is 100% covered (free) on all plans.
• PTO is offered to full-time and part-time employees.
• 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually.
• Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match.
• $15,000 in 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 membership at the YMCA.

Job Functions: The Family Advocate provides mobile case management services; evaluates and assesses immediate needs; coaches clients in the development of case plans; functions as a liaison between clients, community service providers and program component staff. In addition, the Family Advocate connects families with services and coordinates all First Hug services for families.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide mobile social work services (home visits) to First Hug families, developing a case plan, coordinating all First Hug services for families, and directing clients to other areas of assistance.
• Maintain minimum weekly contact to track family's progress.
• Maintains up to date client case notes, history, and data, utilizing best practices to keep client information confidential.
• Generates and compiles client outcomes and reports within Unity and Excel for reporting to funders for program.
• Keep confidential records up to date and according to the Code of Ethics.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Coordinate with all Metropolitan Ministries programs staff to ensure each service will be utilized to best meet the needs of the family. Incorporate all staff in follow-through of service utilization.
• Visit and meet with community service providers, service organizations and institutions which prove beneficial to the maintenance of First Hug families.
• Meet personal goals and actively contributes to the achievement of team and organizational targets/goals as stated on the KPI and in the annual plan. Support team in other tasks as assigned. Attend all required staff meetings and on-going trainings.
• Support the holiday tent operations as directed. Support the team in other tasks as assigned.

Requirements:

Education and Experience: A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in the human services field and two years of work experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Must be knowledgeable about homeless issues, with experience working with individuals with mental health/substance abuse issues and/or be willing to seek continuing education related to the homeless population with opportunities for certification or licensure.

Skill Requirements: Bilingual (Spanish) preferred. Must be able to work within a multi-disciplinary team framework; strong interpersonal skills; strong oral and written communications skills; dependability; demonstrates maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients served; ability to handle job related matters in a professional, diplomatic, and confidential manner; willing to work with minimal supervision, yet be able to accept direction; well organized and detail oriented.

Requires heart for ministry and comfort working with poor and homeless families and individuals. Requires understanding of poverty, a high degree of maturity, strong inter-personal skills and the ability to work with low socio-economic and diverse populations facing crisis situations in a professional and diplomatic manner. Knowledge of community resources available to homeless population. Must demonstrate maturity and sensitivity to issues of faith, culture, and other sources of diversity. Ability to work as part of a team within a multi-disciplinary framework.

Ability to offer services where homeless families are staying (car, tent, motels, and housing not fit for habitation). Ability to deescalate clients on the edge of verbal or physical violence. Ability to work as part of a team within a multi-disciplinary framework. Demonstrates computer literacy with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Requires oral and written communication skills and the ability to write reports and conduct and participate in meetings.

Physical Requirements: Hearing and speaking ability, which allows for effective oral communication; physical and emotional stamina to effectively handle job related issues and stress.

Other: Must pass applicable pre-employment screening and demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving individuals throughout our local communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances. Metropolitan Ministries is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io.