PATH Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

40 Hours Per Week / 52 Weeks Per Year

Grade 9

Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm

JOB SUMMARY :

Provides services at the Program to Assist the Teenage Homeless (PATH) sites located in Oswego and Fulton and OCO Youth Emergency Services (YES!) Shelter. Independently provides early intervention and care management services to an assigned population and oversees project functions as assigned. Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program policies and procedures.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provides services at the Program to Assist the Teenage Homeless (PATH) sites located in Oswego and Fulton and OCO Youth Emergency Services (YES!) Shelter. Independently provides early intervention and care management services to an assigned population and oversees project functions as assigned. Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program policies and procedures.
• Provides daily contact and completes daily assessments with clients to ensure goals are completed.
• Provides direct advocacy to community providers including health providers, LDSS (SNAP, Health Insurance, PA), HUD, counselors and school personnel to ensure client’s goals are achieved. Sets up case conferencing as needed with community providers.
• Works with youth with multiple mental health diagnoses, trauma, and chemical dependency issues.
• Works through conflict resolution and escalation and managing risky behaviors with youth on a daily basis.
• Accompanies and supports youth in accomplishing plans and in communicating with other community service providers.
• Works directly with the Homeless Services Program Manager on the development of service plans for each client.
• Meets with youth to provide supportive crisis intervention, counseling, solution focused decision making and information about other systems through which they can obtain assistance.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments with each youth to determine substance abuse concerns, labor and sex trafficking risks, and life skill abilities and progress.
• Screens and makes appropriate referrals as needed for domestic violence, substance/alcohol abuse, mental, physical and oral health, child abuse and counseling.
• Advocates on behalf of the youth and provides case consultation with various community service providers based on client driven goals.
• Provides evidence-based interventions to program participants.
• Provide transportation as needed to eliminate barriers.
• Work with project partners to ensure comprehensive services are provided and data is tracked for reporting.
• Provide coverage, case management, and assistance at OCO’s YES! Shelter as needed.

Other:

• Works cooperatively and fosters effective relationships with volunteers, schools, community members, agencies and other service providers.
• Assists with screenings, trainings, monitoring, and ongoing support to volunteers and community partners;
• Assists the Homeless Services Program Manager in the completion of quality assurance task
• Maintains expertise in youth development, family development, and dynamics of homelessness, transition to independence and adulthood, and coaching skills for self sufficiency.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with community partners.

JOB REQUIREMENTS :

• Have a desire to work with individuals and families and has a thorough understanding of the family development process and the OCO Service Delivery system.
• Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated, resourceful, organized and adaptable in carrying out job duties
• Must be familiar with the geographical layout of the county and have knowledge of human service resources in the county
• Must have good oral and written communication skills and have excellent documentation and reporting skills.
• Must possess skills for complex data entry and have the ability to read and interpret complex information and manipulate data.
• Must have demonstrated ability to work with others in a warm, non-judgmental manner and be a positive role model.
• Must be able to direct the work of others, set priorities, and problem solve.
• Must exhibit professionalism, good judgment and maintain strict confidentiality with regard to client information.
• Must exhibit a detailed knowledge of regulations, services, rights and responsibilities for the population served.
• Must have the ability to work with populations with special needs, including those that may exhibit aggressive behaviors.
• Must be flexible with work schedule in order to meet the needs of the program; must participate in 24 hour on-call emergency services on a rotating basis.
• Must have acceptable health to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s license with driving record within policy and access to a properly insured, reliable vehicle for regular travel and transporting consumers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services area; and
• Must have 1 to 3 years experience with children, youth, families or a special population; OR
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.