Family Advocate - ECE

Job Description

Job Description

The Family Advocate provides case management services to families enrolled in Our House Services. The Family Advocate's primary responsibility is to complete intakes, program eligibility and enrollment, engage in recruitment, create goals in collaboration with families to help define their needs, and develop individual family plans to support them throughout enrollment. While engaging in recruitment activities, the Family Advocate will work towards creating community partnerships with other organizations and establish a referral list to ensure that families can access the services needed.

The Family Advocate is primarily responsible for the intake and assessment of families into the Family Services program, documenting each case appropriately and providing appropriate supportive services to meet each family. The Family Advocate will work with families to identify needs in collaboration with the client to set goals that allow for additional stability and access to needed resources including early education services, medical care, housing resources and work force development. goal setting, resource connection and ongoing support while in the program. The Family Advocate will also develop community partnerships and coordinate with other organizations and agencies, to develop a well-rounded referral base and provide necessary follow-up to ensure the required services have been received.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Eligibility and Enrollment

Family Advocates are responsible for completing eligibility and enrollment for their assigned program which entails:

• Supporting clients who call in for access to our programs.
• Meet with families to complete enrollment paperwork.
• Collect required eligibility paperwork.
• Complete all required data entry.

Case Management

• Carries a caseload of 40 families.
• Complete needs assessments with each family to determine the current and ongoing needs of the family.
• Meets with families weekly or monthly depending on assigned program and needs of the families.
• Utilizes various interventions to help the family achieve their goals in areas such as housing, education and job training, employment, health care and other identified needs.
• Provides ongoing support to each family enrolled in the program.
• Works with clients in establishing short- and long-term goals and objectives.
• Provides conflict resolution, problem solving, planning and life skills development support to all clients on the caseload.
• Meets with clients regularly to ascertain progress and determine additional needs.
• Adheres to strict boundaries and professional ethics in the care of others.
• Coordinates and facilitates group events, including parent, community and psycho-educational meetings.
• Ensures effective service delivery by coordinating work with other case managers from other agencies serving the client.
• Works with other Family Services staff to consistently update information and contacts with other community organizations providing services and resources to the families.
• Builds positive working relationships with other community organizations and resources.
• Provides clients with appropriate community referrals and follow-up to assess their effectiveness.
• With the other Family Services staff, evaluates the need for program changes and additions, and, under the direction of the Senior Director of Housing and Family Services, works to implement agreed upon changes/growth.
• Participates in interagency and external collaborative efforts and community groups as requested.

Housing Assistance, Referrals, Groups

• Develop case plans with each family using empirical goals and measurable outcomes.
• Works closely with the client’s external housing case manager and visit housing placement, if necessary and appropriate.
• Works with clients to assess barriers to housing and refer clients to appropriate community resources, as needed.
• Assist clients with housing applications, government and health care assistance applications and other applications for resources.
• Coordinates transition to permanent housing as needed.
• Partners with other Family Advocates to provide support and educational groups.

Maintaining Client Records and Data Entry

• High level of accuracy and commitment to entering data is required.
• Completes intakes and exits with families for program enrollment and discharge.
• Maintains accurate documentation of service objectives, interventions, and outcomes, and other services in accordance with Federal, State, County, and other guidelines.
• Maintains and enters data into assigned software systems: HMIS/Penelope/ GoEngage, and other internal or required data collection systems.
• Assists with the compilation and tracking of grant delivery and report deliverables.
• Assists with grant reporting requirements as needed and assists with data “clean-up” and tracking.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform. Duties and responsibilities can be changed, expanded, reduced or delegated by management to meet the business needs of Our House.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Social Work e or related field required.
• Master's degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minium of one year of experience working with families in need of support required.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience preferred.

Schedule Requirements:

• In-office, 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
• Occasional overtime may be required during peak periods.
• This role may occasionally require evening and weekend availability to support events, deadlines, and organizational priorities.

Skills:

• Exceptional Interpersonal Skills: Particularly skilled at forming positive connections with children, families, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Strong Management and Organizational Abilities: Proficient in effective management, organization, and strategic planning, with the capability to multitask independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent Communication Proficiency: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient Computer Skills: Skilled in using Microsoft Office suites and other complex software systems related to the role.
• Exemplifies the values of Our House through teamwork, positive guidance of others, and professionalism.
• Actively seeks solutions and offers suggestions and ideas to assist in solving broader organizational challenges.
• Provides a model of professionalism that includes professional attire, timeliness, high levels of accountability active listening, ability to offer empathy to staff and families, and a commitment to the mission of the organization.
• Models a commitment to their own professional growth through being a lifelong learner.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Prolonged sitting and typing are required.
• Regular use of hands and arms to operate standard office equipment.

Health Requirements:

• Proof of Tuberculosis (TB) test clearance required prior to employment.
• Must comply with any additional health screenings or vaccinations required by Our House or other regulatory agencies.

Work Environment:

• Team-oriented environment with regular communication across departments.
• Fast-paced, collaborative, and service-oriented, supporting both internal staff and organizational initiatives.

Salary Requirement:

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual salary offered is determined by considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, and certifications or other professional licenses held.

At Our House, Inc., we are game changers. Our education programs for children and adults meet the gold standard – both NAEYC accredited, and Quality Rated. Our shelter is the only one of its kind in metro Atlanta, giving the most vulnerable families – homeless families with newborns – a place specifically designed for them to thrive. We want only the best for the families we serve so we can end the cycle of homelessness for good. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. For more information about Our House visit