Family Advocacy Case Manager

About us:

People Serving People is the largest and most comprehensive emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness in Minnesota and a dedicated leader in homeless prevention. If you want to help transform communities and see families thrive, then People Serving People is the place for you.

What do we need:

The primary focus of this position is to follow the mission of People Serving People’s Advocacy Program which is “to provide opportunities for stability to families through support, education, and referrals.” The Family Advocacy Case Manager is responsible for serving a caseload of families through building rapport and trust with them while assessing their individual needs. The Family Advocate works with families to identify a plan from shelter towards housing and complete next steps to reach that goal. The Family Advocacy Case Manager performs an initial orientation with families through which the family’s needs are assessed, an action plan is implemented, and connections to service providers are created. This action plan focuses on goals towards stable housing, income, and well-being. The Family Advocacy Case Manager then follows up with the family on the goals set at the orientation and reassesses their needs and next steps. The Advocacy Team uses strength-based practice and motivational interviewing with the families at People Serving People to affirm the guest’s strengths and help them realize their own potential. Candidates with lived experience with homelessness or high mobility or person of color or American Indian are encouraged to apply.

*Please note: This is an in-person role without the ability to work remotely.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a case load of Shelter families and potentially Supportive Housing Residents, including keeping up to date on required paperwork from the county and state level, meeting with the residents to work towards self-identified goals, and support residents while staying in shelter.
• Meet with families before, during and after their stay (frequency depends on family’s needs) to help the family work on goals towards housing.
• Listen to and offer support to residents while working with them on next steps and solutions.
• Utilize translation services to effectively communicate with individuals who speak languages other than English.
• Write referrals for resources and services.
• Assist families with employment needs (Examples: resume, cover letter, job searching, etc.)
• Make phone calls on behalf of clients.
• Advocate in-person on behalf of clients (Example: meetings with other service providers) as needed.
• Communicate effectively with other service providers to coordinate the best service for the client.
• Understand and follow Trauma Informed Care principles.
• Address concerns from other PSP staff and outside agencies directly to the family involved and work with the family to create a solution.
• Recognize needs for mental/chemical health services and coordinate with Mental and Chemical Health Coordinator onsite.
• Use creative problem-solving skills to come up with solutions for a variety of concerns/issues/situations that come up with families.
• Provide some material needs under emergency circumstances (Examples: clothing, stamps, tokens, envelopes, baby supplies, etc.).
• Organize and accurately keep track of records regarding the family while entering these records in a timely matter into the CRM database and HMIS.
• Assist with monthly statistics on usage of Advocacy services and outcomes.
• Follow Mandated Reporting guidelines.
• Understand the MN Data Privacy Laws and obtain releases from families prior to speaking about them with other service providers.
• Assist with onsite services provided by the Advocacy staff (Examples: dental services, support groups, family activities, etc.).
• This position will primarily function out of our Fed Plaza shelter location, however providing Advocacy supports at other People Serving People shelters will occasionally be required.
• Attend team meetings, trainings and in-services.
• Rare weekend duties may be required. Advanced noticed would be given.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Advocacy Services Manager.

Pay and Benefits:

• $28.75 per hour
• Full-Time, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with employer contribution at 6 months.
• Competitive PTO program.
• Reduced cost parking or metro pass.
• Cellphone reimbursement.
• Reduced childcare rates.
• Financial wellness benefit.
• The chance to make a real difference in the community.

Requirements :

Education Preferred:

• 4 year degree in social work, psychology, sociology, human services or closely related field. Relevant experience will also be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Highly competent with Microsoft software including Outlook, Word, Excel, and the Office365 suite of applications including Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
• Experience using Salesforce and the Homeless Management Information System is desired.

Other Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience providing culturally responsive services to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Two or more years of experience working with families or individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or other barriers to stability, or in a closely related human services field.
• A valid, Class D driver’s license required.