Family Advocate -Community Se

Job Reports To: Program Manager

Job Summary:

Incumbent is responsible for assisting customers with applying for social and economic assistance. Evaluates and coordinates distribution of social, financial or health services programs.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:

• • Interview customer to assess status and determine eligibility for various social and economic programs. Explain various assistance programs and services available to customers.
  • Assess the immediate needs of customers in emergent situations, authorize necessary actions in regard to changes in the customers circumstances and direct the customer to the appropriate assistance program(s).
  • Obtain and review necessary data, documentation and verification for each assistance program as it relates to the recipients' specific circumstances.
  • Refer customers to both mandatory and optional services, in addition to other agencies, as needed.
  • Compile customer information/documents to enter into the database and file in the appropriate location.
  • Research and develop relationships with other social and economic assistance programs with the goal of creating a partnership to better serve customers.
  • Detect discrepancies and clarify data through telephone inquiries, correspondence and interviews.
  • Work within time frames and deadlines which are dictated by program requirements.
  • Conduct interviews to determine initial eligibility for financial benefits based on a predetermined scale.
  • Maintain awareness of the programs guidelines in relation to accuracy and completeness.
  • Recruit, retain, and supervise volunteers for the center.
  • Oversee all aspects of monthly food distribution.
  • Work cooperatively with other employees and supervisors to prepare and submit monthly reports as needed, or as requested by the Community Service director.
  • Conduct job skills assessments for customers, assist with resume writing and other soft skills training
  • Provide information in regard to the various assistance programs to the community, partners and clients.
  • Attend monthly community collaboration meeting.
  • Track progress of households served by the program.
  • Develop Pathway Plans/goals for customers.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Director.

Essential Mental Functions:

Knowledge of State and Federal policies and regulations related to social, financial and health programs, as well as, principles and practices of program planning and evaluation.

Knowledge of current social and economic problems related to clientele, principles of community organization and public administration and program consultation.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, as well as, good interpersonal skills required

Basic to intermediate proficiency with the MicroSoft Office Suite (Word, Excel & Outlook) required

Valid drivers license and proof of state-mandated auto insurance required

Essential Physical Functions:

Incumbent is regularly required to walk, sit, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. Occasionally required to stand, climb, balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Regularly lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to twenty five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equipment Used:
Personal vehicle and office equipment such as computers, telephone system, calculators, fax machines and copy machines.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Bachelors Degree preferred, with major study in social science, public administration or business administration.
• Three years of directly related experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.