Bilingual Family Advocate

Special for Service Groups, INC

Job Announcement

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Title:   Bilingual Family Advocate                                          Division: HOPICS

FLSA: Full Time/Non-exempt                                                 Supervisor: Program Manager

Pay Range: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour                                     Revised: 3.10.2021.

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Summary

Under the direction of the FSC Program Manager, the Bilingual Family Advocate is responsible for completing comprehensive assessments to determine the specific basic, developmental, social, and educational needs of all children in the households receiving services through Brining Families Home, Family Solutions Center, and Family Housing Crisis Network. 

Essential Functions

• She/he will be responsible for screening referrals and coordinating assessments.
• Work collaboratively with the families and case managers to meet the needs of all the children in the household; including those who are at risk, those with special needs, and those who are gifted.
• Develop and utilize service plans, which reflect family goals, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children.
• Individualize one-to-one and group activities to reflect the unique needs and strengths of children receiving services.
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem-solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice-making.
• Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement.
• Work with appropriate agencies in developing specialized planning for children/families as needed.
• Coordinate with Regional Center to develop a collaborative approach that benefits all children in need of their services.
• Meet with participants regularly to discuss progress and barriers;
• Coordinating with other project staff and partners to provide housing placement services and supportive services to facilitate clients' successful transition to permanent housing and coordinate services to foster housing stability during and beyond the First 5 subsidy.
• Provide clients with post-discharge information and referrals for homeless prevention services and other ancillary services. 
• S/he will provide direct linkages and follow up with Homeless Liaisons at Unified School Districts in SPA 6.
• Create a partnership with both Early Head Start and Head Start Programs and assist with student enrollments.
• Work with assisting families in establishing medical homes and emphasize the importance of preventative health care for children.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate documentation in client files for service coordination/case management, housing placement, rental assistance, and move-in assistance.
• Provide clients with information and referrals for homeless prevention services; work in conjunction with First 5 and the Department of Children and Family Services.
• Provide the Program Manager with all required client information and assessment outcomes;
• Enter data into HMIS within 24 hours.
• Attend case conference meetings with case managers.
• Prepare project reports in accordance with funding requirements.
• S/he will assist in training and provide support to necessary staff, providers, and other project partners participating in the project. The case manager will participate in all mandatory program and division meetings and training, as assigned by his/her supervisor and division director. 
• Prepare reports in accordance with program requirements and Division policies.
• Facilitate Nu Parent Workshops
• Maintain files/records on client services in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other funding requirements for audit purposes.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries; and adhere to SSG’s Code of Ethics and HOPICS’ Core Values.
• Represent the Agency in a professional manner at meetings and community events.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Other duties as needed.

Secondary Functions

Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager and or Division Director. Answer phones and route incoming calls; serve as back-up to the Intake Coordinator in his/her absence.

Minimum Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Associates Degree in Social Services or other administrative, business or housing field is required from an accredited or state approved college or university, with a minimum two (2) years job related experience working with homeless individuals and families OR five years experience working in social service field.
• Case management and homeless program experience preferred. 
• If in recovery, a minimum of three (3) years of being drug and alcohol free is required. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other database programs.
• Knowledge of resource development, case management and documentation. 
• Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
• Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Clearance.
• TB test required (Not more than (3) months prior to or (7) days after the Date of Hire, and renewed annually thereafter). 
• CPR and First Aid Certification are required within 30 days of employment with the company and a valid Driver’s License and auto insurance are required.
• Reliable transportation is required. 
• Experience working with homeless families and children, DCFS as well as an experience with placing homeless families into permanent housing.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

Work conducted in an office setting.

Physical Requirements

The Staff Support Coordinator typically spends time sitting, standing, typing, thinking, writing, walking, carrying (max. 25 lbs.), listening, and speaking. Driving is required as needed.

Mental Requirements

This position will require the individual to be able to handle any/all of the following: constant

distractions, interruptions, uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules be able to process information, think and conceptualize.

Special Service for Groups is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer