Family Advocate bei Adopt-A-Family Of The Palm Beaches Inc

Description

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Family Advocate plays a vital role in supporting families experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing compassionate, client-centered case management. This position is responsible for conducting assessments, developing individualized action plans, and connecting families to critical resources that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency. The Family Advocate serves as both a guide and an advocate—empowering clients through education, skill-building, and direct support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Client Support & Case Management

• Conduct comprehensive intake and assessments to identify clients’ needs, available resources and challenges contributing to homelessness or housing instability
• Develop and implement individualized plans to address immediate crisis and connect clients to appropriate resources 
• Collaborate with clients to create Family Action Plans, specifying goals and actions, that promote long-term stability and independent living 
• Provide ongoing case management, including crisis intervention, goal setting, and resource navigation
• Teach essential life skills such as budgeting, financial planning, problem solving and self-advocacy 
• Maintain regular contact with families, including weekly check-ins and a minimum of one monthly face-to-face home visit (or more frequently as directed by supervisor) 
• Conduct timely follow-ups and respond to client inquiries via phone or in person 
• Ensure accurate documentation and case notes of all client interactions, assessments, program eligibility forms, including school and health impact forms. 
• Refer clients to external agencies for additional services as needed
• Adhere to all Adopt-A-Family Agency and Programmatic Policies
• Prepare and submit commitment letters to landlords as required
• Complete all supplemental documentation and release forms mandated by individual funding sources for program compliance and billing
• Distribute monthly utility allowance checks and/or donations to eligible clients

Advocacy & Client Representation

• Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, employers, creditors and community agencies
• Attend court hearings, school meetings, and other appointments to support clients and their families 
• Report any threats or incidents, including self-harm or violence, immediately and in accordance with the Incident Report Policy

Community Engagement & Collaboration

• Partner with community service providers to coordinate care and support for families
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions and community events as assigned 
• Travel throughout Palm Beach County for home visits, training, and client-related appointments 
• Conduct monthly home inspections to ensure clients are maintaining their units and address any housing concerns
• Attend community meetings and events that benefit the program and further the agency’s mission

Program Compliance & Administration

• Maintain up-to-date and accurate case notes, including contact dates, content summaries, follow-ups, referrals, and  assessments, as outlined in the Program Policy 
• Enter client data into HMIS/Client Track database in a timely and accurate manner 
• Provide required data for quarterly and bi-annual reports by designated deadlines
• Collaborate with Housing Specialists and Supervisor on lease changes, renewals, and transitions to ensure continuity of housing for clients
• Uphold all program policies and expectations related to case management  
• Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned

Training & Development

• Participate actively in all agency staff meetings, team meetings and collaborative projects to support organizational goals and build professional skills
• Understand and follow clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations to contribute effectively to departmental success
• Take initiative in learning new tasks and responsibilities that support team operations and build confidence in independent work
• Seek out opportunities for coaching, mentorship, and constructive feedback to support personal growth and career development
• Participate in professional development opportunities such as webinars, certifications, or cross-training within the organization  

Requirements

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field
• Valid Florida driver’s license with insurability

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the social work field specifically working with homeless or at-risk families 
• Strong understanding of the needs and challenges faced by homeless and low-income families
• Familiarity with local support groups and service agencies is desired
• Knowledge of community-based organizations offering social services and specialized resources for the target population is desired

Technical Proficiency

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook
• Experience with HMIS or the ability to quickly learn client database systems and software applications 
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and platforms efficiently 

Communications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to foster a welcome and supportive environment

Professional Initiative

• Highly adaptable with the ability to manage shifting priorities and meet deadlines 
• Demonstrates initiative, embraces new challenges, and supports departmental growth and innovation
• Exhibits a strong commitment to aligning with and upholding the agency’s culture and values

Working Conditions

• Local travel throughout Palm Beach County is required to conduct home visits, distribute donations, and support clients with      business-related needs (i.e. job interview, appointments for program eligibility documentation) 
• Reliable transportation required for travel throughout the service area
• Primary work is performed in standard office setting
• Hybrid work schedule eligibility may be considered following a 90-day probationary period and subject to supervisor approval 
• Position involves prolonged periods of computer use and sedentary work sitting at the computer
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend and lift over your head
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds
• Ability to climb stairs
• Ability to drive