POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Parenting Resource Center, Inc. (PRC), a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through resources, services, and prevention education to promote healthy, safe lifestyles for families within communities. The Welcome Center is a multicultural program that welcomes newcomers, supports them in their transition into the community, and provides access and opportunities for self-sufficiency. The Language and Social Services Advocate serves as a bicultural/bilingual liaison and advocates to address the individualized needs of the clients they serve. The advocate will facilitate communication between other social service agencies, providers, and community at large through overseeing Language Service requests. The Advocate will assist with community programming aimed at improving the quality of life of the organization’s clients and creates exposure of the diversity in Austin. Additionally, the Advocate will be tasked to interpret or translate as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Demonstrates (through words and actions) belief that all individuals can be successful and be willing to work to remove barriers for clients to ensure success for all participants.

2. Understands any stressors, including the psychosocial stressors that refugees and other newcomers may experience.

3. Understands, or shares, diverse cultural values such as trust, familism, and personalism.

4. Assists families in transition by providing information on housing, medical, educational, employment, public assistance, language support, hunger and other community resources/services; assist individuals with application processes.

5. Advocates for clients by offering appropriate feedback, referrals, and regularly checking in with the families to answer questions, share information about health, education, share economic opportunities and access to opportunities.

6. Records, confirms and processes language service requests.

7. Maintains completed documentation and update case files.

8. Provides billing reports to the Financial Manager as needed per financial contracts.

9. Creates trauma informed environment within the program.

10. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information, may organize and schedule program registrations.

11. Attends community meetings, gaining understanding of community resources and networking with supports in SE MN.

12. Develops and maintains familiarity of available community services and programs to support the needs of clients.

13. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with communities and service organizations and represents the Parenting Resource Center through community participation.

14. Coordinates use of facilities for program activities.

15. Provides a safe environment for all participants.

16. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Responds to all client, community and partner inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.

17. Communicates the mission, vision, and values of the Parenting Resource Center to everyone who encounters the program and organization.

18. Have a flexible schedule. Be able to work evening/weekends when services are provided, if needed.

19. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two year degree in a human services field or a high school diploma and one year of relevant experience in program implementation, case management and/or experience working with children and families.
• Possess strong, effective interpersonal and communication skills.

3. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email, and electronic calendar; proficiency in basic computer use.

• Ability to handle and keep confidential information.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Solid organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a related Human Service degree.
• Two years of experience providing social services.
• One year of experience working with children and families.
• Typical requirements within 60 days of hire include: completion of: CPR; First Aid; and AED certifications.
• Fluent in English with the ability of speaking Karenni, Karen and/or Burmese is considered an asset.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:

1. CPR, First Aid and AED certification upon hire or within 60 days of hire

2. Must pass a state criminal background check

3. Must have a valid driver's license

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $37,440.00 - $39,520.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Austin, MN 55912: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person