Family Advocate

Title: Family Advocate

Reports to: Associate Director of Residential Services
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Wages: $24.00 - $26.40/hour
Job Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Three (3) afternoon/evening shifts; Saturday and Sunday Day shifts – Subject to change based on program needs.

Location: Primary Site: Project Safe House (East County); Secondary Site: Hidden Valley House (North County) 

CCS Summary: Since 1969, Center for Community Solutions (CCS) has been creating safe and healthy communities with a core emphasis on the prevention and intervention of sexual assault and relationship violence. Our mission is to end relationship and sexual violence by being a catalyst for caring communities and social justice. CCS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to create an inclusive environment and a diverse workforce from all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures.

Position Summary: 

Performs work requiring specialized training and the application of moderate to significant skill and judgment within a confidential safe house/shelter environment. Responsibilities involve handling sensitive information, maintaining strict confidentiality protocols, and operating in a secure setting serving vulnerable populations. The Family Advocate is responsible for client program assessment and intake, client advocacy services, and arranging ancillary services for clients in Residential Programs, including emergency shelter, long-term housing, and support services. The Family Advocate utilizes best practices to provide client-centered, trauma-informed care to residents.

Essential Functions:

o Assist with day-to-day operations of the shelter to include the evaluation of the individual needs of the residents, including completing errands on their behalf such as grocery shopping, collecting mail from post office, and delivering items to business offices. Provide emergency support for survivors and secondary survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault both in-person and over the hotline.
o Assess the suitability and eligibility of individuals for emergency and/or long-term shelter programs.
o Conduct a needs assessment for all incoming residents to support the development of individualized goals.
o Track client progress on goal plans through regular sessions, offering advocacy and connecting them to appropriate resources as needed.
o Complete required requests, documentation, and paperwork for client financial assistance in a timely manner.
o Be responsible for distributing gift cards and petty cash to clients as appropriate and document accordingly.
o Ensure ongoing familiarization with all CCS programs and services.
o Participate in cross-training and team collaboration efforts.
o Facilitate agency-wide training for new staff and volunteers as part of our Crisis Intervention Training
o Establish and maintain relationships with community agencies.
o Complete documentation and generate reports of client and caller interactions using a digital platform, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO).
o Maintain the highest levels of accuracy in record-keeping and reporting, ensuring that all client files and documentation are complete and up to date.
o Uphold client confidentiality by safeguarding personal information and ensuring clients understand and complete all required documentation.
o Assist with unit turnover including packing belongings, throwing away trash, restocking essentials, and light cleaning.
o Follow agency protocol for maintaining timekeeping records in required formats.
o Actively participate in department-specific and agency meetings.
o Support the Hidden Valley House program as needed for coverage purposes.
o Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

Education:
o Bachelor’s degree in social science-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
o Crisis Intervention Training Certificate (or ability to obtain upon hire)

Experience:
o Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the field of family violence intervention, client services, and/or crisis intervention.
o Minimum of one (1) years’ experience working in a multi-cultural setting.

Preferred Experience:
o One (1) years’ experience in residential-based client services.
o Bilingual oral and written fluency in Spanish.

Core Competencies:
o Excellent written and oral communication skills.
o Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power point, Access).
o Organized and detail oriented with the ability to effectively multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
o Ability to maintain a proactive approach and execute all duties in their entirety.
o Must demonstrate respect and openness for cultural diversity in all its forms, including ethnicity, sexual orientation, abilities, genders and gender identities, and religious backgrounds.
o Demonstrated ability to uphold strict confidentiality and maintain professionalism at all times.
o Ability to be flexible and adaptable to program scheduling needs.

Working Environment:
100% in-person required. This job is operated in a communal housing facility. Must maintain personal cell phone for work-related purposes. Ability to work in IPV, SA, and stalking fields. Working conditions may include possible exposure to communicable diseases related to those typically found in communal housing. This position is classified as critical and essential under Public Health Authority.

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All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

CCS is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates throughout the application process and for employees during their employment. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability may submit a request to HumanResources@ccssd.org 

Salary : $24 - $26