Family Advocate

Organization

Healthier Moms and Babies is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce infant mortality and improve outcomes in our community. We provide comprehensive programs designed to educate, empower, and inspire clients to make positive changes that impact their pregnancies, their lives, and the lives of their families.

As employees of Healthier Moms and Babies, we show up, follow up, and actively choose to give a voice to those who do not have one. We educate, advocate, and empower.

At Healthier Moms and Babies, we practice:

• Bold Compassion
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Innovation

Job Purpose

Within Healthier Moms and Babies (HMB) and reporting to the Home Visiting and Intake Supervisor, the Family Advocate provides health education and case management services to low-income, high-risk pregnant women in Allen County. This position includes conducting home visits to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce infant mortality.

The Family Advocate supports Healthier Moms and Babies’ mission by promoting healthy pregnancies, strengthening families, and connecting clients to essential resources.

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Services and Case Management

• Conduct medical and social needs screenings and assessments through one-on-one interviews and make appropriate referrals.
• Meet clients in various locations including but not limited to: private homes, hospitals, clinics, and community agencies.
• Document home visits and screenings accurately and within required timeframes.
• Meet weekly with the supervisor to review cases.
• Serve as an advocate for clients and potential clients by scheduling prenatal appointments, arranging transportation, and referring to appropriate community resources.
• Distribute 50 diapers per child under age five each month to eligible clients, supporting families in meeting their basic needs.
• Provide health education and case management services; assess the needs of pregnant women and their families.
• Develop and implement comprehensive care plans to meet client needs and improve pregnancy outcomes.
• Conduct home visits weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly as required by HMB policy.

• Meet or exceed monthly benchmarks, including face-to-face client contact requirements.
• Respond to client emergencies as needed.
• Report any case that may involve “imminent harm” or “threatened harm” to a supervisor immediately. Always intervene on behalf of the child when necessary.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate tracking forms, required statistical information, and other paperwork as required, in a detailed, timely manner.
• Ensure all required documentation is entered into the agency database within required timeframe.

Health Education and Community Engagement

• Conduct prenatal health education sessions for community members and partners.
• Facilitate group education sessions, as required and necessary to meet program goals.
• Assist with Hopper Events and other community activities as needed.
• With the supervisor, collaborate with community partners to maintain an effective referral base.

Professionalism and Organizational Alignment

• Demonstrate knowledge of the social service delivery system or the ability to learn quickly.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and in a tactful, professional manner.
• Share accurate information and represent Healthier Moms and Babies in a professional manner within the community.
• Take initiative and responsibility for decisions as an individual and as a staff member of HMB.
• Maintain a positive and collaborative work environment and experience for co-workers and clients.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies, procedures, and practices; maintain proper attendance and punctuality.
• Be willing to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Utilize materials, equipment, and time in a safe, beneficial, and cost-effective manner; organize workload to complete responsibilities in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Participate in in-service training and attend conferences as required.
• Uphold ethical business practices by striving to perform in a manner that conforms to the highest standards of ethical behavior, integrity, and honesty; exhibit commitment and promote HMB’s mission, values, and vision.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Home Visiting and Intake Supervisor.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Behavioral Science, Social Work, or Human Services required.
• Coursework or a minor in drug or alcohol addiction, education, counseling, psychology, child development, family intervention, or therapeutic techniques preferred.

License/Certification

Must maintain a valid driver’s license and a vehicle for full-time business use. Employees must also maintain automobile insurance with minimum liability coverage of $300,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL) or $250,000 per person/$500,000 per accident.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of experience required.
• Experience in case management, home visiting, or maternal and child health preferred.
• Familiarity with local social service networks is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and infancy.
• Demonstrate integrity and the ability to build trusting, collaborative relationships with coworkers, clients, and community partners.
• Relate in a culturally sensitive manner to low-income clients and those from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrate a passion for excellence and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally.
• Show initiative, self-motivation, and proactive behavior.
• Possess knowledge of community agencies and social service networks; demonstrate willingness to make home visits as needed.
• Demonstrate strong conflict resolution, mediation, and problem-solving skills.
• Exhibit effective organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Exhibit teamwork while striving for excellence in client care.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and superior prioritization skills.
• Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in a changing environment.

Working Conditions

Work Environment: Approximately 80% indoors / 20% outdoors.

May involve exposure to fumes, dust, odors, gases, or infectious diseases.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting: Frequent
• Standing / Walking: Occasional
• Bending / Kneeling / Squatting / Reaching / Twisting: Occasional
• Pushing / Pulling: Occasional
• Lifting / Carrying:
• 0–10 lbs: Frequent
• 11–25 lbs: Occasional
• 26 lbs : Rarely
• Must have normal vision, hearing, touch, and smell. Taste is not required.
• Requires close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Rarely is defined as <25 percent of the time

Occasional is defined as < 50 percent of the time

Frequent is defined as >50 percent of the time occasionally