Community Advocate

Community Action Center (CAC) is a community-based, non-profit, human services organization that provides and advocates for the basic needs of people and families throughout Rice County. Its programs create a robust safety net for low-income families and include food access, housing, employment services, clothing, emergency assistance, youth services, transportation, health care assistance, and more. CAC’s resources and staff are integral parts of their communities and include partnerships with schools, businesses, faith communities, and other organizations.

This extensive local network allows CAC to pursue community‑engaged solutions, prioritize partnerships, and collaborate with thousands of volunteers. Currently, we are looking for a Community Advocate to help support the community‑responsive work of CAC.

Community Advocate

Housing Program Manager

Non-Exempt / Hourly

$19–$22 per hour

Full Time

40 hours per week

Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm

The position of Community Advocate will support an organizational culture of a community-based, person-centered, and trauma-responsive environment. The position will respond to the unique needs of participants accessing services through our Resource Center and in the community.

CAC’s success depends on the ability of its staff and volunteers to adjust and adapt as they dynamically meet the needs of the community. Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Responsible for amplifying the voice of participants throughout the community through relational and responsive services. CAC is prioritizing innovative perspectives on empowering participants beyond typical feedback or advisory panel discussions. CAC is looking for a dynamic advocate to support CAC’s mission. Additional tasks and activities include:

• General Community Advocacy
  • Conduct intake to reflect the strengths, needs and challenges identified by individuals and families
  • Provide appropriate service coordination in response to intake, either through services within CAC or on a referral basis (this may include, but is not limited to:
    Housing resources, emergency financial assistance, safety planning, county social services, emergency food access, clothing, youth scholarships, transportation, etc.)
  • Identify service barriers and work to remove them through engagement with the community and by linking participants to formal and informal supports
  • Utilize crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills to support families in need, and maintain safety and security of resource center
  • Collect data and maintain accurate records for statistical, evaluation and funding purposes, maintaining confidentiality and participant informed choice
  • Assist participants with requests for financial assistance. Ensure request forms are completed. If a financial request is not approved, assist participants in accessing other community resources.
• MNSure Certification
  • Obtain MNsure certification through CAC
  • Guide participants in understanding, applying for, and maintaining health insurance coverage.
• Housing Resource Assistance
  • Complete housing assessments with individuals or families experiencing homelessness
  • Connect individuals and families with emergency shelter resources within CAC or externally, as well as short-term hotel placements
  • Ensure prompt case notes, documentation, and data quality within HMIS (Homeless Management Information Systems) and other organizational data and case management systems

Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission: “To promote a healthy, caring, and just community for all people through resources, advocacy and volunteer effort.”

Employ trauma-responsive, person-centered care practices to create a safe and healing space, build relationships, foster agency and invest in the long-term wellbeing of participants.

Utilize crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills to support individuals and families in need.

Follow all mandated reporting laws for vulnerable adults as well as child abuse and neglect.

Attend and…