Client Advocate

The Client Advocate serves as a key point of support for individuals accessing services through GMHC. This role provides direct client assistance, advocacy, resource coordination, and support to all GMHC clients. The Client Advocate helps clients navigate healthcare, housing, benefits, and social service systems while promoting self-sufficiency, dignity, and improved quality of life.

The Client Advocate will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide information, referrals, and linkage to medical care, mental health services, substance use treatment, housing resources, and other community-based services.
• Assist clients with applications and renewals for public benefits, including Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI, and housing assistance programs.
• Monitor client progress and conduct follow-up contacts to ensure successful service engagement.
• Support clients in crisis situations by providing immediate assistance and connecting them to appropriate resources.
• Remain informed about HIV/AIDS-related issues, community resources, and changes in public benefits and healthcare systems.

• Accurately document all client interactions and services using internal tracking systems (AWARDS).
• Participate in internal program reviews, data quality checks, and ensure compliance with funder/agency reporting standards.
• Assist in the collection of client feedback through surveys to support program evaluation and quality improvement.
• Maintain relationships with external partners to support program accessibility and success.
• Participate in team meetings, staff trainings, and collaborative planning to improve service delivery.
• Adhere to all agency and funder policies including documentation, confidentiality, communication, and conflict resolution protocols.

In addition to the above-listed job responsibilities the ideal candidate for this position possesses most or all of the following:

• Strong understanding of barriers to healthcare and entitlement access for underserved and marginalized communities.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, data-driven, performance-based environment.
• Ability to work independently and think critically to support program goals.
• Exceptional active listening skills and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally across diverse audiences.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals with chronic health conditions, HIV/AIDS, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, limited English proficiency, or lack of insurance.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently within an interdisciplinary team.
• Commitment to providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and client-centered services.
• Cultural humility and demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities, including individuals with complex health and social service needs, and LGBTQ+ populations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency, with the ability to clearly communicate complex information to clients and community partners.

• Background working with non-profit agencies, public health programs, or work on behalf of LGBTQ+ communities and/or people living with HIV is highly desirable.
• Experience with other historically marginalized communities (in a professional or volunteer capacity) is also desirable.

• High School Diploma, G.E.D., or H.S.E. or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Must be bilingual (Spanish-speaking)
• 1-2 Years of experience providing direct client services.
• Knowledge of public benefits, healthcare systems, housing resources, and…