Family Advocate

CROSS Services is a non-profit 501(c)(3) social services organization. We assist Minnesota families and individuals in need, with an emphasis on ending hunger through access to healthy food. In addition, we support Rogers, Maple Grove, Osseo, Corcoran, Dayton, and Champlin communities of Minnesota with additional services and referral support to help navigate financial hardship.

Title
:
Family Advocate

Schedule
:
Full-time, non-exempt

Pay
: $23.00 – $27.00 per hour

Apply: Send Resume and Cover Letter to HR

The Family Advocate will work directly with families and individuals seeking assistance from the food shelf and social service programs. This role involves assessing needs, connecting clients with resources, and supporting them in achieving stability and long-term goals. The advocate serves as a liaison between CROSS Services and the families, ensuring they receive holistic support in food security, financial assistance, enrichment programs for children, and referral resources.

Client Support and Advocacy:

• Welcome and conduct intake assessments for families visiting the food shelf and accessing social services programs.
• Provide families with information about available services such as food assistance, financial assistance, employment resources, and enrichment programs for children.
• Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with families, outlining goals and steps to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Manage, lead, and implement programs like Peace of Mind financial assistance program, CROSS-Over enrichment programs for children and Peaceful Dreams providing beds for our families, along with coordinating with community partners.
• Advocate on behalf of families with external agencies and organizations to ensure they receive necessary services.
• Partner and support client intake at the front desk and the facility program experience.

Referral and Resource Coordination:

• Collaborate with other social service providers to ensure comprehensive support for families.
• Maintain a network of local and regional service organizations to ensure quick referrals for clients.

Case Management and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of clients, documenting services provided, case notes, and progress towards goals.
• Conduct follow-up with families to track progress and offer continued support to ensure program success.
• Collect data for CROSS Services on client outcomes and resource utilization.

Outreach and Community Engagement:

• Participate in community outreach activities to raise awareness of the food shelf and social service programs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to broaden the reach of services.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience in social services, case management, or community advocacy.
• Knowledge of food insecurity issues and available resources within the community.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in maintaining confidential records and data management.
• Preferred Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Skills, Education, and

Competencies:

• Empathy and a client-centered approach to service.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Preferred familiarity with local social service agencies, rent assistance, employment, and public assistance programs.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook Office Suite, calendars and email communication

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee will need to be able to articulate, hear and be heard across phone lines. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to…