Family Advocate

Family Advocate

Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life‑changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay. We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer‑fueled community nonprofit serving families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference.

• Salary: $45,000 – $47,000
• Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, along with optional family coverage
• Pre‑treatment care is 100% covered (free) on all plans
• PTO is offered to full‑time and part‑time employees: 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually
• Option to participate in a 401(k) plan with employer match
• $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid by Metropolitan Ministries
• Employee Assistance Program
• Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Training and career development opportunities
• Discounted membership at the YMCA

The Family Advocate provides mobile case management services; evaluates and assesses immediate needs; coaches clients in developing case plans; serves as liaison between clients, community service providers, and program staff. The Advocate connects families with services and coordinates all First Hug services for families.

• Provide mobile social work services through home visits, developing case plans and directing clients to other assistance
• Maintain minimum weekly contact to track family progress
• Maintain up‑to‑date client case notes, history, and data, ensuring confidentiality
• Generate and compile client outcomes and reports within Unity and Excel for funder reporting
• Keep confidential records current in accordance with the Code of Ethics
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Coordinate with Metropolitan Ministries programs staff to ensure optimal use of services; incorporate all staff in service follow‑through
• Visit and meet with community service providers and institutions that support First Hug families
• Meet personal goals and contribute to team and organizational targets as outlined in KPIs and the annual plan; support the team in other assigned tasks; attend required staff meetings and ongoing trainings
• Support holiday tent operations as directed

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the human services field and two years of work experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Must be knowledgeable about homeless issues, experience with individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues, or willingness to pursue continuing education related to the homeless population; opportunities for certification or licensure are available.

Bilingual (Spanish) preferred. Must work within a multi‑disciplinary team; strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; dependable, mature, sensitive to cultural and individual differences; handle confidential matters professionally; work with minimal supervision yet accept direction; well organized and detail oriented.

Heart for ministry, comfort working with poor and homeless families and individuals, understanding of poverty, high maturity, sensitivity to issues of faith, culture and diversity. Knowledge of community resources available to homeless populations.

Ability to offer services where homeless families are staying (car, tent, motel, unfit housing); deescalate clients at risk of verbal or physical violence; computer literacy with Microsoft Word and Excel; oral and written communication and report writing skills.

Hearing and speaking ability for effective oral communication; physical and emotional stamina to handle job related issues and stress.

Must pass applicable pre‑employment screening and demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States.

Tampa, FL

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving individuals throughout our local communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.

Metropolitan Ministries is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 813‑209‑1083 or via email luccia