Family Advocate - Family Homelessness Prevention and Shelter Diversion at Family Promise of Wau

Family Advocate - Family Homelessness Prevention and Shelter Diversion

Waukesha, WI.

Family Promise of Waukesha County is dedicated to serving families with minor children who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. We believe in treating every individual with dignity, recognizing their ability to identify their own solutions, and helping them secure permanent housing with the proper support from the community. Our team is passionate, dedicated, and committed to maintaining high standards of service to families, volunteers, and one another.

The Family Advocate supports families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness by addressing challenges that impact their economic, physical, and emotional well‑being. Using a trauma‑informed and client‑centered approach, the Family Advocate facilitates goal‑setting, connects clients to essential resources, and supports them in navigating a path to housing independence and self‑sufficiency. This position operates in a team‑focused environment with an emphasis on prevention, diversion, sheltering, and stabilization of families with minor children.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, related field or work experience in an equivalent field.
• Experience working with families experiencing homelessness is preferred.

• Demonstrates a trauma‑informed and client‑centered approach to families.
• Superior listening, oral, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and adherence to the NASW Ethical Standards.
• Ability to set clear and appropriate boundaries with all stakeholders.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to effectively manage crises.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office products.
• Cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Commitment to advocate for and empower families.
• Maintains confidentiality and discretion.
• The ability to speak Spanish is highly preferred.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Provide direct advocacy for families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, focusing on prevention, diversion, shelter, and stabilization.
• Utilize the foundations of stability to develop individualized service plans with each family, setting measurable goals toward achieving permanent housing and independence.
• Assist families in navigating the housing market and securing stable housing.
• Connect families to community resources, such as financial assistance, healthcare, childcare, transportation and education services.
• Conduct regular home visits to ensure progress and provide ongoing support.
• Assist clients in finding meaningful and fairly compensated work.

• Maintain thorough and timely records in organizational systems, including Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Coordinated Entry.
• Provide post‑discharge support for families, maintaining regular contact for up to a year to ensure long‑term stability.
• Assist in the development and delivery of workshops and educational sessions on topics such as financial literacy, mental health, and parenting skills.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and the appropriate coordinator to make informed decisions on family service plans.
• Maintain accurate documentation of referrals, outcomes, and program data.
• Track work hours and assign to the appropriate program.
• Orient families to program requirements and expectations.

• Advocate for families within the broader community, fostering partnerships with local agencies,…