Advocate – Temporary

REPORTS TO: Director of Transitional Housing

GENERAL FUNCTION: Provision of direct casework to former foster youth and support with daily operations and outreach for the Transitional Housing Program.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education and experience:

Master’s Degree in social work, counseling, psychology, child development, education, or equivalent degree in human services or behavioral science as determined by the Department

Or a Bachelor’s Degree in a human services or a behavioral science from an accredited school with an approved exception from Community Care Licensing

Minimum of two years’ experience in a public or private child welfare social services setting

At least three semester units or 100 days field practice or experience in a public or private social service agency setting

At least nine semester units related to children and families or 18 months experience working with children and families

At least three semester units working with minority populations; or six months of experience working with minority populations; or six months in-service training working with minority populations within the first year of employment as a condition of employment

Strong understanding of TAY development, the effects of trauma, California Title 22 regulations and San Diego County private/public social service agencies.

Must be proficient in English and have clear written and verbal communication skills.

Strong time-management, organizational, interpersonal and interviewing skills.

Ability to work independently and comply with a flexible schedule to meet participant needs is required.

Competency in MS Office and Outlook.

CPR/1st Aid (including pediatric) certificate required.

Must have clear DMV report, reliable transportation with auto insurance, and be approved to drive by the agency’s insurance carrier.

Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, health exam and TB test.

Federal Clearances (FBI, DOJ and CACI) are required.

Must have the physical ability to participate in activities and perform related physical skills, including, but not limited to, crouching, lifting 50 pounds, crawling on hands and knees, and walking up and down stairs.

MAJOR JOB SEGMENTS: Program

Delivers direct case management services to program participants.

Delivers group education and support to program participants in formal monthly groups and/or makes connections and arrangements for guest educators.

Delivers individual education and support to participants as a follow-up to group curriculum for transitional youth needing intensive education and support in specific areas.

Adheres to county contract requirements and state Title 22 regulations.

Collects data required for County’s Monthly Progress Report for participants on caseload and provides to Director of Transitional Housing.

Assists Director of Transitional Housing with required outcome monitoring.

Assists with required agency and County database entry and reports.

Assists Director of Transitional Housing with linkage to outside educational, financial, health, mental health, and employment resources.

Provides outreach and presentations to referral sources regarding program services.

Initiates connections with outside educational, financial support, health, community and employment resources to facilitate delivery of services.

Facilitates development and maintenance of community partnerships.

Shares information with program staff and participants on community resources.

Interfaces with maintenance staff and apartment management staff.

Oversees community service activities of participants.

Provides initial and ongoing training to volunteers/Mentors in conjunction with Human Resources staff and Director of Transitional Housing.

Refers and interfaces with mental health professionals as needed by participants.

Completes case plan follow-up activities with participants.

Serves as alternate staffing during absences/vacations as needed.

Assists with roommate mediation and education to resolve or prevent roommate issues.

Rotates with other Advocates and Director of Transitional Housing to be the 24/7 on-call staff for seven consecutive days. While on call, must be able to arrive to the New Directions Oceanside office within 30 minutes for emergency support.

Meets with each client on their assigned case load at least one time per week and enters each client’s apartment at least 1 time per week, unless otherwise stated in an approved Needs and Services Plan.

Will complete all intake assessments/documents by required deadlines.

Maintain written documentation, including client case notes, at the clinical standard of the field and enter all documentation into agency and County database on a weekly basis.

If applicable to education and experience, provide individual and/or counseling services to program participants.

Assists with apartment moves and cleaning of apartments as needed.

Carryout program services within budget guidelines.

Maintains cash and supply controls.

Submits expense reports and mileage expense reports to Director of Transitional Housing.

Other

Collaborates with supervisor to assure delivery of casework services in compliance with contract, including reports and database input.

Attends supervision and program meetings as required.

Participates in overall program development, strategies for growth and evaluation.

Assures that volunteer resources are used effectively within the program.

Implements policies, goals, priorities, standards, and procedures as developed by staff and approved by the Board of Directors.

EFFECT ON END RESULTS: This position assures the professional, thorough, efficient, case management and office functions in support of the program site.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonable related duties as assigned by his/her supervisor. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised if deemed necessary. This job description is not a written contract.