CES Advocate

Organizational Summary

Since 1980, Maternity Care Coalition has assisted more than 140,000 families throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, focusing particularly on neighborhoods with high rates of poverty, infant mortality, health disparities, and changing immigration patterns. A family’s needs change as they go through pregnancy and their child’s first years, and we offer a range of services and programs for every step along the way. The mission of Maternity Care Coalition is to improve the health and well-being of pregnant women and parenting families and enhance school readiness for children 0-3.

Position Summary

The Community Engagement Services Advocate (CESA) is responsible for collaborating with MCC families and Advocates to identify and access services designed to support the overall health and well-being of families. The CESA provides case management support specific to resource access which may include conducting strength-based, family led assessments, providing referrals, follow-up, and any other beneficial service. The CESA attends outreach events and continually explores ways to create and maintain connections with community-based providers in MCC service areas to remain knowledgeable about available resources. The CESA will support families in MCC service areas (Philadelphia, Montgomery, Lehigh, Bucks, and Delaware Counties). Assist CESA supports the manager with completing reports, – referral logs, resource tracking, provider contacts, family contacts, development and tracking of service tracking

The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal and administrative skills; is detail oriented, self-led, consistent, resourceful, and knowledgeable about community resources This is a hybrid position requiring in office and in person work within the community.

Essential Function

• Case management support consisting of strength-based, family led assessments, providing referrals, follow-up, and any other beneficial service
• Facilitate and provide referrals to participants for requested resources and other appropriate community services
• Assist Advocates/Home Visitors with the identification and linkage to resources in support of quality service planning
• Assist the Community Engagement Services (CES) team with the identification and linkage to resources for families contacting MCC for support
• Represent MCC at outreach events, presentations, provider meetings as needed (may require evening or weekend availability)
• Research and establish partnerships with community agencies
• Assist in the development and monitoring of affiliation agreements and memoranda of understanding with needed services, resources, and community organizations.
• Assist in the creation, implementation, and maintenance of a resource database for use by MCC staff
• Maintains accurate records of staff, family, and provider contacts during service
• Routinely use MCC client databases (ETO, Sharepoint) and other Microsoft programs including E-mail, Teams, Excel, Power Point, and Word.
• Attends orientation and ongoing training sessions on maternal and child health, substance use disorder, housing, nutrition, parenting, child development, infant and family support issues and PA mandatory reporting.
• Meet with Supervisor bi-weekly for reflective supervision
• Ensures confidentiality of family records, sharing pertinent information only with the client’s written or verbal approval (exception for mandated reporting requirements)
• Support the Program Manager in maintaining and tracking service deliverables
• Assist manager with completing reports – referral logs, resource tracking, provider contacts, family contacts, development and tracking of service tracking

Other Tasks

• Adheres to the MCC’s security guidelines and ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information
• Attends relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals
• Supports with training staff on MCC community outreach protocols
• Completes special projects specific to the function of the department or as needed for the department as directed by the supervisor
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of position expectations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of MCC’s mission, goals, Theory of Change and DEIJ objectives
• Ability to work independently with a high level of energy and contribute as part of a larger team.
• Knowledge of the concepts and practices associated with community health issues and social determinants of health, particularly with pregnant people and parenting families served.
• Significant knowledge of and sensitivity to issues facing the community served.
• Experience in family management procedures for determining eligibility, assessing needs, identifying resources, making referrals, following up, and documenting interactions.
• Strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, culturally aware, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups of co-workers, community partners, families, and members of the community.
• Ability to operate a computer and use a variety of common software programs including Microsoft Office and customized databases.
• Ability to organize tasks in an efficient manner and follow-through with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Advanced, proficient, or fluent in Spanish or Creole is a plus.
• Knowledge of Berks and Chester County Resources preferred.

Experience, Education, and Licensure

• High School Diploma with 3 to 4 years' experience in social service or related field or Associate’s Degree preferred
• 3+ years’ experience providing services in the community preferred.
• Experience with community health issues/needs
• Knowledge of community, parenting, and health resources
• Valid driver’s license and driving experience