Client Advocate

Job DescriptionJob Description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is an integral member in the operations of Brother Francis Shelter (BFS). BFS provides services to adults experiencing homelessness in a manner that facilitates safety, trust, and collaboration. CSS programs uphold the ideals of empowering participants.

BFS Client Advocates are responsible for assisting program participants with accessing and coordinating services to achieve self-sufficiency. Client Advocates support BFS guests with developing a road map for services and connecting with appropriate community resources including campus coordination with the 3rd Avenue Resource and Navigation Center. This position will be working with individuals who are experiencing homelessness and assisting them to maintain or re-establish community and individual stability.

ABOUT US

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission: We compassionately serve those in need, strengthen individuals and families, and advocate for the common good.

Vision: All Individuals and Families are Flourishing.

Impact Statement: Catholic Social Services empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all.

Guiding Principles: - Catholic Social Teachings - Reverence for humanity - Striving for excellence - Empowering personal fulfillment - Strengthening through collaboration

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT

The Brother Francis Shelter provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week and serves up to 120 male and female guests nightly in a manner that facilitates guests’ feelings of safety, trust, and collaboration. While upholding the ideals of empowering shelter guests, this highly mobile position is responsible for the general welfare and safety of all shelter guests and fellow staff members. Please go to Brother Francis Shelter - Catholic Social Services - Alaska (cssalaska.org) for more information about BFS.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Competencies: Must be able to maintain program/guest/agency confidentiality and treat every individual with dignity and respect. Ability to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries. Excellent interpersonal skills: compassion is a must. Desire to work with a variety of people, situations, and challenges to carry out the mission and purpose of the program. Excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrated leadership, dependability, maturity, creativity, discretion, initiative, and flexibility. Ability to work in a team, agency personnel, and community service providers. Ability to handle crisis situations with minimum supervision. Commitment to provide services in a manner that is welcoming and appropriate and consistent with the tenets of Trauma Informed Care. Must be SOAR Certified or able to obtain certification within 90 days of employment.

Ability to accept supervision and work with other staff and community social service workers cooperatively. Must be able to work out of different locations including homes, shelter, and in coordination with other agencies at their location. Reliable transportation required.

Skills: Basic understanding of homelessness and various characteristics of homeless adult populations. Understanding of information and referral principles and ability to work with adults experiencing homelessness. Ability to work well with people in crisis and to assess and prioritize needs. Understanding of and ability to work with a variety of community resources and partners; Ability to advocate effectively for services and those in need. Ability to accurately use Alaska Homeless Management Information System (AKHMIS), other database programs and MS Office software; Must have excellent written and oral communication skills; time management skills; ability to write clear, accurate case management notes; Ability to complete paperwork thoroughly and accurately. Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from various backgrounds and disciplines. Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of behaviors. Subscribe to philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assess clients to ensure they meet all program eligibility requirements.

Conduct assessment of program participant’s current level of self-sufficiency.

Assist program participant with developing a service plan, to include goals and objectives, based on needs identified in self-sufficiency assessment.

Provide stabilization services to ensure that individuals are eligible for housing case management in the future, including collaborating with other service providers, and following through on referrals for other needed services.

Meet with program participants regularly to develop goals, review progress, and complete follow-up tasks and services.

Work with groups and individuals on a time limited basis to develop a road map of supportive services for long-term stability.

Assist clients in identifying and fulfilling needs.

Organize or facilitate educational groups based on individual and group needs.

Provide mediation and conflict resolution for participants when needed.

Assist participants in getting connected with public benefits, specialized counseling, treatment, employment, medical and mental health services, transportation, and any other needed services.

Maintain current knowledge of and professional working with community resource and service providers.

Coordinate service provision among different providers as needed.

Thoroughly and accurately, document all meetings with program participants in accordance with agency standards.

Complete monthly statistics on case management services, provide the statistical data to the program director.

Must have valid AK driver’s license; must have own insured vehicle.

Must be willing and able to transport clients in a personal vehicle.

Must be willing to provide shelter support as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education Requirement: Associate’s degree in human services or a relevant field. Two (2) years of experience may be substituted for the required education.

Minimum Experience Requirement: One (1) year in human services, customer service, or related experience.

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment: Work is performed in a homeless shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Frequently required to sit or stand at a desk for several hours at a time. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Travel: Travel occasionally within Anchorage for training and to transport clients to appointments and other activities.

Location: 1021 E 3rd Avenue, Anchorage, AK.

Work hours between 9:00AM and 7:00PM Monday through Sunday. Schedule to be determined.
Two positions: Tuesday through Saturday & Sunday through Thursday
8 hours per day with eligibility for overtime.

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