Family Support Advocate

Family Support Advocate

Pay: $17-$19 based on experience

People, Incorporated is a human service agency serving the Southcoast community, including the Greater Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton areas. As a partnership of specialized, integrated programs, we provide unique opportunities to people with life challenges. Since our inception in 1968, we have been one of the largest providers of supports and services to people of all abilities in the community. Let People, Incorporated be Your Path to Opportunity!

The Family Support Center is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill the Full-Time position of Family Support Advocate. The employee serves as a member of the Family Support Center team to provide a wide range of activities and services to families who have a child or family member with a developmental disability. Guided by the Principles of Family Support, works as a partner with families to develop peer support opportunities, identify resources, develop leadership skills, and create strength-based plans for them to be successful in their community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive network of services and supports that are available within the community and attend community meetings to keep informed of community services.
• Link families to supportive services such as parent education and support, recreation, basic needs (food, clothing, childcare, employment, transportation, etc.), health and wellbeing (mental health, substance abuse treatment), and youth trauma.
• Facilitate Family Advocacy Design Sessions to help families with more intensive needs develop a family support plan that is built upon a family’s strengths and will address the family’s needs; encompasses natural resources, community services and more intensive services; and takes into account a family’s culture, beliefs, religion, and lifestyle. These meetings can take place in the family’s home, in the community, or at the center depending on what is convenient for the family.
• Provide case management to families receiving intensive service navigation including development of a family support plan, connection to services, and follow up and contact with DDS service coordinator.
• Facilitate weekly parent support groups.
• Organize all aspects of parent education opportunities both on-site and in the community including childcare, transportation, food, locations and speakers.
• Organize all aspects of family programming including child care, transportation, food, activities and speakers.
• Work collaboratively with area DDS and school department staff.
• Assist in creating quarterly newsletters and other marketing materials.
• Participate actively in program training, meetings, supervision, and evaluation as required.
• Participate in creative outreach activities as determined by the Program Manager.
• Complete documentation according to program specifications.
• Access and read Agency email account and Intranet at least weekly.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor degree or three years’ experience working in the Human Services field.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Portuguese is preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of local community-based resources for children and families.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to understand family support concepts and practices, and facilitate parent groups and family activities.
• Ability to cooperate and work in a team-building model.
• Ability to participate in and undergo extensive orientation, in-service training, and supervisory observation.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

People Incorporated offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes health, dental, 403(b),FSA, LTD, life insurance and generous accrued time off. To learn more about People Inc please visit us online at www.peopleinc-fr.org/

UNITED WAY MEMBER AGENCY