Family Support Advocate

The Family Support Advocate (FSA) will work with residential clients to provide general support and supervision throughout their stay, as well as augmenting the work of the Case Managers and Child Advocate by assisting with developmental and planned activities relating to the families. The FSA will model healthy interaction and communication styles to encourage positive interaction between clients and between each mother and her child(ren). The Family Support Advocate will interact with clients and staff following a trauma informed care approach and when required use motivational interviewing and de-escalation techniques when working with clients. The FSA must be comfortable holding clients accountable for their actions and adherence to policies and procedures. Must have a commitment to the agency’s pro-life mission.  

Schedule: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday evenings (20-22 hours)

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (or related field) with a minimum one-year experience in social service field working directly with clients in a trauma-informed environment; or Associates Degree in Social Work with commensurate experience.

Experience: Minimum of three years’ experience in social services field working directly with clients in a trauma-informed environment. Detailed knowledge of and experience working within a trauma-informed care service delivery environment is required. Demonstrated practical experience in motivational interviewing and de-escalation techniques is also required. Experience working with clients having a substance use disorder preferred.

Skills and Abilities: Excellent organizational, communication and computer/database skills; detail-oriented, ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.

Other: Must have valid driver’s license with current vehicle insurance. Must be self-motivated and passionate about the Agency’s pro-life mission.

Physical Requirements: Ability to climb and descend stairs; ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

Essential Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

• Establishing and maintaining professional, therapeutic relationship with clients. 
• Interacting with clients and staff using trauma informed care language and methods
• Helping to orient new clients to house procedures, programs, expectations, and responsibilities 
• As necessary, conducting phone screening of potential clients using Shelter Call Form and making appropriate referrals if applicable.
• Working cooperatively as a team member with all staff.
• Maintaining open communication with supervisor and other staff members.
• Assisting clients in accomplishing her goals as may be as requested. 
• Helping ensure the physical safety and security of the building by reporting concerns to COO and following safety protocols. Setting alarms at designated times. 
• Addressing in the moment client concerns or issues arising between clients. 
• Records pertinent shift activities in logbook.  
• Maintaining knowledge of and encouraging adherence to expectations in Handbook including curfew, smoking, cell phone use and mandatory meal attendance.
• Dispensing supplies to clients and recording such in logbook. 
• Providing transportation in OLI vehicle for clients as may be needed.
• Records donations dropped off at the Inn following established procedure. 
• Inspecting client completed household responsibilities to ensure completion in timely manner; and working with clients who need additional support in completing household responsibilities. 
• Attending all bi-monthly staff meetings.
• Providing input to program team regarding clients’ interactions, compliance with expectations and making recommendations for needed resources, supports or interventions.
• Working in collaboration with case managers to support clients in activities around goal achievement.
• Working in collaboration with the Child Advocate to support child-centered development group activities during established schedules.
• Ensuring policy and procedures related to client medication storage and observation is followed.
• Perform client drug screening as directed.
• Additional tasks and duties as assigned.