Family Support Advocate -Full Time/ Mornings

Pay: $18.25 - $21.25 / Hourly 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.
• Attend weekly/monthly community events for FSC department.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor degree or three years’ experience working in the Human Services field.
• 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.

At People Incorporated you will find a path to endless opportunities and a rewarding career! We offer a supportive work environment, Employee Recognition Program, Professional Development, opportunities for growth as well as industry-leading wages and a comprehensive benefit package that includes:

**For employees working in benefit eligible positions only**

Available Benefits:

• 4 weeks accrued paid time off
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 403(b) savings plan
• Wellness Activities and initiatives
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Account
• FREE Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Select discounts through LifeMart (i.e., Discount movie and theme park tickets, savings on T-Mobile)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fitness Center on Site
• Discounts on Auto, Home and Renters Insurance
• Free Financial Planning/Analysis

Professional Developmental:

• Tuition Assistance Program
• Financial support with monthly student loan payments
• Reimbursement for C.N.A. Training and Licensing
• FREE DDS Certificate (Human Service)
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Degree Completion Incentive

Join us! #peoplewithapurpose

People Incorporated is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment. We are a proud equal opportunity employer that welcomes and strongly encourages all races, religions, nationalities, genders, the LGTBQIA+ community, and people with disabilities to apply. Our ability to attract and retain a talented and dedicated workforce that reflects the diverse backgrounds of those we serve is what drives our Agency’s success. We continue to promote an environment of continuous learning, inclusion, mutual respect, and belonging to ensure our employees feel valued, seen, and heard.

UNITED WAY MEMBER AGENCY

AA/EOE