Advocate

Jewish Family Children's Services of the Suncoast; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Family Children's Services of the Suncoast recruits an Advocate to act as a frontline leader, mentor, and coach for men, guiding them toward purpose and accountability.

Advocates lead group sessions and provide one-on-one guidance focused on fatherhood, relationships, personal growth, and economic stability, helping men break through barriers and follow through on commitments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, education, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in facilitation, coaching, case management, or direct service work.
• Experience working with adult men and families.
• Proficient in English; Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead evidence-based workshops on fatherhood, healthy relationships, and personal development for groups of up to 25 men.
• Provide individual coaching through goal setting, problem-solving, referrals, and consistent follow-up.
• Dedicate at least 20% of work time to outreach and recruitment.
• Work closely with staff and community partners to connect participants with services including employment, financial literacy, parenting and relationship education, mental health, and domestic violence education.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, services, and progress; participate in CQI and program evaluation efforts.
• Maintain flexibility for occasional evenings and local travel.

Skills

Leadership presence

Facilitation

Coaching

English & Spanish

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

About the Program:

The Ignite program is built by and for men who want to step up for themselves, their families, and their communities. We work alongside fathers and men at every stage of life to strengthen relationships, build practical parenting skills, and create pathways to stable work and financial independence.

Through hands-on workshops, straight-talk coaching, and strong community partnerships, this program helps men become dependable leaders in their homes, positive role models for their children, and contributors to stronger neighborhoods.

Job Summary:

The Advocate is a frontline leader, mentor, and coach. This role works directly with men, meeting them where they are and helping them move forward with purpose and accountability.

Advocates lead group sessions and provide one-on-one guidance focused on fatherhood, relationships, personal growth, and economic stability. You’ll help men break through barriers, set real goals, and follow through on commitments.

Success in this role requires presence, confidence, consistency, and the ability to build trust through honesty and respect. Advocates know how to challenge men without judging them and support growth without lowering expectations. If you believe men grow best through accountability, encouragement, and clear direction, this role is for you.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Group Leadership & Coaching

• Lead evidence-based workshops on fatherhood, healthy relationships, and personal development for groups of up to 25 men.
• Create a space where men feel respected, heard, challenged, and motivated.
• Confidently manage group dynamics while encouraging participation, ownership, and accountability.

One-on-One Support & Guidance

• Provide individual coaching through goal setting, problem-solving, referrals, and consistent follow-up.
• Serve as the main point of contact for assigned participants throughout their time in the program.
• Help men address real-life challenges related to work, parenting, housing, mental health, and relationships.

Outreach & Recruitment

• Dedicate at least 20% of work time to outreach and recruitment.
• Represent the program at community events and through direct recruitment efforts.
• Build relationships that encourage men to enroll, stay engaged, and complete the program.

Teamwork & Community Coordination

• Work closely with staff and community partners to connect participants with services including:
• Employment and career development
• Financial literacy and stability
• Parenting and relationship education
• Mental health and domestic violence education
• Contribute to a team culture focused on results and participant success.

Documentation & Program Quality

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, services, and progress in line with agency and funder requirements.
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and program evaluation efforts.
• Maintain flexibility for occasional evenings and local travel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, education, or a related field (required)
• At least two years of experience in facilitation, coaching, case management, or direct service work
• Experience working with adult men, and families
• Proficient in English & Spanish preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong leadership presence and ability to connect with men from diverse backgrounds
• Clear, confident communication and facilitation skills
• Ability to build trust, motivate change, and hold others accountable
• Comfortable leading groups and speaking with authority and respect
• Knowledge of community resources and referral systems
• Strong organization, time management, and adaptability
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic data systems
• Commitment to growth, training, and continuous improvement
• Professionalism, integrity, and strong ethical boundaries
• Knowledge of HIPAA and strict adherence to confidentiality standards

Training Requirements:

• Completion of all required agency-wide and program-specific trainings
• Completion of all required HMRF and IRB training course to ensure compliance with program agreements

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform desk and computer-based work for extended periods
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally
• Availability for occasional evenings and flexible hours
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations

Acknowledgment & Signatures:

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the job description for the Advocate role. I understand that this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. I understand that my role may evolve as organizational needs change.