Bilingual Family Advocate

Healthier Moms & Babies; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Healthier Moms & Babies is seeking a Family Advocate to provide health education and case management to low-income, high-risk pregnant women in Allen County. The role includes home visits, referrals, and coordination with community resources to promote healthy pregnancies and reduce infant mortality.

The position requires bilingual English/Spanish communication, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and at least two years of related experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Behavioral Science, Social Work, or Human Services is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct medical and social needs screenings and assessments through one-on-one interviews and make appropriate referrals.
• Meet clients in various locations including private homes, hospitals, clinics, and community agencies.
• Document home visits and screenings accurately and within required timeframes.
• Provide health education and case management services; assess the needs of pregnant women and their families.
• Develop and implement comprehensive care plans to meet client needs and improve pregnancy outcomes.
• Conduct home visits weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly as required by HMB policy.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Behavioral Science, Social Work, or Human Services

Job description

Job Purpose

Within Healthier Moms and Babies (HMB) and reporting to the Home Visiting and Intake Supervisor, the Family Advocate provides health education and case management services to low-income, high-risk pregnant women in Allen County. This position includes conducting home visits to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce infant mortality.

The Family Advocate supports Healthier Moms and Babies’ mission by promoting healthy pregnancies, strengthening families, and connecting clients to essential resources.

Client Services and Case Management

• Conduct medical and social needs screenings and assessments through one-on-one interviews and make appropriate referrals.
• Meet clients in various locations including but not limited to: private homes, hospitals, clinics, and community agencies.
• Document home visits and screenings accurately and within required timeframes.
• Meet weekly with the supervisor to review cases.
• Serve as an advocate for clients and potential clients by scheduling prenatal appointments, arranging transportation, and referring to appropriate community resources.
• Distribute 50 diapers per child under age five each month to eligible clients, supporting families in meeting their basic needs.
• Provide health education and case management services; assess the needs of pregnant women and their families.
• Develop and implement comprehensive care plans to meet client needs and improve pregnancy outcomes.
• Conduct home visits weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly as required by HMB policy.
• Meet or exceed monthly benchmarks, including face-to-face client contact requirements.
• Respond to client emergencies as needed.
• Report any case that may involve “imminent harm” or “threatened harm” to a supervisor immediately. Always intervene on behalf of the child when necessary.
• Documentation and Compliance
• Maintain accurate tracking forms, required statistical information, and other paperwork as required, in a detailed, timely manner.
• Ensure all required documentation is entered into the agency database within required timeframe.

Health Education and Community Engagement

• Conduct prenatal health education sessions for community members and partners.
• Facilitate group education sessions, as required and necessary to meet program goals.
• Assist with Hopper Events and other community activities as needed.
• With the supervisor, collaborate with community partners to maintain an effective referral base.

Professionalism and Organizational Alignment

• Demonstrate knowledge of the social service delivery system or the ability to learn quickly.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and in a tactful, professional manner.
• Share accurate information and represent Healthier Moms and Babies in a professional manner within the community.
• Take initiative and responsibility for decisions as an individual and as a staff member of HMB.
• Maintain a positive and collaborative work environment and experience for co-workers and clients.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies, procedures, and practices; maintain proper attendance and punctuality.
• Be willing to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Utilize materials, equipment, and time in a safe, beneficial, and cost-effective manner; organize workload to complete responsibilities in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Participate in in-service training and attend conferences as required.
• Uphold ethical business practices by striving to perform in a manner that conforms to the highest standards of ethical behavior, integrity, and honesty; exhibit commitment and promote HMB’s mission, values, and vision.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Home Visiting and Intake Supervisor.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Behavioral Science, Social Work, or Human Services required.
• Coursework or a minor in drug or alcohol addiction, education, counseling, psychology, child development, family intervention, or therapeutic techniques preferred.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and a vehicle for full‑time business use. Employees must also maintain automobile insurance with minimum liability coverage of $300,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL) or $250,000 per person/$500,000 per accident.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of experience required.
• Experience in case management, home visiting, or maternal and child health preferred.
• Familiarity with local social service networks is desirable.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages, verbally and in writing, to successfully perform the essential functions of the role and serve our clients and community.