Client Advocate

Our Lady's Inn; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Our Lady’s Inn seeks a Client Advocate to provide advocacy and case management for residents in our residential program, helping clients toward health and independence while honoring the agency’s pro-life mission.

Responsibilities include intake, data entry in HMIS and Life Force, coordinating class schedules, building therapeutic relationships, developing Person-Centered Plans, and coordinating with the Child Advocate on plans for children.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years in the social service field with direct client interaction; trauma-informed care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform intake assessment and orient new clients.
• Enter client data in HMIS and Life Force databases.
• Coordinate in-house class schedules with clients’ schedules and needs.
• Establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with clients.
• Guide each client on developing a Person-Centered Plan and support goals.
• Provide input to the program team on progress and resources.
• Conduct case management assessments and document transition plans.
• Record case management activity for each client.
• Assist with transportation and accompany clients to appointments.
• Represent Our Lady’s Inn at community meetings to develop resources.

Skills

Organized

Detail-oriented

Boundaries

Team collaboration

Written communication

Verbal communication

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

HMIS

Life Force

Job description

Description

The Client Advocate has the responsibility for advocacy and case management for assigned clients in Our Lady’s Inn’s residential program. The person in this role works with clients to provide continued case management, resource referral, and general support. The Client Advocate assists the clients towards a path of health and independence. The Client Advocate must commit to the agency’s pro-life mission.

The Client Advocate has responsibility to:

• Perform intake assessment and orient new clients to Our Lady’s Inn program.
• Enter client’s family demographic information, intake, and exit assessment scores, and all required information in HMIS and Life Force databases.
• Coordinate in-house class schedules with clients’ schedules and needs.
• Establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with clients.
• Guide each assigned client on developing a Person-Centered Plan; provide support to the client on completing goals supporting self-sufficiency.
• Provide input to the program team regarding clients’ Person-Centered Plan, including progress and making recommendations for needed resources or interventions.
• Conduct case management assessment and document transition plan upon exit.
• Record case management activity on each client.
• Monitor client attendance at work, school, or programs.
• Coordinate with the Child Advocate on the support plan for the client’s children.
• Work with support staff to oversee completion of client performance of daily duties and work with clients on completion; inspect client rooms for cleanliness, neatness, and safety.
• Work cooperatively as a team member with all staff.
• Assist clients in securing transportation for appointments and accompanying them to necessary destinations.
• Assist with additional duties such as answering phones, preparing and serving meals, and greeting clients, staff, and visitors.
• Professionally represents OLI; attends community networking meetings to develop relationships and resources within the community as requested.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and all-staff meetings

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in social work, counseling or related field required; Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience: At least 5 years’ experience in the social service field with direct client interaction. Case management experience is preferred along with experience with trauma-informed care service delivery. Experience working with unhoused populations is a plus!

Other: Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing and proof of vehicle insurance. Must be able to lift/carry up to 25 pounds.

Skills and Abilities: Organized and detail-oriented; ability to establish professional boundaries and maintain a therapeutic relationship with clients. Must have the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; and proficient computer/database skills.