Client Advocate

Experience Champaign Urbana; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Experience Champaign Urbana in Urbana, Illinois, is seeking a part-time position supporting residential clients through advocacy and case management. The role involves managing a caseload, providing counseling, budgeting, and other support services. A minimum of two years’ experience in social services is required, as well as excellent communication skills. High School Diploma or GED is mandatory; a BSW is preferred. This role is essential for empowering clients and must maintain adherence to agency policies and schedules.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience in social services.
• Experience with case management.
• Experience working with homeless populations and/or victims of domestic violence.

Responsibilities

• Provide supportive services to residential clients.
• Manage a client caseload focusing on advocacy and empowerment.
• Document all client meetings and maintain files.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Organizational and leadership skills

Computer proficiency (MS Office)

Ability to work independently

Education

High School Diploma or GED required

BSW preferred

Job description

Reports to: Client Advocate Manager, Shelter Operations Manager

Part-time

Nonexempt / Hourly

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide excellent and consistent supportive services to residential clients. Manage a client caseload with a focus on advocacy and empowerment. Responsible for helping the Residential Services Manager ensure all shifts are fully covered. Responsible for covering the agency phone or hotline during scheduled shifts. Adhere to agency policies as well as funder and grant requirements.

• Cover the agency phone or hotline, be flexible to ensure that the phones are always covered
• Provide supportive services on a weekly basis (more often if needed) to clients in the form of advocacy, counseling, budgeting and housing assistance, safety planning and short and long-range goal planning
• Document all client meetings and groups, maintain client files to meet agency and funder requirements, provide appropriate support to other clients as needed
• Coordinate service and safety plans with other direct staff
• Make client referrals and network with appropriate agencies
• Participate in community activities and resource building opportunities with clients and for the agency
• Be a champion for the agency, clients and staff at all times
• Maintain compliance with all agency policies and procedures
• Attend all meetings and complete all forms and reports required by direct supervisor, funders, CEO or the Board
• Carry out other duties as assigned or as necessary to ensure organizational success

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

Minimum of two years’ experience in social services. Experience with case management. Experience working with homeless populations and/or victims of domestic violence.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with clients, staff and community partners
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary service
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines and standard accepted practices
• High School Diploma or GED required, BSW preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards and agency policies
• Must be able to listen and speak clearly on the telephone