Client Advocate Mercy Mission

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina; Hardeeville (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in South Carolina is seeking a client advocate to assist in delivering social services and managing operations at the food pantry and thrift store. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic, bilingual in Spanish, and possess strong interpersonal skills. Responsibilities include direct client assistance, volunteer management, and collaboration with community partners to ensure comprehensive support for clients in need.

Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Experience in social services or related ministry.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of food pantry and thrift store.
• Conduct client intakes and assessments.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Sensitivity to diverse populations

Bilingual in Spanish

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Data Management System software

Job description

About Catholic Charities:

Catholic Charities of South Carolina has served those in need since 1945. Working across the state, we answer God’s call to meet people’s immediate needs while working to break the cycles of poverty. We are rooted in our faith and guided by Catholic Social Teaching. Mercy Mission is the Low Country satellite office of Catholic Charities.

Overview of the Position:

The client advocate will be responsible for assisting in the delivery of social services promoted and provided by Catholic Charities of South Carolina. The client advocate provides direct client assistance for various needs and advocacy for qualified individuals.

The client advocate will be responsible for assisting in the day-to-day operations of the food pantry, thrift store, and other client services offered through Catholic Charities. The client advocate will assist in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers. They will work with community partners and other social service agencies to implement overall wellness for clients and coordinate assistance efforts.

The candidate will be expected to be a practicing Catholic and will be expected to continue and/or create Catholic Culture and Identity within their supervision and implementation of Catholic Social Teaching in the service to our local neighbors and community partners.

Main Responsibilities:

• Oversee and provide direct services to individuals and families, which include day-to-day operations of the wellness food pantry, thrift store, and special events.
• Conduct face to face and over the phone client intakes and assessments to determine needs, identify possible resources, and provide the appropriate services.
• Identify unmet needs and assist clients by providing advocacy as needed.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers along with Site Administrator.
• Work closely assisting the Site Administrator in determining eligibility for client assistance, planning and coordinating special events and activities, and volunteer management.
• Accurately collect and enter data and notes into internal database, and compile physical files and documentation of clients. Run internal data reports as needed.
• Stay up to date on community resources, updating and sharing resources accordingly.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist Site Administrator in working with other social service agencies and informal support systems to coordinate assistance efforts and make any needed referrals.
• Consult with Site Administrator on program and special event/project development and planning.
• Attend local agency meetings and trainings to discuss current developments, resources, and needs of the local community when delegated by Site Administrator.
• This position requires discretion and judgment with respect to the delivery of social welfare services to individuals and families. and maintaining client confidentiality and privacy in compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Be sensitive to and communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Background & Experience:

• Function as a secondary person at Mercy Mission and cover for Site Administrator when needed.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Experience working within a social services environment or in a related ministry activity.
• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience in related field required.
• Great interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to culturally diverse populations and different socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Bilingual in Spanish required.
• Knowledge of and willingness to be trained in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and internal Data Management System software programs.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds to move boxes, food bags, cartons and cases of canned food, client files, donated household items and boxes of clothing.
• Willingness to work on Saturdays on a regular basis.