Community Resource Advocacy Advocate

COMMUNITY ACTION PIONEER VALLEY; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Resources & Advocacy at Community Action Pioneer Valley in Northampton, MA seeks a Resource Advocate to answer inquiries, provide referrals, and assist with public benefits applications. This role supports case management and advocacy for individuals and families, with emphasis on financial stability and housing resources.

Ideal candidates bring 3+ years in social services, knowledge of local resources, and strong communication in English; bilingual skills (Spanish, Haitian Creole, or

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in social services or closely related field.
• Knowledge of social services, advocacy, and navigating resources.
• Experience with housing/tenant rights, eviction, utilities, or affordable housing.
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Russian is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Answer information and referral phone line and web inquiries.
• Make internal and external referrals.
• Assist participants in applying for public benefit programs (e.g., SNAP).
• Provide case management and follow-up services.
• Support longer-term CR&A service models focusing on stability.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Conflict resolution

Judgement & decision-making

Empathy & patience

Relationship building

Independent collaboration

Equity & anti-racism

Data management

Microsoft Office

Bilingual English/Spanish

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Database knowledge

Job description

Community Resources and Advocacy Resource Advocate (37.5 hr./wk; $21.91 - $23.25/hr.) Northampton, MA - Community Services

Job Type - Full-time DEPARTMENT: Community Services POSITION: Community Resources & Advocacy Resource Advocate LOCATION: Northampton STATUS: Non-Exempt SUPERVISOR: Community Resources & Advocacy Program Coordinator POSITION

SUMMARY: Community Resources & Advocacy (CR&A) provides supportive services and referrals for community members in the Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV) service area. CR&A receives thousands of inquiries and works with hundreds of households per year. CR&A Resource Advocates answer the information and referral phone line and web inquiries and make internal and external referrals. CR&A Resource Advocates help participants apply for public benefit programs, such as SNAP, and work with eligible participants to offer financial assistance. This position provides in-depth screening, application assistance, advocacy, education, and other follow-up services. We are exploring new CR&A service models focused on longer-term case management for individuals and families. This position will conduct case management/advocacy services alongside participants, focusing on financial and housing

Stability. QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate the following competencies:

• Interpersonal communication - verbal and written
• Conflict resolution, problem-solving, establishing priorities, navigating change
• Judgement and decision-making Practiced organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Openness to understanding participants as experts of their own varied experiences and identities with empathy and patience
• Skillful relationship building with participants, staff, and community partners
• Balance of initiative to work independently and interest/ability to collaborate with others
• Promote equity by deconstructing barriers to a racially just system.
• Cultivate work environments that value truth-telling, courage, vulnerability, space to think and reflect, community-mindedness, hope, and openness to difficult conversations

Key Knowledge and Experience

• Knowledge of social services, advocacy, and navigating resources
• Knowledge of Franklin and Hampshire counties and North Quabbin regional organizations and resources
• Experience working with marginalized communities and individuals with low incomes supporting stability efforts and providing case management and advocacy for individuals
• Experience with any of the following: housing/tenant rights, eviction proceedings, utility shut-off procedures, affordable housing resources and programs
• Experience with data management, data capture, tracking methods and analysis for outcome measurements
• Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Suite and databases)
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish, Haitian Creole, and/or Russian is a highly valued

Skill For This Role. To Qualify Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills

• Three years? experience in social services or closely related field

We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying.