Family Advocate

Cotc; Franklin (TN); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Church of the City is seeking a Family Advocate to guide individuals and families through crisis toward stability and independence. You will assess needs, plan actions, and coordinate housing, healthcare, and community services with empathy and persistence.

The role emphasizes ongoing support, accurate record-keeping, and advocacy across settings like court and child welfare meetings, within a fast-paced, people-centered team.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills across diverse populations.
• Ability to assess needs, barriers, and strengths in participants.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and basic computer tasks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake meetings and build rapport with participants.
• Assess needs, barriers, strengths, and goals to inform action plans.
• Educate participants about available resources and expected processes.
• Develop individualized action plans with measurable milestones.
• Connect participants to housing, employment, healthcare, and family services.
• Maintain case notes and progress in compliance with reporting requirements.
• Advocate for participants in court appearances and meetings with agencies.

Skills

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Conflict resolution

Google Suite

Organization

Attention to detail

Education

High school or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

The Family Advocate serves as a trusted guide and connector for individuals and families navigating crisis or instability. Acting as a central point of contact, this role coordinates services, resources, and relationships across multiple systems, including but not limited to healthcare, social services, and community organizations. Through compassionate assessment, action planning, and consistent follow-up, the Family Advocate empowers participants to move from crisis toward stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term success. The ideal candidate brings persistence, empathy, and strong communication skills to a fast-paced, people-centered role focused on real, lasting impact.

This role has a schedule of Monday - Friday.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):

Participant Assessment & Action Planning

• Receive and review participant referrals, promptly initiating contact to schedule an intake meeting and establish rapport.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments that capture each participant’s needs, barriers, strengths, and aspirations.
• Educate participants about Human Flourishing, available community resources, and what to expect throughout the advocacy process.
• Create a safe, respectful environment that encourages honesty, trust, and empowerment during all participant interactions.
• Partner with participants to develop individualized, goal-oriented action plans that are realistic, measurable, and rooted in the participant’s own priorities.
• Identify and connect participants to appropriate community resources including housing, employment, healthcare, education, transportation, and family services.
• Build relationships with local agencies and organizations to expand the network of available support.

Ongoing Support & Advocacy

• Maintain consistent, proactive communication with participants to provide encouragement, monitor progress, and troubleshoot barriers as they arise.
• Adjust action plans as circumstances change, ensuring that participants remain supported and engaged at each stage of their journey.
• Accurately record all case notes, progress updates, and participant communications in compliance with reporting and grant requirements.
• Track outcomes and metrics related to participant stability, goal progression, and successful graduation.
• Serve as a trusted advocate for participants in various settings such as court appearances, child welfare meetings, probation or parole offices, and social service appointments.
• Empower participants to develop self-advocacy skills, confidence, and accountability for their own progress.
• Encourage participants to recognize their successes, celebrate milestones, and identify sustainable strategies for long-term independence.

Collaboration, Partnership, & Professional Standards

• Participate actively in Human Flourishing meetings, trainings, and case conferences to share best practices and strengthen program impact.
• Promote collaboration across systems to remove barriers and align resources effectively.
• Engage in continuous professional development through required training, workshops, and coaching sessions provided by Restore Hope and regional leaders.
• Uphold ethical and legal standards of confidentiality, integrity, and participant privacy.

Required Competencies and General Skills:

A successful candidate possesses competency and demonstrated experience in effective communication, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution.

Must possess general computer skills, including proficiency with Google Suite. Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. Capable of adhering to deadlines, managing multiple diverse assignments, and executing tasks effectively. Exhibits practical time management skills and works well in team settings. Demonstrates innovation by suggesting improvements within the scope of work, anticipating needs, and creating efficient, effective processes. Self-motivated, takes ownership of tasks, and shows flexibility and adaptability in dynamic situations. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and connection. Flexible, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Membership Requirement:

Church of the City employees are required to become a Stakeholder of the church within the first 6 months of employment and agree to the beliefs, standards and responsibilities outlined in the Stakeholder Agreement .

Qualifications:

A Christian in submission to the authority of the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, as evident in lifestyle. Subscribes to and is in complete agreement with the Church of the City’s Statement of Faith. Representatives and upholds Church of the City’s mission, vision, and culture by demonstrating a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and learning posture. The incumbent is willing to become a stakeholder of COTC within six months of hire.

The criteria listed below represent the knowledge, skill, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Qualifications include but are not limited to:

Education: A High School Level education, or its equivalent required; baccalaureate degree is preferred.

Experience: A satisfactory equivalent of education, training, and experience in related fields and/or educational disciplines, sufficient to qualify for the position’s requirements.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift or carry up to 20lbs

Ability to sit for extended periods

Ability to work at a keyboard and other related equipment

Ability to move about to accomplish tasks related to role