JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor and in accordance with the direction and mission of District 7 HRDC, the Pathways Client Advocate is responsible for assisting families in becoming self-sufficient through assessing clients’ strengths and needs, and assisting them in removing barriers so they may obtain job placement and job retention.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Conducts assessments to identify the need for intervention, provides guidance, and connects clients to available resources
Conducts intensive case management meetings and monitors participant attendance and scheduled activities in accordance with program requirements
Develops action plans for achieving self-sufficiency
Assists clients in appropriate selection of work experience based on career interests and skill level
Assists clients with paperwork pertinent to self-sufficiency needs, such as SSI, job, childcare, and housing applications
Serves as client advocate
Facilitates classes, program overviews, and assessments
Participates in staff meetings, cases reviews, and supervisory coaching. Balances time spent between case management and file-maintenance as enrollment numbers change
Collects data, and tracks participant progress, as required for each program
Maintains individual case files and required, extensive and detailed documentation including applications, assessments, case notes, supportive services, and work experience as required by federal, state, and agency funding requirements
Collects data, and tracks participant progress, as required by reporting agencies for each program
Attends professional development activities
Participates in staff meetings, team building, technical training, and coaching
Works closely with clients and community partners to identify resources and make appropriate referrals
Represents HRDC at community meetings and events
Implements agency work plans at the program level to ensure achievement of set goals
Brings creative suggestions and potential solutions to direct supervisor regarding work barriers and team efficiency

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Integrates knowledge of budgeting and management experience into program operations.
Effectively communicates on all platforms.
Demonstrates dependability and punctuality.
Adheres to a consistent work schedule.
Demonstrates professionalism in the workplace.
Models an objective and non-judgmental attitude.
Nurtures, builds, and mentors employees to build a cohesive team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Human Services or related field, minimum of 2 years related experience, or equivalent.
Licenses and/or Certifications:
The employee will be required to drive locally and to out-lying communities. Must possess a valid Montana Driver’s License, proof of personal automobile insurance and must meet insurability requirements for agency automobile insurance policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally move up to 25 pounds; maintain a stationary position while using a computer; frequently communicate with co-workers and members of the community on the phone, in writing and in person; needs to move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to work at various job locations.