Community Advocate - Spanish Required
Organization: Community Action Center (CAC) is a community-based, non-profit, human services organization that provides and advocates for the basic needs of people and families throughout Rice County. Its programs create a robust safety net for low-income families and include food access, housing, employment services, clothing, emergency assistance, youth services, transportation, health care assistance, and more.
CAC’s resources and staff are integral parts of their communities and include partnerships with schools, businesses, faith communities, and other organizations. This extensive local network allows CAC to pursue community-engaged solutions, prioritize partnerships, and collaborate with thousands of volunteers. Currently, we are looking for a Community Advocate to help support the community-responsive work of CAC.
Job Title: Community Advocate
Reports to: Housing Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt / Hourly
Compensation: $19-$22 per hour
Employment Type: Full Time
Hour Status: 40 hours per week
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm
Job Summary: The position of Community Advocate will support an organizational culture of a community-based, person-centered, and trauma-responsive environment. The position will respond to the unique needs of participants accessing services through our Resource Center and in the community.
Primary Job Responsibilities: CAC’s success depends on the ability of its staff and volunteers to adjust and adapt as they dynamically meet the needs of the community. Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Advocacy – Responsible for amplifying the voice of participants throughout the community through relational and responsive services. CAC is prioritizing innovative perspectives on empowering participants beyond typical feedback or advisory panel discussions. CAC is looking for a dynamic advocate to support CAC’s mission. Additional tasks and activities include:
Direct Service Resource Coordination:
General Responsibilities:
Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission: “To promote a healthy, caring, and just community for all people through resources, advocacy and volunteer effort.”
Employ trauma-responsive, person-centered care practices to create a safe and healing space, build relationships, foster agency and invest in the long-term wellbeing of participants
Utilize crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills to support individuals and families in need
Follow all mandated reporting laws for vulnerable adults as well as child abuse and neglect
Attend and actively participate in regularly scheduled organization and team meetings and trainings
Work Environment and Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, bend, kneel, use hands to write, and sit for prolonged periods at a desk working on a computer. Employees are subject to a moderate noise level.
Qualifications: CAC is committed to finding the right person for the position, ideal candidates will possess many of the following qualities:
Required Qualities:
Working knowledge of social services and community resources for participants
Bilingual in English and Spanish (fluent)
Excellent interpersonal skills, including both verbal and written communication
Experience working alongside diverse populations
Highly organized and effective in a dynamic fast-paced environment
Excellent ability to multi-task and troubleshoot issues
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
Passion for equity and social justice
Ability to pass all required background and MVR checks
Preferred Qualities:
Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field OR 2+ years of experience in related field
Strong knowledge of mental health and/or substance use disorders
Familiarity with Rice County organizations and resources
Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel)
Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Benefits Include:
$3,200 Annual Benefit Stipend for full-time employees to use toward health insurance, retirement, or personal needs
403(b) Retirement Plan with a 2% employer contribution after one year
16 Days of PTO to start, plus 13 paid holidays
Access to voluntary dental, vision, life, disability, accident, legal, and critical illness insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential counseling and wellness support
Professional development and growth opportunities
Competitive compensation with regular pay reviews
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equal Opportunity: CAC is an equal opportunity organization. CAC believes that the most efficient and effective workplaces include employees from diverse backgrounds. We strive to create a work environment where all employees and individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, public assistance status or veteran status, can succeed and make an impact in the community.
