Community Resources & Advocacy Resource Advocate

The Community Resources & Advocacy (CR&A) program provides supportive services and referrals for community members in the Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV) service area. The CR&A Resource Advocate answers the information and referral phone line and web inquiries, makes internal and external referrals, and provides in-depth screening, application assistance, advocacy, education, and other follow-up services.

What You Will Do

The Resource Advocate will meet with individuals and families in person and/or over the phone or through video to do in-depth assessments, assist with applications for benefit programs and financial assistance, provide advocacy and assistance to individuals navigating systems, and work with participants to establish and support progress toward their goals.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The ideal candidate will demonstrate competencies in interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, judgement and decision-making, and organizational skills. They will also have knowledge of social services, advocacy, and navigating resources, as well as experience working with marginalized communities and individuals with low incomes.

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Criminal Offender Record check (C.O.R.I.)
• Good driving record
• Ability to be covered under Community Action’s non-owned and hired vehicle policy