Client Advocate

Job Status: Full-Time

Job Classification: Exempt Salary

Reports To: Senior Client Advocate

The Client Advocate will work individually and within our team at Bluffton Self Help to build rapport with neighbors to effectively navigate their path from vulnerability to self-sufficiency. Client Advocates provide emotional and practical support in developing and implementing a plan forward to aid our neighbors’ path to success. Under the direction of the Senior Client Advocate, Client Advocates provide direct assistance using BSH resources, information, and referral networks. Client Advocates are well-versed in all of BSH’s programs and services as well as the available regional resources offered and available by/from partner organizations and agencies.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Reflect the agency’s mission and values in a professional style and personal actions.
• Maintain knowledge of Bluffton Self Help programs and services, as well as the community resources available to our neighbors in Beaufort and Jasper Counties.
• Collaboratively working with Senior Client Advocate and case management team to implement action plans to improve our advocacy program and meet the organization’s strategic goals, while ensuring services are delivered consistently and smoothly.
• Apply strategic thinking and a solution-oriented focus for your role; anticipate and/or identify opportunities for our clients and our team.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients to build trust and ensure ongoing support while identifying barriers and finding solutions to meet client needs.
• Effectively communicate with clients, internal teams, and external stakeholders to ensure a smooth and positive experience.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity, empathy, and respect when working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds
• Maintain and develop proficiency in utilizing BSH’s case management system, Caseworthy, and maintain and record client notes, meetings, progress, and success stories in a timely manner. Track neighbors’ progress while evaluating additional needs.
• Observe the effectiveness of services provided for clients and advocate or assist in the development of new services as needed.
• Attend and participate in advocacy, outreach, training, and organization meetings both internally and externally.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with colleagues and other agencies.
• Aide in identifying neighbors’ needs using our intake process in-person meetings, and personality assessment.
• Implement services while providing peer support, advocacy, and guided access to information and resource services.
• Tasks as assigned in a growing organization.
• Data collection and/or analysis.

Qualifications: 

• Preferred qualifications include bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
• The ideal candidate has case management experience in a non-profit organization.
• Minimum five years of client-facing experience.
• Degree in social work, human services, or related field.
• An understanding of and passion for Bluffton Self Help’s mission and vision.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and results-oriented work ethic.
• Ability to set priorities, lead, initiate, and work collaboratively and with a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude, concern for people and community, and exceptional listening skills.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, case management software, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
• Display effective leadership among staff, volunteers and donors.
• Must possess strong project management skills, interpersonal skills, positive relationship building internally and externally.
• Willingness to travel to/from BSH locations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion.

Work Environment: 

This job operates in an office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: 

This is a full-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position does require some additional night and weekend work, depending on program and event schedules.

Bluffton Self Help is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Apply be emailing your resume and cover letter to Barbara Bowers at barbara@blufftonselfhelp.org