Community Advocate - Spanish / Somali Language Required

Community Advocate - Spanish / Somali Language 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.

Job Title: Community Advocate

Reports to: Resource Center Manager

Primary Work Location: Faribault Resource Center, with occasional travel to other CAC locations and community partner sites throughout Rice County.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt / Hourly

Compensation: $20-$22 per hour

Employment Type: Full Time

Hour Status: 40 hours per week

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm

Position Summary - The Community Advocate supports an organizational culture that is community-based, person-centered, and trauma-responsive. This position provides relational, responsive, and participant-centered services to address the unique needs of individuals accessing support through the Resource Center and in the community. The Community Advocate is responsible for amplifying the voices of participants throughout the community by fostering meaningful relationships, promoting innovative approaches to advocacy, and empowering participants to influence programs, services, and community solutions beyond traditional feedback or advisory opportunities.

Responsibilities and Duties - CAC’s success is based on the flexibility of its staff and volunteers to dynamically adjust to meet the needs of the community. The primary responsibilities for this job include:

Direct Service Resource Coordination

• General Community Advocacy
  • Conduct intake to reflect the strengths, needs and challenges identified by individuals and families
  • Provide appropriate service coordination in response to intake, either through services within CAC or on a referral basis (this may include, but is not limited to: Housing resources, emergency financial assistance, safety planning, county social services, emergency food access, clothing, youth scholarships, transportation, etc.)
  • Identify service barriers and work to remove them through engagement with the community and by linking participants to formal and informal supports
  • Utilize crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills to support families in need, and maintain safety and security of resource center
  • Collect data and maintain accurate records for statistical, evaluation and funding purposes, maintaining confidentiality and participant informed choice
  • Assist participants with requests for financial assistance. Ensure request forms are completed. If a financial request is not approved, assist participants in accessing other community resources
• MNSure Certification
  • Obtain MNsure certification through CAC
  • Guide participants in understanding, applying for, and maintaining health insurance coverage
• Housing Resource Assistance
  • Complete housing assessments with individuals or families experiencing homelessness
  • Connect individuals and families with emergency shelter resources within CAC or externally, as well as short-term hotel placements
  • Ensure prompt case notes, documentation, and data quality within HMIS (Homeless Management Information Systems) and other organizational data and case management systems

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

• Perform other duties as assigned to support CAC's mission and evolving community needs

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Working knowledge of social services and community resources for participants

• Bilingual in English and Spanish or Somali (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 Qualifications

• 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

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license

• Must possess Personal Auto Insurance

• Complete all required background and MVR checks

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

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 minimal noise level.

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. 

Compensation and Benefits

The position is a full time, 40 hours/week, non-exempt position with a starting hourly wage of $20 - $22 per hour. CAC offers flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities and a chance to creatively build and implement innovative ideas.

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)

Equal Employment 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.