Mpact Community Advocate Jobs

the role:

The community advocate will provide support and establish rapport with individuals in crisis and provide an atmosphere of safety and mutual respect. The advocate is expected to provide on-site, participant-centered services including skill development, and crisis intervention in order to build or restore participant linkages with the community, schools, and family, with the goal of alleviating and/ or eliminating identified concern areas from law enforcement (LE). Staff will also provide availability via phone during shift or during on-call rotation.
This position is an essential part of the YSS and LE team, with close coordination with other community supports and service providers, including participant’s therapists, family advocates, program Coordinator and other team members. The advocate will provide support and referral assistance in order to reduce arrest and potential use of force by LE personnel. A clear understanding of crisis intervention and law enforcement is imperative.

what we offer:

• Development of employment skills that you can take with you anywhere: teamwork, problem solving, adaptability, communication, leadership, creativity
• Flexible Shift and Hours
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Discounts on Pet Insurance
• Wellness Program Offerings
• Mission-Driven Work
• Fun Team Environment

Full-time employee benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off
• Years of service recognition
• Retirement
• Employee Assistance Program
• YSS is a qualified employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Holiday pay
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Birthday as a paid day off

what you'll do:

• Work as a team member in a collaborative effort with Marshalltown Police Department Staff, informal supports and referral sources.
• Demonstrate experience working with the mental health system, NAMI, or other coalitions.
• Ensure clients have access to resources and services to assist in meeting their basic needs, including referrals to safe shelter, food, transportation, clothing, hygiene assistance, referrals to appropriate health care services and assistance in those accessing services, crisis intervention, including de-escalation, referrals to victim services, and assistance in accessing other community resources as needed.
• Responsible for presenting information related to in the community as needed.
• Establishes positive relationships and networks within the county attorney’s office.
• Attend trainings to increase understanding of law enforcement tactics and officers/personnel.
• Provide support to and establish rapport with all contacts, while maintaining an atmosphere of safety and respect.
• Assess, observe, and document assigned participants’ behaviors and interactions as per agency policies and procedures.
• Respond to calls within one hour either in person, by phone, or virtually, as directed by LE personnel. This could be throughout the night, weekends, and holidays.
• Advocate for and secure specialized services and resources as needed for participants to address identified problem areas.
• Completes ongoing annual training through both YSS and LE to maintain and/or increase knowledge and understanding of the needs homeless and the precariously housed; behavioral intervention; solution-focused treatment theory, techniques, and process; knowledge of principles of child and adolescent development; knowledge of family counseling and dynamics; knowledge of community systems; crisis intervention, and laws.
• Alert Program Manager and LE of major incidents or emergencies, following protocol.
• Must have broad, working knowledge of area resources and ability to identify and connect people to appropriate resources.
• Provides limited transportation as deemed safe and appropriate by advocate and LE.
• Provide information to potential participants, referral sources, and other groups, both in person and over the phone, as needed.
• Meets regularly with licensed master’s level prepared mental health practitioner for clinical supervision and consultation.
• Serves as a model for the participants in demonstrating how to deal with difficult interactions and communications with others.
• Attend all LE and YSS staff meetings and workgroups when scheduled.
• Complete documentation accurately and promptly.
• Demonstrates knowledge of court orders and the criminal justice system.
• Works closely with School Resource Officer and counselors within the district as appropriate.

Other:

• Attends meetings and in-service trainings as required.
• Seeks consultation and educational opportunities to improve skills.
• Understand and adhere to all applicable agency policies.
• Maintains control of self in crises and adverse conditions.
• Hear and understand others as they communicate emotions of various intensity.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, youth, parents, and the general public.