Male Engagement Family Advocate

Job purpose                                                                                                                             

Within Healthier Moms and Babies (HMB) Healthy Start Program and reporting to the  Program Supervisor, the Male Engagement Family Advocate will provide home visitation, case management, and health education to male participants of HMB’s Healthy Start Program through one on one and group sessions.  This role is designed to support at a minimum, 75 fathers annually and will utilize the 24/7 Dad and PAT curriculum, both evidence-based, to increase fatherly engagement and skills across various demographics and communities. Services will be delivered in accordance with programming policies. 

 Duties and responsibilities                                                                                                       

• Screen eligible families for risk factors, connecting enrolled families to a medical home, monitoring child health, and referring families to community resources to meet their needs.
• Participate in outreach strategies to effectively attract, engage and retain, at a minimum; seventy-five fathers/ male partners associated with mother/infant participants into program activities and services annually. 
• Participate in activities and events intended to improve the health and resilience of        fathers/male partners, promote healthy relationships, and strengthen life skills.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with a wide range of health, community, and social service organizations, including HMB Nurse Home Visitors and Family Advocates, to support participants’ goals, and facilitate referrals. 
• Provide documentation of home visits, group education and screens accurately and timely.
• Meets with supervisor weekly to review cases.
• Conduct visits/group sessions with families weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly or as mandated by HMB policy.
• Maintains tracking forms, required statistical information and other paperwork as required, in a detailed timely manner.
• Meet or exceed monthly benchmarks include client face-to-face requirements.
• Ensure all required documentation is entered into the agency database within required time frame. 
• Assists with Hopper Events and community activities, as needed.
• Responds to client emergencies, as needed and appropriate.
• Demonstrates or can quickly learn the social service delivery system in Allen County.
• Report any case that may involve “imminent harm” or “threatened harm” to a supervisor immediately. Always intervene on behalf of the child when necessary.
• Communicates clearly, concisely, and in a tactful, professional manner.
• Shares accurate information about Healthier Moms and Babies.
• Takes initiative and responsibility for decisions as an individual and as a staff member of HMB. Encourage a positive work environment and experience for co- workers and clients.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies, procedures, and practices; maintain proper attendance and punctuality.
• Utilize material, equipment, and time in a safe, beneficial, and cost-effective manner; organize workload to complete responsibilities in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Participate in in-service training and attend conferences as needed.
• Adhere to ethical business practices by striving to perform in a manner that conforms to the highest standards of ethical behavior, integrity, and honesty; exhibits commitment and promotes HMB’s mission, values, and vision.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies, procedures, and practices; maintain proper attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

 Qualifications                                                                                                                           

Education

• BA/BS Degree 
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Behavioral Science, Social Work, Public Health, or Human Services. Education focus or education minor on drug addiction, alcohol addiction, education, counseling, psychology, child development, family intervention, therapeutic techniques, communication, preferred.

License/Certification

• Must have current valid Driver’s License.

Experience

• Minimum of two years’ experience in health education or case management, specifically working with low-income families. Previous experience working with fathers or males strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of the importance of fathers during pregnancy, families, and child development.
• Demonstrates integrity in all situations and interactions; can develop trusting, collaborative, professional relationships with coworkers, clients, and community collaborators.
• Knowledge of Fort Wayne’s community agencies and social service network, ability to work with diverse cultures and a willingness to make home visits.
• Relates in a culturally sensitive manner to low-income clients and those from diverse backgrounds.
• Able to communicate clearly, concisely, and in a tactful, professional manner.
• Demonstrates initiative, self-motivation, and pro-active behavior.
• Must have superior conflict resolution and/or mediation skills.
• Must have organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple and diverse clients concurrently.
• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge and proficiency in a variety of computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe) and experience with database management is preferred.