Social Services Advocate

Cincinnati, OH, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $17.00 - $25.75

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Job Description

St. Vincent de Paul - Cincinnati (SVDP) is a longstanding nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to serving the residents of greater Cincinnati for over 150 years. Known for its unwavering commitment to assisting individuals and families in need, SVDP provides essential resources such as food, medicine, and homelessness prevention through its main outreach center located in the West End and through its network of fifty-six parish-based volunteer Conferences (chapters). The organization’s mission centers on delivering holistic direct assistance and working towards systemic change, all while treating neighbors in need with the utmost dignity and compassion. SVDP embraces diversity as a fact and practices inclusion as an active effort. Every individual, regardless of background, is valued and made to feel a genuine sense of belonging within the community and organization alike.

The Social Services Advocate (SSA) position at St. Vincent de Paul is integral to the daily operations of the Neyer Outreach Center. The SSA will serve as the primary point of contact for neighbors seeking assistance and will engage in various direct service programs to support the community effectively. This role requires cross-training across multiple service areas including the Welcome Rooms, Call Center, Front Desk, and Choice Food Pantry. The SSA is responsible for engaging with neighbors to assess their needs holistically, determine eligibility for services, gather necessary documentation, and facilitate the delivery of assistance. Compassion, empathy, and a strong dedication to service are core attributes for candidates pursuing this role. The SSA is expected to build meaningful relationships with neighbors by employing a strengths-based approach, helping individuals recognize and utilize their personal resources.

This full-time position typically operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with occasional Saturday shifts in the mornings from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The SSA will adhere closely to the mission and values of St. Vincent de Paul, modeling these principles consistently while following organizational policies and procedures to ensure the sustainability of programs. Although each SSA will have a designated primary focus area, flexibility is expected as the role involves providing support across various duties to meet the needs of the outreach team and the community. Overall, the Social Services Advocate plays a vital role in helping St. Vincent de Paul fulfill its mission to offer compassionate assistance and create lasting positive impact for individuals and families facing hardship in Cincinnati.

Job Requirements

High school diploma
college degree preferred
degree or prior experience in social work, human services, or related fields preferred
bilingual Spanish speaking abilities are a plus
excellent customer service skills
ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with diverse audiences
ability to work on own initiative
well-organized with attention to detail
flexibility and willingness to serve in the area of most need
basic computer literacy
ability to learn SVDP software
ability to work under pressure
ability to engage with people of different cultural and economic backgrounds in a faith-based setting
ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods
ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs
ability to speak, hear, and communicate effectively both in person and over the phone

Job Qualifications

High school diploma
college degree preferred
degree or prior experience in social work, human services, or related fields preferred
bilingual Spanish speaking abilities are a plus
possess excellent customer service skills
able to communicate clearly and compassionately with diverse audiences
work on own initiative and deliver on time
well-organized with attention to detail
display flexibility and willingness to serve where needed
basic computer literacy
ability to learn SVDP software
ability to work under pressure
comfortable engaging with people of different cultural and economic backgrounds in a faith-based setting

Job Duties

Engage neighbors in a Welcome Room to holistically assess their overall situation to determine eligibility for assistance and provide appropriate SVDP assistance and referrals as necessary
Assess and respond to needs of neighbors presenting critical situations at any time during business hours
Serve as a pantry guide, walking with neighbors through the Choice Pantry and assisting them to their mode of transportation
Serve at the front desk, welcoming and providing compassionate guidance to all guests who enter the NOC, including information about services offered
Assist Call Center with harvesting and returning calls to neighbors
Help maintain neighbor records, including entering data into case management system, checking eligibility, completing neighbor requests, and providing administrative support to seasonal programs
Participate as a member of the SVDP Outreach Center Services team as well as positively interacting with volunteers and other SVDP staff
Maintain awareness of community resources available to address needs presented by neighbors and the process for accessing them
Other duties as assigned