Win
Family Advocate, LEAD
Title of Position: Family Advocate, LEAD FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Department: Innovative Programs
Reports to: Program Director, LEAD
Positions Reporting to this Position: N/A
Exempt: _ Non-Exempt: XX__
Purpose of the Position:
Since its founding to provide emergency shelter to four homeless women and their children, Win has grown into the largest provider of family shelter and supportive housing in New York City. Win offers transitional shelter housing and permanent supportive housing that’s coupled with programs and services developed to support long-term housing stability. All of Win’s services are guided by its mission – to transform the lives of New York City homeless families and their children by providing the safe housing, critical services, and the ground-breaking programs they need to succeed on their own – so the parents can regain their independence, and their children can look forward to a brighter future.
Win’s Innovative Programs Department is looking to hire a Family Advocate for its new and first of its kind Legal Empowerment for Asylum Seeking and Displaced Families (LEAD) program. LEAD is a legal and support services collaboration between Win and the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG). The need for LEAD and the services it offers continues to evolve. The experience of immigrating to a new country leaves our migrant families vulnerable and in urgent need of accessible and affordable legal aid services and support. Along with the rest of the LEAD team, in partnership with legal service provider NYLAG, the Family Advocate will provide Win residents with the assistance they need to establish safety and permanency in the US.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with our partner attorneys at NYLAG to ensure families have access to all services for which they are eligible
Assist in screening families and individuals for eligibility to complete applications for asylum.
Support families and individuals in following up with necessary appointments related to asylum status and work authorization.
Accompany families and individuals to court appointments and/or biometric appointments.
Work in collaboration with shelter staff and income building specialists to assist families with obtaining benefits.
Work in collaboration with housing staff to assist families with obtaining necessary documentation and completed necessary applications relevant to the housing process.
Provide know-your-rights training to families across Win Transitional Housing Sites
Support clients in navigating the traumatic and complex immigration system.
Translate non-English immigration documents for individuals/families.
Conduct follow up with families on referrals to community agencies, to ensure the satisfactory provision of services.
Advocate for the needs of asylum-seeking and displaced families within the organization and in external partnerships.
Support families in familiarizing themselves with New York City
Commit to using Evidence Based Practices (EBPs); motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, family-centered case management, and cultural-reflexivity.
Stay current on best practices and trends in legal services for asylum seekers and displaced families.
Build relationships with immigrant communities throughout NYC.
Attend and actively participate in shelter meetings, agency-wide meetings, and staff training (on site and off site) as directed by the supervisor.
Essential Functions:
Must be able to travel to Win sites, meetings, and training throughout New York City.
Must be able to sit at a computer for long periods of the workday.
Qualifications:
Bi-lingual (Spanish) required
Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field with 2 years relevant experience or 5 years relevant experience
Foundational knowledge of US immigration system
Willingness to learn intricacies of US immigration law
Strong writing and communication skills
Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow directions.
Highly organized and capable of multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and general Internet and electronic communications
Experience with working with families and homelessness.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Computer skills and knowledge of CARES a plus
Core Competencies:
Leadership: Sets an example by following Win policies and procedures. Acts with a high degree of professionalism and has a good work ethic.
Facilitating Change: Delivers high quality results consistently. Seeks to learn new skills and participate in professional development.
Managing Performance: Works effectively with peers and interacts respectfully with clients and coworkers. Participate actively in team meetings. Demonstrates empathy.
Applying and Developing Expertise: Demonstrates depth of knowledge and skill and applies technical knowledge to solve a range of problems.
Communicating and Collaborating: Understands and embodies the values and mission of Win. Keeps the manager informed about progress and problems.
Win is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
Employee’s signature below constitutes employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.
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