Client Advocate

About Catholic Charities:

Catholic Charities of South Carolina has served those in need since 1945. Working across the state, we answer God’s call to meet people’s immediate needs while working to break the cycles of poverty. We are rooted in our faith and guided by Catholic Social Teaching.

Overview of the Position:

The client advocate will be responsible for assisting in the delivery of social services promoted and provided by Catholic Charities of South Carolina. The client advocate provides direct client assistance for various needs and case management and advocacy for qualified individuals.

The client advocate will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the food pantry, clothing closet, save a smile program, clean of heart, emergency assistance, and other client services offered through Catholic Charities. The client advocate will assist in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers. They will work with community partners and other social service agencies to implement overall wellness for clients and coordinate assistance efforts.

Main Responsibilities:

• Oversee and provide direct services to individuals and families, which include day-to-day operations of the wellness food pantry, clothing closet, Save a Smile dentures program, case management, emergency assistance, and special events.
• Conduct face to face and over the phone client intakes and assessments to determine needs, identify possible resources, and provide the appropriate services.
• Identify unmet needs and assist clients by providing case management and/or advocacy as needed.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers along with Site Administrator.
• Work closely with Site Administrator on determining eligibility for client assistance, planning and coordinating special events and activities, and volunteer management.
• Accurately collect and enter data and notes into internal database, Microsoft Excel, and compile physical files and documentation of clients. Run internal data reports as needed.
• Stay up to date on community resources, updating and sharing resources accordingly.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with other social service agencies and informal support systems to coordinate assistance efforts and make any needed referrals.
• Consult with Site Administrator on program and special event/project development and planning.
• Responsible for primary contact of dental offices and other vendors re: invoices, payments, client appointment follow ups.
• Attend local agency meetings and trainings to discuss current developments, resources, and needs of the local community.
• This position requires independent discretion and judgment with respect to the delivery of social welfare services to individuals and families. Assess and analyze emergency situations and take prompt action. Maintain client confidentiality and privacy in compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Be sensitive to and communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.

 Background & Experience:

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church
• Experience working within a social services environment or in a related ministry activity
• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience in related field required
• Great interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to culturally diverse populations and different socioeconomic backgrounds
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and internal Data Management System software programs
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds to move boxes, food bags, cartons and cases of canned food, client files, donated household items and boxes of clothing