Job Description:

Family Advocate

Specific Duties:  To assist one family in their pursuit of housing and healthy living through:

• One on one casual “counseling” and encouragement.
• Other assorted activities pertaining to the needs of the individual family.

Qualifications/Skills:  Advocates must be patient and flexible.  The ability to listen without judgment is crucial for this position.  Experience with basic life skills such as paying bills, looking for an apartment, and looking for a job is important.

Hours/Dates:  Advocate positions are currently available.  The schedule for the advocate will vary according to the situations of the family at the current time. The advocate will work out his/her schedule with the family and staff.  We do ask that you come two-four hours a week for a period of six months.  Many of the families, especially the children, have lived with tremendous amounts of instability.  By coming to the shelter consistently for a reasonable period of time an advocate can contribute to giving them a new sense of stability and security!

Goals: 

             To be a helpful encouragement to a family in all the stages of their journey back to independent living.

• To help a family accomplish the individual goals necessary to being housed again.
• To show the family personal kindness.

Family Advocates must be people who are willing to deal with the variety of issues that face a homeless family.  It is a great thing to offer a kind smile and a listening ear to someone in need.  Thank you for taking up the challenge and offering to help a homeless family in this way.  We look forward to talking with you about this position.  Should you have any questions please call the Director of Family & Volunteer Services Ginny Sidmore at 978-531-9775 ext. 16 or email at vsidmore@cahns.org.