Child Advocate

About Us:

• If youre looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of poor and homeless men women and children in your community we may have a job for you.
• Since 1972 Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay.
• We are a grassroots donor and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit. At Metropolitan Ministries we serve families in Hillsborough Pinellas Pasco Polk and Hernando counties with compassion practical help and a willingness to make a huge difference.

What we offer:

Salary: $41000 - $43000

Group health vision and dental coverage at affordable rates along with family coverage if you choose to purchase it.

Preventative care is 100% covered (free) on all plans.

PTO is offered to full-time and part-time employees.

11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually.

Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match.

$15000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries.

Employee Assistance Program

Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates.

Tuition reimbursement program

Training and career development.

Discounted membership at the YMCA.

Job Functions: The Child Advocate supports the Community First Hug Program and will assist in taking responsibility for the assessment identification and referral of developmental needs of children birth middle school participating in the program. The position also focuses on the parents of these young children and providing education and support to ensure developmental and educational addition the Child Advocate will assist in the administering of the Parent Child Plus Program (PC)

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Implement the childrens developmental assessment process using ASQ-3 and other validated developmental screening tools to develop a plan for each child.
2. Facilitate completion of ASQ-3 at every necessary interval including follow up sharing results with caregivers and entering data.
3. Make appropriate referrals for children with questionable or delayed scores and assist with follow through to ensure service needs are met.
4. Collect and report developmental screening data.
5. Meet regularly with the parents of children 0-middle school age children providing education and resources and introducing opportunities for parental involvement.
6. Coordinate needed medical services and further developmental evaluations as needed.
7. Coordinate all services with families primary Family Advocate.
8. Participate in regular meetings to develop plans for families and monitor progress.
9. Keep confidential records according to the Ethical Boundaries for Those That Serve. Maintain professional boundaries.
10. Demonstrate flexibility in work schedule to ensure that client/program needs are being met.
11. Lead Parenting Classes such as SIDs Circle of Security and Emotion Coaching.
12. Support the Education team Director of Education and PCH program as needed.

Education and Experience:

A minimum of a B.A. or B.S. degree in an education health or social services related field. Minimum of three years of experience in the fields of social services or education. Direct experience working with children and parents required. Home visitation experience. Bilingual preferred.

Skill Requirements:

Must be able to work effectively with children and parents representing and communicating their status and progress to small groups and professionals within a network comprised of the Hillsborough County School District Metropolitan Ministries service providers and applicable and related medical social service providers in the surrounding community. Must be able to work within a multi-disciplinary team framework; strong interpersonal and supervisory skills; strong oral and written communications skills; dependability; demonstrates maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients served; ability to handle job related matters in a professional diplomatic and confidential manner; willing to work with minimal supervision yet be able to accept direction; well organized and detail oriented. Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Access Word and Excel required.

Requires heart for ministry and comfort working with poor and homeless families and individuals. Requires understanding of poverty a high degree of maturity strong inter-personal skills and the ability to work with low socio-economic and diverse populations facing crisis situations in a professional and diplomatic manner. Knowledge of community resources available to homeless population. Must demonstrate maturity and sensitivity to issues of faith culture and other sources of diversity. Ability to work as part of a team within a multi-disciplinary framework.

Physical Requirements:

Hearing and speaking ability which allows for effective oral communication; physical and emotional stamina to effectively handle job related issues and stress.

Other:

Must pass applicable pre-employment screening and demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States. Must be available to work during normal school hours and for evening meetings as required. Must pass required background pre-employment screening. Must have a valid drivers license and be able to transport self and clients when necessary.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or status as a protected veteran.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving individuals throughout our local communities. People of color women LGBTQIA Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances.

Metropolitan Ministries is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability please contact us at or via email at