Family Advocate

COR Inc

Family Advocate-Forest Cove Project

Full-time, salary range $55,000-$62,000 (flexible schedule - evenings required, weekends as needed)

*This is a 2 year grant funded position. 

COR is a growing non-profit committed to social justice for all young scholars. Founded in 2019 by three women, COR’s vision is that every student in Atlanta, no matter their socioeconomic background, has the support and tools needed to overcome structural disadvantages to flourish at school and beyond. COR’s approach, in partnership with Purpose Built Schools Atlanta (PBSA), of being embedded in the school, uniquely equips us to provide support for basic needs and a continuum of behavioral health care for students with the goal of enhancing student self-efficacy, reducing risky behaviors, and increasing school engagement and achievement. 

The Forest Cove Project is a unique opportunity for us to support some of our families as they navigate relocating from a condemned public housing site in South Atlanta. The Family Advocate will provide case management and advocacy support for families who resided at Forest Cove. This will involve intensive, direct, hands-on support to ensure their immediate needs are met as well as they are set up for success in their new community. And, it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in a community that’s been all but abandoned by those who might have made a difference.

The ideal advocate is/has: 

• A graduate of an accredited bachelor’s program in the field of social work, psychology, community counseling, community advocacy, or education. MASTER’S PREFERRED
• A champion - someone who genuinely likes this work and advocates energetically and unapologetically for our families 
• Strength based - you believe our families are doing the best they can
• At least 2 years providing community based case management, preferably in historically under-resourced and excluded communities
• Experience with home-visits and meeting clients in non-traditional settings
• Familiar with local resources and ability to locate resources as needed
• Well-organized and proactive 
• Patient and flexible
• Ability to work independently - this position will require travel and will be 50/50 office/community based
• A strong coordinator - will work with multiple community partners
• An effective project and time manager
• A strong communicator across different personalities and working styles
• Tech-Savvy: some of the tools we use include Apricot, Slack, Trello, Google Drive (including Google Meet), and Zoom
• Empathetic 
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism. 
• Demonstrated commitment to personal and professional growth, including recognizing and doing the work on your own biases, assumptions and preconceptions

By improving one’s awareness and understanding of unconscious bias, individuals can begin to change how they think about and engage in equity work. Ask yourself, “What biases might I have?”, “What impact does this have on my students and families?”, and most importantly, “What will I do about this?”

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive and intensive case management for families of Forest Cove through direct hands-on support as they relocate and get settled in their new communities
• Ensure that any children are timely and properly enrolled in the appropriate school, and connect them with school social workers, grade level counselor and other supports
• Treat all families with respect and dignity and work to repair trust broken from systems that have historically failed them
• Communicate program updates with families in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate records of services and supports
• In partnership with AVLF, educate tenants about their rights related to the relocation process
• Collaborate with community service providers to support families
• Attend weekly project staff meetings and report on progress or issues
• Provide emergency assistance as needed
• Stays connected with families throughout two year project to ensure success
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to meet with families in the community

Why choose COR?

Our programs include:

1. The Hub: A safe space in the school for de-escalation and early intervention programming, as well as student interest groups and a hang out/study spot for after-school activities. 
2. Prevention Training: Prevention and early intervention student training (e.g. child trafficking and exploitation; intimate partner violence; conflict resolution; social, emotional and ethical training, etc.), as well as trauma-informed support and training for instructional and administrative staff to support students in the classroom.
3. CORner Store: Addresses basic needs insecurity by providing free groceries, clothing, hygiene supplies, and resources for students and the community.
4. Forest Cove Project: Community project supporting families relocating from Forest Cove to alternate housing solutions throughout Atlanta. This involves hands-on support and case management and strong advocacy for families.

We are a growing non-profit committed to social justice for all young scholars. Our team is small yet mighty. We support a healthy work-life balance and encourage self-care. We know that the work we do matters and we aren’t afraid to ask tough questions and look at larger systemic issues. You are an energized like-minded human who wants to show up, do the work, and challenge the status quo. We will laugh together, likely cry together, grow together, and love what we do. Let’s try this out and see if we like each other.