Client Advocate

ABOUT SOUTHWEST OPTIONS FOR WOMEN

SouthWest Options for Women is a life-affirming pregnancy resource center serving women and families throughout the southwest Twin Cities metro area. Our mission is to provide compassionate care, practical support, and hope to women facing pregnancy-related decisions.

Through our medical clinic and Haven programs, we offer pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, client advocacy, education, mentoring, material support, reproductive recovery services, fatherhood programs, and community resources designed to empower women and families to thrive.

At SouthWest Options for Women, we believe that Every Heartbeat Matters, and we are committed to serving each client with dignity, compassion, and excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Client Advocate provides an integrated client experience as clients access SouthWest Options for Women’s medical and personal support services. The Client Advocate will maintain a respectful and collaborative working relationship with all SouthWest Options for Women staff and volunteers. The Client Advocate will help fulfill the mission of SouthWest Options for Women by utilizing the most current factual information and striving always for greater proficiency and excellence in each of our service areas.

Essential Functions:

• Serve clients in person at our Eden Prairie clinic or virtually following established policies, procedures, and protocols; ensure an integrated client experience throughout the client visit.
• Support clients using the most current factual information through our FOCUS program and striving always to become more proficient regarding the following topics or issues:
• • Basic pregnancy related issues
  • Options education
  • Healthy relationship and sexual risk avoidance education
  • Contraceptives and fertility awareness
  • Post-abortion support or referrals
  • Assist clients to identify goals regarding parenthood/adoption that are consistent with their values.
  • Navigate and build local resource database to meet our clients identified needs.
  • Perform pregnancy test for incoming clients if nurses are unavailable.
• Ensure an integrated client experience throughout all aspects of encounter
• • Schedule client appointments from initial point of contact: telephone calls and messaging from digital platforms. Receive and direct other phone calls.
  • Conduct initial intake and assessment for resourcing, coaching, client advocacy and education services.
  • Create and maintain detailed, confidential records of all client interactions.
  • Collaborate among all staff to ensure appropriate and timely coordination of internal client support services.
  • Provide follow-up contact with clients when appropriate and possible.
• Facilitate and deliver client educational programs including the coordination and instruction of large and small group classes. Maintain related client database entry, as needed.
• Assist in the maintenance of the SouthWest Options for Women Boutique, including inventory assessment, stocking and general tasks, as needed.
• Respect and maintain client and organizational confidentiality at all times.
• Maintain a professional, non-judgmental and personable demeanor while working with a diverse clientele.
• Maintain a respectful and collaborative working relationship with all SouthWest Options for Women staff, volunteers, board members and the Medical Director.
• Comply with all policies and procedures of SouthWest Options for Women, and all laws, rules, regulations, standards and best practices appropriate to the position.
• Report all concerns and issues directly to the Executive Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Agreement with SouthWest Options for Women Values and Approach:

• Commitment to SouthWest Options for Women’s organizational core values. We believe in: the inherent dignity of each person, from conception to natural death; the right of our clients to receive comprehensive, truthful information in a respectful and compassionate way; and the importance of addressing the needs of the whole person – physical, emotional, spiritual and social – when providing services.
• Dedication to life-affirming belief in the dignity, sanctity and worth of every human life. We do not perform or provide referrals for abortions. We do not recommend or provide artificial contraception. We promote healthy choices regarding sexuality that both honor the dignity of the human person and completely avoid sexually transmitted infections and unexpected pregnancy.

Professional: Effective interpersonal and communication skills, basic computer skills and knowledge, and organizational aptitude. Experience in a non-profit or community-based organization, especially in social services or family services, is preferred.

Education: Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and/or 1-3 years related experience preferred.

Personal: Ability to empathize with those in distress or affected by trauma and give practical assistance; strong active listening skills. Strong client orientation and ability to engage confidently in a non-judgmental way with all client demographics and situations. Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

Relational: Ability to work as a team member and to accept responsibility. Ability to act independently and to seek consultation when needed. Eagerness to learn whatever it takes to meet our clients’ needs.  Strong work ethic and service minded attitude towards all staff to meet the needs of the organization.

Competencies:

• Show Initiative
• Communicate effectively
• Coach, develop and encourage others
• Understand strategies
• Analyze issues and solve problems
• Relate well to others
• Establish plans

Training:

• FOCUS program training.
• Training and materials regarding social services and client referrals.
• Orientation to SouthWest Options for Women Pregnancy Resources and on-the-job training with the Manager of Client Services and other staff.
• CPR/First Aid

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

Kim Bennecke, Executive Director & President:  kim@myswow.org