Job Application - Cortland County Community Action Program

Job Posting CLOSED

Family Development Advocate - May 2026

Position: Family Development Advocate

Program: Family Development
Reports to: Family Development Director

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt, for 37.5 hours per week with benefits

Schedule: Monday through Friday

Hourly Rate: $19.00-$20.00/hour



Job Function: The Family Advocate supports and empowers individuals and families by planning, developing, and coordinating comprehensive services that promote stability, self‑sufficiency, and community engagement. This role works collaboratively with residents of all ages, community groups, partner organizations, and local agencies to identify needs, address barriers, and connect low‑income households with meaningful resources. The Family Advocate approaches challenges with empathy and a solution‑focused mindset, using strong communication, public speaking, and writing skills to advocate effectively for participants and strengthen community partnerships.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

 

Implement Family Development process through programs, community outreach, and case management with specific case load and families.

 

Prepare and submit accurate, timely reports to the Family Development Director, including updates on program progress, participant needs, emerging issues, and outcomes.

 

Communicate regularly with the Family Development Director on unified community concerns and issues on a regular basis through scheduled meetings.

 

Maintain an efficient system of data collection and flow ensuring accurate documentation, data flow, and compliance with internal and external reporting requirements.

 

Plan, develop, and implement innovative approaches within the community including programs geared toward youth and families that promote engagement, empowerment, and self‑sufficiency.

 

Work cooperatively with other CAPCO programs and community partners to coordinate services, enhance resource connections, and strengthen cross‑program support for participants.

Maintain working knowledge of local, state, and federal programs that assist low‑income individuals and families, and partner with human service agencies to ensure a streamlined and effective service delivery system.

 

Participate in relevant training and professional development including programs such as the Family Development Credential, to strengthen skills and support continuous improvement.

 

As Required:

Coordinate the Family Essentials Clothing & Household Items Closet, ensuring efficient organization, inventory management, and participant access.

 

Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to support Family Essentials and other Family Development programs.

 

Expand Family Development programming to rural areas of the county, strengthening outreach, engagement, and access to services.

 

Assist with planning and implementing Community Action Angels initiatives and events, such as:

Holiday Extravaganza

Pajama Party

Everybody’s Baby Shower

Annual Coat Giveaway

Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway

 

Coordinate and implement the Snack Pack Program, ensuring consistent delivery of food support to participating children and families.

 

Assist participants with completing applications for assistance, including gathering necessary documentation and navigating eligibility requirements.

 

Assist with the coordination of the Volunteer Driver Program, helping to schedule rides, recruit volunteer drivers, and ensure compliance with program guidelines.

 

Assist with the coordination of New York State’s Medicaid 1115 Waiver program by supporting individuals and families eligible for the program by connecting them to essential social care services through the Healthy Alliance Social Care Network.

 

Complete Program/Agency Outreach as needed by representing CAPCO at community outreach events and strengthening community awareness and engagement.

 

 

Competencies:                                                    

 

Participant Support & Professionalism:

Effectively manages difficult or emotional participant situations; responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; always maintains confidentiality.

 

 

Communication Skills:

Demonstrates strong group presentation and public speaking abilities; communicates clearly and informatively in writing; listens openly and values diverse viewpoints.

Quality & Continuous Improvement:

Shows accuracy, thoroughness, creativity, and sound judgment; remains objective and solutionfocused when addressing challenges.

 

Interpersonal Conduct & Integrity:

Treats all individuals with respect and consideration regardless of position or background; works ethically and upholds organizational values consistently.

 

 

Organizational & Administrative Skills:

Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks accurately and on time; uses equipment and materials safely and appropriately.

 

 

Collaboration & Initiative:

Seeking and offering help when needed; contributes positively through internal collaboration and external activities that support the organization.

 

 

Flexibility:

Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, when necessary to meet program and community needs.

 

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Education and/or Experience                                                 

High School Diploma/GED required.  Associate’s degree (A. A.) preferred or equivalent from two-year College or technical school; plus, three years’ experience in social work, human services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possess functional knowledge of local, state, and federal programs relating to low-income individuals. Experience in developing and coordinating communitybased initiatives that foster safe, inclusive, and empowering environments, encouraging strong resident participation through thoughtful, traumainformed outreach activities.

 

 

Language Skills                                                  

Ability to read and interpret written materials such as reports, grants, and policy manuals. Demonstrates strong written communication skills, including preparing routine reports and correspondence. Able to speak effectively in public settings, presenting information clearly to participants, community members, and agency staff.

 

Mathematical Skills                                                        

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

 

Reasoning Ability                                               

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

 

 

Computer Skills                                                  

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (etc. Excel, Word, Power point, and Outlook).

 

Other Skills and Abilities

Experience in working with individuals, neighborhood groups (youth and adults) and community organizations. Ability to grasp the problems confronting low-income residents, especially fiscal challenges. Working knowledge of the family development process.

 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

NYS Driver's License with clean driving record. Must successfully complete background check.

 

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to travel to various locations. Ability to work flexible hours to support the program.

 

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

CAPCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, and physical or mental disability. CAPCO will make reasonable accommodations for qualified candidates in adherence of the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York Human Rights Act.

 

Application Deadline: Interested candidates should apply no later than Monday, June 1, 2026 using the application link or forward a resume and letter of interest via email to hiring@capco.org or at the CAPCO Main Office, 32 N. Main St., Cortland, NY 13045.