POSITION SUMMARY

The Housing Advocate is responsible for assessing and educating all VSS clients' housing needs. Provides supportive services and advocates for clients as needed. Utilizing trauma-informed care principles and a Housing First approach, the Housing Advocate will facilitate ongoing communication between the household, housing authorities, landlords, and community programs and partners. The Housing Advocate will also help clients learn budgeting and social interaction skills to support housing retention and stability. Supportive services include, but are not limited to, completing forms, coordinating, and providing transportation related to securing temporary or permanent housing, assistance with moving, and monthly home monitoring.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

NOTE:

The Company may unilaterally change the requirements of this job description at any time. To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• It is the responsibility of the Housing Advocate to support clients to ensure they are safe and working to meet goals of self-sufficiency and living a violence-free life.
• The Housing Advocate will oversee compliance with program guidelines and will coordinate services for clients in the program with other advocates and agencies as part of ongoing service plans.
• Complete intake assessments with agency team members or independently for housing programs.
• Transport to housing-related appointments.
• Create a realistic plan for the household for achieving housing stability.
• Search for housing, complete housing applications, and negotiate with landlords and property managers.
• Assist clients with obtaining documentation necessary for accessing housing opportunities (e.g., birth certificate, photo ID, proof of income)
• Assist the households with income maximization and budgeting about both current income management and the resolution of past debts.
• Assist with accessing social services related to housing, such as food pantries, furniture banks, and rental and utility assistance.
• Assess client households for safety.
• Build and focus on existing strengths while teaching and modeling homemaking skills.
• Monitor apartments/housing to prevent eviction/removal.
• Responsible for providing necessary agency referrals.
• Participate in client staffing.
• Responsible for helping at the shelter when necessary.
• Responsible for completing the required paperwork and maintaining client files.
• Responsible for preparing necessary paperwork for funding sources.
• Turn in monthly paperwork by the 3rd of the month for the preceding month.
• Ensure prompt case notes, documentation, and data quality within HMIS (Homeless Management Information Systems) and other organizational data and case management systems.
• Coordinate with other VSS program components in referrals and case management.
• Be cross-trained in other areas of the agency's support services.
• Be available to assist in the agency's other support services when necessary.
• Conduct training in the community.
• Represent the Agency at community events, providing materials and education.
• Willingness to take on new challenges, responsibilities, and assignments as needed or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. High School Diploma or Equivalent and two years of relevant experience in social services with an emphasis on housing. Experience working with diverse populations. Must be 21 years of age or older. Must have the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to teach and encourage clients.

Ability to perform effectively and calmly in crises. Ability to interact with residents in a caring manner while maintaining boundaries. Must be team-focused and work well with co-workers and partner agency members. Proficient in Microsoft Office or similar software and operating systems such as Windows and MacOS. Maintains good physical and emotional well-being. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, court officials, landlords, and other housing professionals. Participate in regular staff meetings, staff training, supervisory sessions, and accept responsibility for aiding the development of positive team relationships as requested. Track records of demonstrating qualities such as good judgment, responsibility, and an ability to relate effectively with clients and family members. Must be able to pass a pre-employment background investigation successfully Must have an acceptable driving record, a valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and a reliable vehicle

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA in the Human Service field Bilingual (English-Spanish) proficiency highly preferred, but not required

Pay:

Up to $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance Application Question(s): How many years of experience do you have working with diverse population? How many years have you worked in homelessness related field?

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Language:

Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person