JOB SUMMARY

• Work closely with Case Manager/Advocates to determine appropriate services for clients at the time of intake; identify personal and economic barriers to be addressed during scheduled bi-monthly meetings with residents; and assure that the resident’s needs are being met to overcome barriers as they move into permanent housing.
• Develop and maintain relationships with prospective landlords, brokers, managers and housing authorities to advocate for families who need permanent housing. Maintain knowledge related to housing policies, regulations, and tenants’ rights. Identify available and affordable units for rental.
• Prepare lists of affordable housing and track openings in subsidized housing for clients. Identify apartments in safe and well-kept buildings with working equipment and appliances.
• Educate clients and landlords about program services and tenant rights. Advocate to waive application and credit check fees and to lower rent prices.
• Keep abreast of funding available to assist clients with rent and security deposits.
• Provide life skill training to ensure clients are prepared before moving into permanent housing.
•  Advocate for and support clients, accompanying them to apartment viewings and lease signings.
• Provide technical assistance, information and referral, advocacy and resource development for clients and related service providers.
• Network with other housing service providers to ensure that the housing needs of homeless are adequately addressed.
• Participate in organizations and coalitions, which help promote greater resources for clients.
• Collaborate with program leadership, to contribute to program planning, policy, systems, implementation, and evaluation for the emergency transitional housing program.
• Ensure the completion of client-related paperwork, progress notes, and statistical reports in accordance with company procedures.
• Completes other duties as needed and/or requested by supervisor to align with mission and vision of the organization.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in social services (or related field) or minimum three years of experience working in advocacy services, case management, or similar work in a direct service setting.
• Experience working with special populations including homeless adults, families, who are victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
• Experience in housing development or housing tenancy is preferred.
• Dedication to empowerment of survivors and their dependents, as well as a commitment to and understanding of anti-oppression, social justice work and gender equity.
• Capacity to work effectively with others of diverse backgrounds, including age, language, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, mental/physical abilities, and socioeconomic status.
• Strong assessment and counseling skills, with a focus on trauma-informed service provision.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Highly preferred: Bilingual/bicultural; familiarity with community resources; crisis intervention experience.

The New Jersey Association on Correction is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, lawful political affiliation or group membership, physical handicap, age, marital status, sexual orientation, prior involvement in the criminal justice system, off the job lawful activities or physical appearance.