Description

WHO WE ARE

Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in-need transform their lives.

Through more than 50 distinct human service programs, Volunteers of America changes the lives of more than 140,000 vulnerable Coloradoans each year.

VOA services include housing and emergency shelters, hunger and nutrition services, and many other community support programs.

Our work touches the mind, body, heart and ultimately the spirit of those we serve. VOA integrates compassion with highly effective programs that build and strengthen communities.

WHY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA Volunteers of America Colorado believes unique challenges require unique and thoughtful solutions.

VOA creates specialized programs to meet the critical needs of the communities we serve our programs across Colorado look different because each community is distinct.

Volunteers of America recognizes the senior who needs assistance with her grocery shopping in Fort Collins, and the student in Aurora who has never been to summer camp.

We support Denver’s homeless veterans who have been underserved, and prepare preschoolers challenged by poverty to be successful in elementary school and beyond.

Wherever we go we engage faith, relationship-building, and volunteers to lift-up and support Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens.

The Housing Specialist will coordinate and oversee the implementation of the VOCA Housing for Crime Victims

Special Project, as well as provide mobile advocacy to crime victims as they transition to and / or maintain

independent housing. Program participants will be adults who are homeless due to domestic and / or family

violence, sexual assault, or stalking, who may or may not have mental health or chemical dependency issues, and

are low-income. The purpose of the Housing for Crime Victims Special Project will be to create or enhance a

housing program for eligible program participants that will first focus on helping survivors increase access to and

retain safe, long-term housing and then provide tailored supportive services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the primary contact for housing assistance for both crime victims and community partners.
• Responsible for understanding and implementing the Housing for Crime Victims Special Project according

to VOCA and VOA standards and expectations, maintains a clear understanding of the Special Project

Grant Agreement.

Determines the housing needs and available resources for persons seeking aid and works with them to

determine what is available to them.

• Provides trauma-informed care.
• Refers crime victims in need of short-term rental assistance and additional housing case management to

Housing Solutions for the Southwest and, when appropriate, provides collaborative case management.

Coordinates VOCA funding available to assist crime victims on a variety of needs to promote long-term

housing stability.

include emergency shelter assistance, utility and moving expense assistance, etc.

Coordinates process of lease-up, landlord negotiations, and contracts, along with partner agencies such as

Housing Solutions for the Southwest.

Generates resources in the area of housing, including researching available affordable and supportive

housing options; developing relationships with landlords, brokers and housing programs.

Triages and assesses all information and referral inquiries to assure effective advocacy and financial

support.

Engages landlords and develops partnerships with housing and community providers to increase housing

opportunities for crime victims.

Responsible for intake interviews of new program participants, completing necessary documentation, and

determining if client is appropriate for the program.

Attends staff meetings weekly, in-service training as required, and meets periodically with the Program

Manager for input and exchange of information.

Responsible for providing supervision and training of new employees and volunteers as assigned.

Collaborates and trains other advocates on housing program and mobile advocacy, as needed.

Gives educational presentations to community groups and attends professional meetings when

requested. In particular, represents the organization at community meetings regarding housing issues for

homeless populations and assists with educating the community on changing policy as it relates to crime victim access to affordable housing.

• Maintains case notes, completes financial assistance documentation and billing, and other paperwork as required.
• Performs all work in a culturally appropriate manner consistent with Volunteers of America’s mission and philosophy.
• Performs job responsibilities in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics.
• Ensures guest voice is incorporated into programmatic evaluation and improvement.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK · Full-time, 40hrs per week during business hours, 8am-5pm Monday through Friday.

LOCATION · Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter- Durango, CO

Benefit eligibility is based on job type / status :

Vacation Time

Separate Sick Time

Paid Holidays

Floating Holidays

Personal Days

Volunteer / Wellness Day

Tuition Assistance

Pension Plan

403b Retirement Plan with Agency Match

Health, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurances

Life Insurance

Accident Insurance

Employee Assistance / Work Life Balance Program

Employee Discount Program

LifeLock with Norton

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Volunteers of America is an EEO / AA Employer

Position will remain open until filled

Requirements

COMPETENCIES

• Models core culture attributes of VOAC that include AIRS (Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Service).
• Models and pursues with vigor VOAC’s three strategical critical virtues of HHS (Hungry, Humble, People Smart).
• Demonstrates servant-leadership and models open communication. Commits to providing a nourishing, truthful, approachable, joyful and healthy environment.
• Demonstrates compassion for helping those that are the most vulnerable in our community. Demonstrates knowledge of or a strong willingness to learn about poverty, human service government programs, VOAC solutions and services, homelessness, aging, veterans, at-risk youth and helping those most vulnerable in our society.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES · There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in human services or a related area.
• Two years of human service experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION

Direct experience with relevant population and with housing and homelessness issues preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products and Windows environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills
• Must be able to use own automobile, possess a valid Colorado driver’s license and state-mandated automobile insurance.
• Bending, Climbing, Stooping, Kneeling, Reaching, Crouching, Squatting, Lifting (30 to 50 pounds), Balancing, Standing, Sitting, Hand / Foot motions, Walking, Seeing (Close and distant vision, Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Assess, Estimate), Depth Perception, Hearing / Listening, Speaking / Shouting (Communicate, Discern, Convey, Express, Exchange), Use of Hands / Fingers (Grasping, Holding, Touching), Thinking, Calculating, Memory / Recall, Exposure to Indoor and Outdoor environments

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Mobile Position requires daily short-distance travel to meet with clients and operate at both the Southwest Safehouse and the Durango Community Shelter.

Bending, Climbing, Stooping, Kneeling, Reaching, Crouching, Squatting, Lifting (30 to 50 pounds), Balancing, Standing, Sitting, Hand / Foot motions, Walking, Seeing (Close and distant vision, Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Assess, Estimate), Depth Perception, Hearing / Listening, Speaking / Shouting (Communicate, Discern, Convey, Express, Exchange), Use of Hands / Fingers (Grasping, Holding, Touching), Thinking, Calculating, Memory / Recall, Exposure to Indoor and Outdoor environments

Salary Description 22.02

Last updated : 2024-04-30