Family Housing Advocate - Housing Services Program_Salem

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION

The primary focus of the Family/Housing Advocate is to assist families in attaining goals that will lead into permanent placement of independent housing within 12 months of accessing shelter services. Advocates will provide services to families in a well-defined and comprehensive manner. This position will focus on comprehensive case management and follow up with families about their shelter units and advocacy needs. *Location to be confirm at a later date due to the Salem Housing Services Program relocating*

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS*

• Assist families in determining areas of need & barriers; create a Re-Housing Plan.
• At initial arrival to unit, complete intake process including but not limited to:
  • Initiating contact with the family
  • Reviewing house rules, DHCD guidelines and site inventory
  • Determining immediate emergency needs
  • Complete initial intake paperwork
• Provide advocacy, including but not limited to:
  • Assist in obtaining and using benefits
  • Provide information, and referral to appropriate community resources
  • Provide information, referrals and coordination of childcare or educational needs
  • Arrange family conferences/reviews with other service providers
  • Properly document all incidents, correspondence, needs and accomplishments of the family
  • Ensure communication of families activities is shared with advocates/co-workers
  • Utilize FileMaker, ETO and other data bases necessary to document progress, monthly re-housing, and weekly status of families and meetings (Update demographics/contact information).
• Complete intake paperwork and ETO with new families, including making certain that all necessary program documents are signed. Make introduction to Supervisor & Placement team.
• Completion of Filemaker/ETO intake should be completed within 10days- notify supervisor if this process is delayed.
• Establish a meeting with placement person once intake has been completed
• Initiate housing search application process with the family:
  • Assist families with all aspects of housing search including but not limited to:
  • Assisting families with finding safe and affordable housing
  • Network with housing and service providers
  • Coordinate with Placement team when barriers require collaboration
  • Review and complete housing applications & housing updates
  • Provide families with leads and applications for housing opportunities.
• Conduct weekly “unit inspections” to ensure unit maintenance as well as compliance by families with Centerboard & DHCD policy regulations.
• Communicate with families verbally and written/hold weekly meetings with family.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned
• Provide transportation to families as needed, ensure van remains free of trash & report all damages to the supervisor or on-call.
• Some housing stabilization assistance may be required
• On-Call duties, Tues-Tues 1 week rotation responsibility
• Maintain accurate demographic and service statistics for each family
• Ensure open communication with landlords settle issues as required
• Complete shelter exit checklist/duties; make appointment with family at the unit.
• Support various housing branches as directed by supervisor
• Circumstances may arise where advocates are required to work after hours (i.e. after hour placements, housing appointments, unit searches, etc…)

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree preferred. High School Diploma/GED required. Two years’ experience working in human services, housing service, case management or independent living program is desirable. Candidate must possess strong communication and organizational skills. Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required. Able to relate to people; written and verbal communication skills