Housing/Recovery Advocate

Community Action Center (CAC) is a community-based, non-profit, human services organization that provides and advocates for the basic needs of people and families throughout Rice County. Its programs create a robust safety net for low-income families and include food access, housing, employment services, clothing, emergency assistance, youth services, transportation, health care assistance, and more.

Reports to: Housing Program Manager

FLSA Status: hourly, non-exempt

Compensation: $19-$24

Hour Status: 40 hours

Location: Faribault, ability to respond to needs in Northfield

Job Summary: The Housing/Recovery Advocate will support the culture of a community-based, person-centered, and trauma-responsive organization. This position focuses on supporting individuals and families experiencing Substance Use Disorder (SUD), homelessness, or both. The Advocate will help participants navigate barriers to recovery and housing stability by providing compassionate, goal-oriented support. Responsibilities include conducting housing assessments, connecting participants to emergency shelters (in hotels or CAC shelter units), offering supportive case management to those in shelter or permanent housing, and walking alongside individuals on their recovery journey with dignity and respect.

Primary Job Responsibilities: CAC’s success depends on the ability of its staff and volunteers to adjust and adapt as they dynamically meet the needs of the community. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Advocacy – Responsible for amplifying the voice of participants throughout the community through relational and responsive advocacy and case management. CAC is prioritizing innovative perspectives on empowering participants beyond typical feedback or advisory panel discussions. CAC is looking for a dynamic advocate to support CAC’s crisis response and long-term case management priorities. Additional tasks and activities include:

• Work directly with partner agencies to receive and respond to referrals of identified parents struggling with SUD*

• Coordinate and conduct community-based visits with participants, including home visits, shelter meetings, and outreach in CAC’s drop-in resource center*
• Provide trauma-responsive case management and ongoing support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or Substance Use Disorder (SUD).*
• Complete housing assessments and connect participants to emergency shelter options (CAC units, hotel placements, or external shelters), and assist with moving arrangements when permanent housing becomes available*
• Connect and refer individuals to eligible community resources and social services, including assisting with necessary applications and paperwork*
• Provide follow-up support on referrals and services to ensure participant needs are being met and progress is maintained*
• Promote the Family Recovery Support Program and CAC housing services within the community, building effective relationships with community partners and stakeholders*
• Advocate for systems-level change that improves access to housing, recovery supports, and social services
• Coordinate and manage the needs of CAC’s housing and recovery participants, responding to crises as needed during scheduled shifts*
• Support the safety and security of CAC’s Resource Center and housing units by following all site-specific health and safety protocols*
• Ensure timely, accurate case notes and high-quality documentation in organizational databases including HMIS and other internal case management systems*
• Assist the Housing Program Manager in evaluating and tracking data to measure program effectiveness and inform improvements

Community Outreach – Responsible for identifying and collaboratively working across programs and organizations to serve the housing needs of the community. CAC is looking for a collaborative individual to build relationships with clients and community leaders outside of CAC. Referrals and outreach efforts can happen from a host of community partners. Additional tasks and activities include:

• Provide leadership and work with community partners on representing CAC’s recovery support efforts related to MOST, Family Recovery Support Program, and other County-wide related SUD efforts*
• Identify barriers within local systems and regularly share this feedback with community organizations at bi-monthly meetings

General Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission: “To promote a healthy, caring, and just community for all people through resources, advocacy and volunteer effort.”*

• Employ trauma-responsive, person-centered care practices to create a safe and healing space, build relationships, foster agency and invest in the long-term wellbeing of participants*
• Utilize crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills to support individuals and families in need*
• Follow all mandated reporting laws for vulnerable adults as well as child abuse and neglect*
• Attend and actively participate in regularly scheduled organization and team meetings and trainings
• Other duties as assigned

Work Environment and Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, bend, kneel, use hands to write, and sit for prolonged periods at a desk working on a computer. Employees are subject to a moderate noise level.

• Working knowledge of social services and community resources for participants - preference given to candidates with strong knowledge of mental health and/or substance use disorders

• Passion and patience for the process of recovery
• Willingness to maintain the standards, carry out the purpose, and adhere to the policies of the Family Recovery Support Program and CAC
• Two years removed from problematic substance use
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including both verbal and written communication
• Experience working alongside diverse populations

• Highly organized and effective in a dynamic fast-paced environment
• Excellent ability to multi-task and troubleshoot issues
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Passion for equity and social justice
• Ability to pass all required background and MVR checks

Preferred qualities:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field OR 2 years of experience in related field
• Familiarity with Rice County organizations and resources
• Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel)

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license

• Must possess Personal Auto Insurance

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed 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(*denotes and essential job function)

Compensation: The position is designed as a full time, 40 hours a week, non-exempt position with a starting rate of $19-24/hour. CAC offers flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a chance to creatively build and implement innovative ideas.

Equal Opportunity: CAC is an equal opportunity organization. CAC believes that the most efficient and effective workplaces include employees from diverse backgrounds. We strive to create a work environment where all employees and individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, public assistance status or veteran status, can succeed and make an impact in the community.