Housing Disability Advocate FT

Shift Available:

Monday through Friday 8- 4pm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Housing and Disability Advocate assists people experiencing homelessness who are disabled apply for disability benefits while providing housing and support. The Housing and Disability Advocate is intended to support participants in meeting two important goals: Securing disability benefits and stabilizing permanent housing. This Advocate should be SOAR certified and following the SAMHSA guidelines on applying for Disability benefits.

• Provide ongoing outreach and case management to clients referred to the Program.
• Helping clients experiencing homelessness to fill out Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit applications.
• Assisting clients in gathering and submitting required documentation to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office.
• Identifying affordable housing options for clients in need.
• Providing housing placement and support services to help clients obtain and maintain permanent housing.
• Conducting regular check-ins and follow-up home visits to ensure housing stability.
• Offering case coordination to help clients navigate and overcome barriers to accessing housing and disability benefits.
• Connecting clients with essential services such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, behavioral health agencies, legal aid, and other relevant programs.
• Entering all client-related data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Online Application Tracker System (OAT).
• Tracking and documenting clients' housing status, disability status, outcomes, and the status of other benefits.
• Assisting clients with filing appeals and requests for hearings, including appeals to the Social Security Appeals Council.
• Representing individuals at administrative hearings related to disability benefits.
• Establishing good working relationships with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS).
• Collaborating with other programs and agencies, such as the Good Samaritan Outreach Team, legal aid, and Behavioral Wellness, to better assist clients.
• Implementing the Housing First approach, prioritizing housing placement for clients with disabilities regardless of preconditions.
• Ensuring that client choice remains a top priority in housing placement decisions.
• Ensures a safe and secure environment for clients.
• Provides crisis prevention and intervention when necessary.
• Demonstrate the capability to promptly recognize and respond to emergency situations, including overdoses, while also possessing effective skills to deescalate tense situations.
• Transports clients in the agency-provided vehicle for appointments as required.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely logging of notes in the ETO and EHR county system.
• Responsible for promptly notifying the manager of any work orders that need to be submitted or supplies that need to be ordered.
• Responsible for attending staff meetings, ensuring timely completion of training, and accurately completing timecards.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

This section outlines the essential knowledge, skills and abilities are required to perform the daily tasks and job duties bulleted above.

• High School Diploma or equivalent: A minimum educational requirement to demonstrate basic literacy and communication skills.
• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or have an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Have at least 2 years of experience working in social services, with populations experiencing homelessness.
• Experience in case management practices and working knowledge of various appropriate counseling techniques
• Excellent communication skills: Ability to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
• Crisis intervention skills: Capacity to handle crisis situations and de-escalate conflicts.
• Empathy and compassion: Demonstrating genuine care and understanding for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Ability to work in a team: Collaboration and cooperation with other staff, volunteers, and external agencies.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Google)

Required Qualifications:

Employment Eligibility Verification:

• Must provide documentation to establish identity and employment eligibility in compliance with legal requirements. This may include a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or other acceptable forms of identification.

Negative Tuberculosis Test:

• Must provide documentation of a recent negative tuberculosis (TB) test result to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Background Screening:

• Successful completion of a comprehensive background screening, which may include criminal record checks, employment history verification, and reference checks.

Pre-Employment Drug Screening:

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening to ensure a drug-free workplace. A negative drug test result is required.

Driving Skills:

• Must meet the requirements set by our auto insurance carrier.

Insurance Coverage:

• Must be able to qualify for Good Samaritan Shelter insurance coverage, which may include meeting specific criteria related to driving record, insurance claims history, and other factors.

Personal Insurance Coverage:

• Must have personal insurance coverage that meets the requirements set by the employer.
• This may include liability insurance, automobile insurance, or any other type of insurance deemed necessary for the position.
• The coverage must be valid and maintained throughout the employment period.

Benefits:

Full-Time Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays and Floater Day
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Discount
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Working Advantage

Part-Time Benefits:

• 401k Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Discount
• Working Advantage

Please note that these benefits are subject to specific eligibility criteria and may be subject to change based on company policies and guidelines.

Work Environment:

The work environment for homeless services with clients experiencing substance abuse or mental illness is characterized by a commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere. It is crucial to establish a secure environment that prioritizes the well-being of both staff and clients. The work is often carried out through a multidisciplinary team approach, involving professionals from various fields who collaborate to provide comprehensive support. Crisis management protocols and resources should be readily available to address emergencies related to substance abuse or mental health. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities equip staff with the necessary skills to effectively engage with clients and address their complex needs. Additionally, the work environment should prioritize staff self-care and support, recognizing the potential challenges and providing resources for their well-being. Confidentiality and privacy of client information are paramount, ensuring trust and maintaining ethical standards. By fostering an inclusive and empathetic work environment, homeless services can effectively support clients on their path to recovery and stability.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Capability to navigate stairs multiple times during a shift is required.
• Proficiency in using hands and fingers to perform tasks such as typing, writing, handling paperwork, operating equipment, and assisting residents with daily needs.
• Sufficient vision and hearing capabilities to observe and respond to the environment, communicate with residents and colleagues, and maintain a safe working environment.

Mental Requirements:

The mental demands outlined above are illustrative of the requirements necessary for an employee to effectively fulfill the fundamental duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations can be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these essential functions.

• Emotional resilience to cope with challenging situations and provide support to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
• The nature of working with individuals experiencing homelessness can be emotionally draining. Staff must be aware of the signs of compassion fatigue and have strategies in place to manage their own self-care and prevent burnout.
• Establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries is crucial when working with vulnerable populations. Staff should be able to prioritize self-care, set limits on their emotional involvement, and practice self-reflection to prevent personal emotional strain.
• Serving a diverse population with various cultural backgrounds and identities. Staff should have a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity, respect for diversity, and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

The Good Samaritan Shelter is a non-profit, community-based organization that relies on all members of staff to work together to serve the community and clients. At times, you may be asked to take on additional tasks outside of your usual responsibilities as needed.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience working with individuals who have struggled with substance abuse, alcoholism, and/or homelessness?

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Fair Housing regulations: 1 year (Required)
• housing first model : 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• CDL (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $28