Advocate

Title of Position: Advocate (Lotus Center)

Posted Internally: 8/19/26

Description of Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of Homeless Services, the Advocate position operates within the agency’s Lotus Center team to build relationships with persons experiencing homelessness, provide advocacy, and assist with connecting persons to services and long-term housing. The Advocate must be able to work with a diverse population.

The Advocate is responsible for providing direct support to individuals residing in the Agency’s emergency shelter program, the Lotus Center. The Advocate will administer assessment tools, and facilitate connection to social services, treatment services, and placement into emergency and long-term housing opportunities. This position will work collaboratively with the PATH team to assist with making housing placements and enrolling in the Coordinated Entry System (CES).

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Ensure that all program data is accurate and entered into the required program documentation system as required by program policies.
• Develop professional relationships to foster trust and support program participation.
• Perform initial biopsychosocial assessments. Use the information to create a person-centered goal plan in collaboration with the client to address short-term and long-term goals.
• Encourage and support client participation in activities and events that increase the ability to remain linked to care and treatment services and identify employment options or cash benefits.
• Complete a CES assessment to determine permanent housing options and to be placed in the housing queue. Support participants in developing a housing plan.
• Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords.
• Meet and collaborate with clients regularly regarding barriers to services and housing. Make appropriate referrals to resources. Use evidence-based practices in service delivery such as Critical Time Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Housing First practices.
• Maintain computerized client records, mileage, and any other reports as directed.
• Assist clients with conflict management and resolution. Assure clients are adhering to rules-especially related to safety. Use appropriate de-escalation techniques when necessary.
• Collaborate with other team members to keep the team informed of issues and progress.
• Attend monthly community outreach meetings, trainings, and weekly staff meetings.
• Support the Intake Specialist team as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

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.

: Practice harm reduction, motivational interviewing, critical time intervention, trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and housing first. Human service delivery as it relates to persons experiencing homelessness, federal, state, and local regulations relating to fiscal and social services along with community resource programs.

: The Advocate must be able to set and maintain professional boundaries. The ability to establish and maintain records, reports, and statistical data, effectively coordinate a variety of established policies and procedures, and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities. Involve individuals and community partners and the community at large to achieve objectives when appropriate.

: High school diploma or equivalent. A bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field preferred with a minimum of two (2) years of case management or social services or lived experience will be considered.

: Possession of a valid driver’s license, proof of auto liability insurance, and safe driving record.

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports to the Director of Homeless Services

Travel

Travel is primarily within the Vigo County area during operating hours, approximately 20% of the time.

Hours per Day or Week

This is a 1.0 FTE position with some benefits and flexibility to meet the needs of the organization.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Ability to Relocate:

• Terre Haute, IN 47803: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18