Housing Advocate

The Advocate is responsible for assessing and educating all VSS' client's housing needs. The case manager provides supportive services and seeks to advocate for clients as needed. Utilizing Trauma Informed Care principles and a Housing First approach, the Housing Case Manager will facilitate on-going communication between the household, housing authorities, landlords, and community programs and partners. The Housing Advocate will also help clients learn budgeting and social interaction skills to support housing retention and stability. Supportive services include but are not limited to; completing forms, coordinating and providing transportation related to securing temporary or permanent housing, assistance with moving, and monthly home monitoring.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree preferred in a related field or two years of relevant experience in social services, with an emphasis on housing. Bilingual strongly preferred.

· Experience in working with diverse at risk populations.

· Must be 21 years of age or older.

· Must have the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

· Ability to perform in crisis situations and ability to maintain confidentiality

· Strong organizational skills and the ability to teach and encourage clients

· Ability to interact with clients in a caring manner while maintaining boundaries.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, court officials, landlords, and other housing professionals.

· Participate in regular staff meetings, staff training, supervisory sessions and accept responsibility for aiding the development of positive team relationships as requested

· Flexibility to work occasional nights or weekends to meet the needs of the organization

· Some travel is required for the position and company vehicle is available.

· Must be able to pass a background check

Primary responsibilities include:

· It is the responsibility of the case manager to provide clients with support to ensure they are safe and working to meet goals of self-sufficiency and living a violence-free life. The case manager will oversee compliance with program guidelines and will coordinate services for clients in the program with other advocates and agencies as part of on-going service plans.

· Responsible for providing necessary agency referrals.

· Participate in client staffing.

· Responsible for helping at the shelter when necessary.

· Responsible for completing the required paperwork and maintaining client files.

· Responsible for preparing necessary paperwork for funding sources.

· Turn in monthly paperwork by the 3rd of the month for the preceding month.

· Ensure prompt case notes, documentation, and data quality within HMIS (Homeless Management Information Systems) and other organizational data and case management systems

· Coordinate with other VSS program components in referrals and case management.

· Be cross-trained in other areas of the agency’s support services.

· Be available to assist in the agency’s other support services when necessary.

· Conduct trainings in the community.

· Represent the Agency at community events providing materials and education.

· Have personal car available for use in the course of performing job duties.

· Other duties to be assigned as needed

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• How many years do you have working with diverse population?
• Do you have experience with any housing programs?

Experience:

• Social work: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Los Lunas, NM 87031 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20