Housing Advocate - Daytime Drop In Center

This job was posted by https://www.vermontjoblink.com : For more information, please see: https://www.vermontjoblink.com/jobs/1426071 Page 1 of 4 Position Description Program Samaritan House (SH)/Emergency Housing Title SH Housing Advocate Daytime Drop In Center Reports to Program Director, Associate Director\ Supervises None Remote/Hybrid Direct Service/Onsite Job Summary\ To provide client-centered, trauma-informed support for emergency housing clients and others\ experiencing homelessness with the ultimate goal of empowering the client to access safe, sustainable\ housing. Housing Advocates work with clients to secure housing and access essential benefits, and refer\ people to medical, mental health and substance use disorder services. Housing Advocates work with an\ array of community partners to help clients access options for housing and social services. Addressing\ barriers to housing and working with partner agencies to address those barriers is a crucial aspect of this\ role. Housing Advocates work in partnership with clients to promote a sense of community and continue to\ work with clients as needed once theyre successfully housed. This position includes overseeing our daytime\ drop-in center, open to all address basic needs. A flexible schedule based on business needs and some local\ travel are required. Summary of Essential Job Functions Facilitate screening and intakes for those seeking shelter at Tims House. This requires an understanding\ of the shelter setup and policies. Create and maintain a housing plan with clients and conduct one-on-one housing meetings with clients a\ minimum of once weekly. We are a client-centered program in which the client has full control of their\ housing journey the Housing Advocate is there to provide information and encourage engagement. Assess client barriers to housing and utilize the organizations programs and those of partner agencies to\ ensure barriers are addressed and essential needs are met. Have a strong understanding of financial assistance programs, lease agreements, rental unit requirements\ and tenant rights. Assist clients by submitting applications and navigating appeals. Build and maintain strong working relationships with local landlords.\ Oversee the Samaritan House Drop-In Center and its guests.\ Light cleaning and administrative tasks.\ Organize and sort out donations, move supplies between storage areas, and maintain general cleanliness of the office and shared spaces.\ Assist clients in keeping the shelter clean, safe and comfortable (i.e. manage guest and house laundry, process mail, prepare and serve meals and coffee across multiple building levels).\ Conduct room, bag and pocket inspections for cleanliness and contraband (including drugs, alcohol, paraphernalia, and weapons), perform nightly curfew checks, monitor security cameras.\ Assist with regular statistical and programmatic reporting requirements.\ Maintain case files for each client in accordance with Direct Services Manual.\ Respond to emergency situations in a calm, effective manner. Report all shelter issues to the Program Director or Associate Program Director. Page 2 of 4 Participate in CVOEO orientation and training.\ Participate in monthly staff meetings and regular supervision and programmatic meetings.\ Participate in regular meetings with community partners to collaboratively serve all those in need in our community.\ Represent Samaritan House in a professional manner in accordance with our mission, beliefs and values.\ Other duties as requested. Minimum Requirements, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Bachelors degree in the field of social or human services or a combination of education and experience\ from which comparable skills and knowledge are acquired. A commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment \ Excellent organizational, computer, verbal and written communication skills; bilingual abilities a plus.\ In-depth knowledge of the causes and effects of homelessness, affordable housing, poverty, economic justice and multiple oppressions affecting economically vulnerable groups preferred.\ Direct experience in advocacy and service provision to individuals affected by housing and economic insecurities preferred.\ Knowledge of community resources, assessment and case planning skills preferred.\ Assessment and case-planning skills.\ Must possess excellent written, oral, interpersonal and leadership skills.\ Demonstrated crisis intervention, de-escalation, and problem-solving skills.\ Training in overdose prevention and response, including Narcan administration; CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within six months of date of hire).\ Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external partners.\ Group facilitation skills include team building and conflict resolution.\