Housing Advocate - Samaritan House

This job was posted by https://www.vermontjoblink.com : For more information, please see: https://www.vermontjoblink.com/jobs/1419766 CVOEO Position Description Program Emergency Housing/Samaritan House Title Housing Advocate Reports to Program Director Supervises N/A 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. A flexible schedule and some local travel are required. Summary of Essential Job Functions: Facilitate screenings 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 with submitting applications and navigating appeals. Build and maintain strong working relationships with local landlords. Seek out clients experiencing homelessness outside of Tims House Emergency housing program as caseload permits. Work with the Samaritan House Program Director and Housing Advocate team to express client needs and assist in obtaining monetary and in-kind donations as needed. Assist with regular statistical and programmatic reporting requirements. Maintain case files for each client in accordance with Direct Services Manual. Assist clients in keeping the shelter clean, safe and comfortable. Respond to emergency situations in a calm, effective manner. Report all shelter issues to the Program Director. Monitor policy and new research surrounding economic justice issues which may be pertinent to clients. Participate in community committees and coalition meetings relevant to issues regarding housing & homelessness. Participate in weekly 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 Bachelors Degree in social or human services or combination of education and experience from which comparable skills and knowledge are acquired Clean driving record, valid drivers license and access to reliable private transportation 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. Direct experience in advocacy and service provision to individuals affected by ho using and economic insecurities. Knowledge of community resources. Assessment and case-planning skills. Must possess excellent written, oral, interpersonal and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external partners. Group facilitation skills including team building and conflict resolution. De-escalation skills and strong communication skills Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings. Ability to uphold safety standards. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT: 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. While per