Housing Advocate

Job Code: 21-1021

Salary: $20.24 - $34.30

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Location: Family Advocate Building

Department: CFS – Community Advocacy Program

Reports To: Cap Program Manager

Telecommute: Yes

Fleet: Yes

Mandated Reporter: Yes

Background: Pl 101-630

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Community Advocacy Program Manager, the Housing

Advocate is responsible for helping families that have experienced trauma from incidences of domestic and family violence, sexual assault, incarceration, inpatient rehabilitation, homelessness, or any other significant events/crises that may be affecting their lives at the time, in a trauma-informed manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive, track, document, and follow up on referrals and Transitional Housing applications.
• Coordinate and complete intakes with approved applicants and service providers to ensure an understanding of the program and identify the client's needs.
• Provide complete case management services to individuals within the Transitional Housing Program, including one-on-one information and education sessions, maintaining accurate and thorough case records and statistics, and complete all reports within the required timeframe.
• Ensure that client information and data is accurately entered and tracked within the appropriate case management/information systems.
• Work collaboratively with all CAP Advocates to identify housing solutions for all clients in need.
• Take an active role in the planning and execution of outreach and education efforts within the community for the Community Advocacy Program. This includes working collaboratively with the Program Manager, Administrative Assistant, and program partners.
• Participate in the CAP on-call rotation and respond to crisis calls outside of normal business hours with the ability to intervene in an urgent situation, using sound professional judgment, ethical practice, and common sense.
• Establish and maintain an updated list of and good relationships with local landlords and housing programs, including lists of available rentals and other housing opportunities.
• Track inventory and submit requests for housing supplies and areas needing maintenance, as needed.
• Provide support, education, and advocacy to clients/families, coordinate services from other agencies, and promote informed decision-making and prioritization of needs.
• Establish the necessary collaborations with local agencies and stakeholder contacts to identify community resources and make appropriate referrals for needed services, benefits, and transportation coordination.
• Accompany the Transitional Housing clients to meetings with service agencies, including but not limited to probation, legal, social service, and medical systems.
• Keep Transitional Housing clients informed about the status of criminal and civil proceedings and provide support as needed. Attend court hearings when possible and track court dates.
• Participate on multi-disciplinary teams, boards, and workgroups as assigned.
• Develop a thorough working knowledge of Tribal and local housing systems and programs, as well as local, state and federal housing regulations.
• Keep up to date on information related to the grants associated with the position and service delivery requirements.
• Adhere to all Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and CAP Program policies and work rules, including strict adherence to confidentiality policies.
• Obtain and maintain appropriate training and certifications per the CAP Program Manager’s staff training plan.
• Ability and willingness to travel to job-related training, conferences, and meetings.
• Ability and willingness to flex work hours to meet the needs of the Transitional Housing clients.
• Other related duties as assigned.

MANDATED REPORTER: Must become a mandated reporter prior to having contact with children in a job-related capacity and maintain that status throughout employment. This includes completing any necessary training and adhering to all reporting obligations as defined by applicable laws and tribal policies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information obtained, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Associate’s Degree in Human Services or a Related field WITH
  • Two (2) years’ experience in Human Services; 

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or Related field.
• One year of experience working with trauma survivors preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong oral and written communication skills required. Must have computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe, and the willingness and ability to learn varying databases. Ability to interact sensitively with traumatized populations and to handle crisis appropriately.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to creatively solve problems, think logically, and remain calm in intense or stressful situations.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license in accordance with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Fleet Policy.

The successful candidate must pass a drug test and background check prior to employment.