DVSA Program Housing and Economic Advocate

Description

Are you looking to make a real difference in the lives of others? Join the Catholic Charities team! For the last 100 years, we have had the distinct honor to provide help and hope for those in need. At Catholic Charities, our mission is to empower individuals and strengthen families. We do this through our vital programs including a food pantry, counseling services, emergency family shelter, domestic violence and sexual assault programming and refugee resettlement. We care for the dignity of the person, regardless of background and strive to provide unparalleled support for those in need. 

The Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program provides services to anyone faced with these issues through a 24-hour crisis phone line, emergency shelter, court advocacy and much more. This program is based in Council Bluffs, Iowa and serves nine counties in southwest Iowa: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. Our on-site emergency shelter provides a safe, confidential living for up to eight families at a time.

The Housing and Economic Advocate will work to maintain strong relationships with community housing authorities and landlords to ensure survivors can exit homelessness quickly and maintain housing.   This position travels in our nine county service area on a regular basis to provide in-person advocacy and requires occasional evening and weekend hours.  

We Offer

• Competitive pay
• 35-hour workweek
• Generous vacation and sick pay*
• 14 paid holidays*
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Tuition Reimbursement*
• Comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flex Spending Plans*
• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance*
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• A supportive and uplifting working environment 

*Benefits are available for full-time employees and may be subject to waiting period.

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist survivors in Pottawattamie, Harrison, Mills, Fremont, Shelby, Audubon, Cass, Montgomery and Page counties in finding and maintaining housing.
• Provide case management for survivors including assessments, goal planning and regular communication to help them attain their goals. 
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of the State of Iowa statues and codes including services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and the landlord/tenant code.
• Educate clients on tenant responsibilities and rights, financial management, and affordable housing opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with community landlords and other housing providers. 

Certifications (Can be obtained after employment) 

• IowaCASA Certified Sexual Abuse Counselor
• Attend yearly Blood Born Pathogen training
• Maintain up-to-date CPR Certification
• Frist-Aid Certification 
• Mandatory Child Abuse and Dependent Adult training

Requirements

• Passion to make a difference and support those in need.
• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university preferred.
• Four or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

All candidates selected for hire will be required to undergo a thorough criminal background check and FBI fingerprinting. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals we serve. Conviction of a crime will not automatically disqualify you from employment; the nature, severity, and recency of the crime will be considered in relation to the position.

Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. Catholic Charities will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other protected class.