Housing Advocate

Description

Purpose:

Promote housing opportunities and options for clients across Success and Residential Services to support clients' transition to safe, affordable housing and promote self-sufficiency.

Expectations of Every YWCA Staff Member:

• Uphold and promote the YWCA Mission.
• Maintain compliance with state standards.
• Adhere to established policies and procedures.
• Contribute to fund development efforts for support of all programs and the overall Association.
• Provide support to other departments and staff.

Essential Duties:

• Interview and assess participants for appropriate housing programs and referrals.
• Complete individual housing plans with clients living in the residential crisis shelter.
• Collaborate with Advocates and YWCA Residential team to support clients with processing housing needs and developing individualized goals related to obtaining safe, affordable housing, self-sufficiency and stability.
• Help clients navigate housing resources and gather documentation for eligibility verification.
• Work on all housing tasks related to clients' participation in the YWCA DV Bonus Housing program.
• Maintain accurate, appropriate records in compliance with state standards and manage databases to ensure accuracy.
• Listen and assist clients with options for problem solving as issues arise; create and maintain a high quality work environment to perform at the highest level.
• Transport clients in personal vehicle, as needed.
• Travel throughout YWCA Northeast Indiana service area to provide services and network with other providers. 
• Other duties as assigned to meet the organization's goals.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's in Social Work, Human Services or related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• CPR and First Aid Certifications within the first year of employment.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Knowledge of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking issues and patterns and their effects of men, women and children.
• Proven ability to effectively and respectfully interact with all populations, including clients, co-workers, and agency.
• Experience in crisis intervention, networking, team building and public speaking.
• Strong customer service skills with ability to communicate in a professional manner with a wide range of people. Unequivocal commitment to pluralism.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive manners.
• Strong time management skills; ability to take initiative to solve problems and work with minimum supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• 1-3 years of general office experience, including reception and telephone duties.
• 1-3 years of experience with general office equipment (copiers, printers).
• Accurate, organized, and detail-oriented, with ability to work under pressure and shift priorities in response to changing needs.
• Ability to keep accurate records and files.
• Must comply with organization's policy of automobile insurance: must have a valid driver's license and personal automobile insurance coverage.
• Flexibility to change work hours as needed.

Physical/Mental Essential Requirements:

• Walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, moderate lifting and carrying (up to thirty (30) pounds).
• Full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
• Must drive personal vehicle frequently throughout 6-county service area.
• Ability to sit a computer work station for extended periods of time.
• Occasional need to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to focus on detail and accuracy of work product.
• Work is performed primarily in a non-smoking office environment combined with remote/community-based work, though travel may expose employee to inclement weather conditions.
• Occasional high stress may be experienced in dealing with clients, staff and volunteers.

The statements within this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this position.