Housing Advocate - $18+ - Part Time (24 Hours)

Do you feel strongly about helping and empowering people?

Are you at a point in your life where you're hoping to learn new skills?

Does helping to train volunteers sound rewarding?

DVSSP is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging. If you are excited about a role but your experience doesn’t match every requirement in the job description, we encourage you to still consider applying. You may be a great fit and just the candidate we are looking for!

If any of those sound like a fit - then we've been looking for you!

This position is for 24 hours per week and will be hybrid - this candidate's schedule will fall M-F.

The Benefits of being a Housing Advocate:

• Flexible Scheduling 


• Paid Training


• Competitive Pay


• Annual education opportunities 


• Internal Advancement 


• All employment levels enjoy a Comprehensive Benefit package including PTO, Sick Time, Agency Vehicle use for work related travel, and access to an on-site licensed therapist at no charge! 


• Full time employment and certain levels of part time will enjoy the following additional benefits: Pension, Life Insurance, Extended Paid Leave, Medical/Dental/Vision, and eligibility for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program!

Like what you hear? Then let's get into more detail!

Job Duties

• As relevant to worksite and as directed by Director of Housing, using an educative/supportive/trauma-informed
model: provide direct services including: telephone hotline counseling, safety planning, information and referrals,
accompaniment, individual advocacy, individual empowerment counseling, legal advocacy, transportation,
support groups, and victim compensation assistance.
• Report child abuse as mandated by law, reinforcing to volunteers that they are mandated reporters and required
to report child abuse as directed by the requisite process in place.
• Assist clients with their service plan work.
• Maintain detailed and timely electronic counseling records. Prepare and submit all statistics and reports as
instructed.
• Maintain facility, staff, volunteer, and client confidentiality at all times.
• Complete trainings as directed by Director of Housing.
• Assist all clients with any applications for public or subsidized housing.
JOB DESCRIPTION
• Educate all clients on how to successfully attain and maintain permanent housing in both group or individualized
settings.
• Comprehend Coordinated Entry process and assist in the completion of assessments, scrubbing of prioritization
list, and client education regarding the Coordinated Entry process.
• Create contacts within the community regarding all resources required to attain and maintain permanent housing
including, but not limited to, private landlords, programs for utilities, and public housing case managers.
• Regularly attend local/county housing meetings.
• Become proficient in HUD regulations and guidelines.
• Understand fair housing laws for Pennsylvania.
• Understand fair market rents for service area.
• Work on case management with clients directly related to securing and maintaining permanent housing including,
but not limited to, financial budgeting, efficient use of utilities, and maintaining a clean, safe home.
• Process and distribute relocation funds to eligible clients as needed.
• Comprehend and adhere to current funding guidelines.
Skills, Abilities, Education, Qualifications, and Experience
• B.A., or B.S. in related field, (M.S.W. or M.A. preferred) or equivalent work experience
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to provide on-going supervision, training, and professional development
• Collaborate with peers and other departments within the agency
• Working knowledge of community resources
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficient computer, Internet, and email skills

Core Competencies

• Supports and speaks in positive terms about DVSSP mission and others in the organization.
• Takes initiative to do more than is required or expected in the job.
• Demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for learning new skills and assuming new/changing roles.
• Takes full accountability for meeting commitments and achieving expected results.
• Accepts challenges and uses creative approaches to assess and solve problems.
• Exhibits a primary prevention mindset as a means toward ending domestic violence.
• Supports and role models the core values of trauma informed care.

Required Skills, Abilities, Education, Qualifications, and Experience

• Translatable work experience


• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills


• Ability to provide on-going supervision, training, and professional development 


• Collaborate with peers and other departments within the agency


• Working knowledge of community resources


• Ability to maintain confidentiality


• Proficient computer, Internet, and email skills

Preferred Skills, Abilities, Education, Qualifications, and Experience

• Advanced Degree or equivalent work experience 

Clearances, Licenses, and Physical Requirements

• Final determination of suitability for employment will be contingent upon a successful:

• 
  
  
  
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint processed in accordance with Public Law 92-522 and the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23, Pa C.S. Chapter 63), Federal Criminal History Background Check.
  
  
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
  
  
  • PA State Police Report of Criminal History Clearance.
  
  
  • Reference Check
  
  
  
  

• Possess current PA driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle

DVSSP is a Equal Opportunity Employer