Housing Advocate

Job Title: Housing Advocate 

Reports to: Housing Program Manager FLSA 

Status: Hourly, non-exempt Hour 

Status: 20-40 hours, depending on candidate needs 

Job Summary

The Housing Advocate will support the culture of a community-based, person-centered, and trauma-responsive organization. The position will focus on supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness and will assist with housing assessments, connect people to emergency shelter in hotels or in CAC’s emergency shelter units, and provide supportive case management to those living in emergency shelter or permanent supportive housing. 

Responsibilities and Duties

CAC’s success is based on the flexibility of its staff and volunteers to dynamically adjust to meet the needs of the community. The primary responsibilities for this job include:

Advocacy

Responsible for amplifying the voice of participants throughout the community through relational and responsive case management. CAC is prioritizing innovative perspectives on empowering participants beyond typical feedback or advisory panel discussions. CAC is looking for a dynamic advocate to support CAC’s crisis response and long-term case management priorities. Additional tasks and activities include:

● Complete housing assessments with individuals or families experiencing homelessness
● Connect individuals and families with emergency shelter resources within CAC or externally, as well as short-term hotel placements
● Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive case management services for a portion of CAC’s emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing participants residing in CAC’s housing units
● Be available for crisis response during scheduled times in CAC’s drop-in resource center
● Coordinate and manage the needs of CAC’s housing participants
● Assist participants with moving arrangements when more permanent housing becomes available
● Maintain safety and security of CAC’s Resource Center and housing units by following all site-specific health and safety procedures as well as home visiting guidelines
● Ensure prompt case notes, documentation, and data quality within HMIS (Homeless Management Information Systems) and other organizational data and case management systems
● Attend team meetings as requested

Community Outreach

Responsible for identifying and collaboratively working across programs and organizations to serve the housing needs of the community. CAC is looking for a collaborative individual to build relationships with clients and community leaders outside of CAC. Referrals and outreach efforts can happen from a host of community partners. Additional tasks and activities include: 

● Develop relationships with property managers, city leaders, law enforcement, community organizers, employers, faith-community leaders, and others to ensure housing supports are easily accessible across the community
● Coordinate and communicate with other agencies and organizations throughout the area

Qualifications 

CAC is committed to finding the right person for the position. Ideal candidates will possess many of the following qualities: 

● Working knowledge of social services and community resources for clients
● Preference given to candidates with strong housing expertise
● Preference given to candidates with strong knowledge of mental health and/or substance use disorders
● Excellent oral and written communication skills
● Experience working alongside diverse populations
● Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field OR four years of experience in related field
● Social Work license preferred but not required
● English and Spanish speaking preferred
● Valid driver’s license required
● Flexibility to work occasional nights or weekends to meet the needs of the organization
● Ability to pass all required background and MVR checks

Compensation

The position is designed as a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position. Hourly wage will depend on experience and qualifications with a starting range $18-$23/hour plus benefits. Some components of the position may require occasional night or weekend hours as well as possible travel throughout Rice County. The position will report to CAC’s Program Director (Housing and Recovery). CAC offers flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a chance to creatively build and implement innovative ideas.