Job Title: Family Services Housing Advocate
Status: Non-Exempt
Title of Direct Supervisor: Homeless Outreach Program Manager
Starting Pay: $24/hr
Job Summary:
The Family Services Housing Advocate is a member of the PCHO outreach team that provides support services to homeless individuals and families. This position will assist families in need of emergency housing through the Department of Social Services – Emergency Housing Unit. The Family Services Housing Advocate will conduct case management and housing search activities, assisting clients in maintaining short-term emergency housing.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Human Services related degree preferred OR Associate’s degree in Human Services or related area with 2 years full time work experience or its part-time equivalent working with persons that were homeless or underserved OR High School Diploma with at least 5 years full time work experience or its part-time equivalent working with persons that were homeless or underserved will be considered
- Ability to work independently with a strong focus, task-oriented, non-judgmental, and able to set clear boundaries
- Possess a strong sense of respect for confidentiality involving both clients and peers.
- Possess an ability to work in a variety of settings with culturally diverse individuals and families, and remain sensitive to their individuality
- Possession of a valid NYS driver’s license and a driver’s record considered acceptable by the agency and insurance carrier, and availability of a car for daily use, including transporting clients
- Knowledge of and/or informed practice of motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, etc.
- Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality in regards to all records reviewed, including client records, and demonstrate commitment to the Mission Statement of Person Centered Housing Options
- Effective oral and written communication, ability to establish priorities, work independently, manage multiple tasks
- Excellent engagement, written and verbal communication skills and documentation skills
Essential Functions:
- Complete client intake process required to enter into Tempro temporary housing, while ensuring that the basic needs of the families are met. Conduct apartment safety and cleanliness checks while assisting clients daily in finding stable, permanent housing (locating housing, setting appointments, providing advocacy with landlords, etc.).
- Provide detailed and timely documentation in the HMIS, ensuring each client is entered thoroughly and within 72 hours of contact.
- Participates in on-call coverage and responsible for on-going scheduling
- Attend scheduled staff meetings and training sessions, arriving in a timely manner, and actively participating in meetings.
- Complete daily Status Reports with designated staff at the Department of Social Services and PCHO Supervisor in addition to attending weekly case conference meetings with designated DSS staff.
- Provide case management services focusing on goals contained in Individual Family Service Plans, work with the client to establish eligibility with the Division (securing required documents, following up on appointments, etc.), and provide transportation to/from DSS, Public Health, medical/rehab providers, and housing-related appointments. Coordinate moving arrangements (utility hookups, budget billing, telephone service, school registrations, daycare arrangements, etc.) when assisting with transitioning into permanent housing.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Employer’s Disclaimer:
- All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities
- This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor
- This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
