Job Title: Housing Advocate
Reports To: Rapid Rehousing Program Manager
FLSA Status: Part time (20-25 hrs/wk)
Work hours: (M- 8 hrs) – Daytime, Flexible Schedule TBD with Rapid Rehousing Program Manager.
Compensation: $17/HR
This position’s primary responsibilities are to provide direct service to clients who have become homeless through housing advocacy, connection to mainstream resources, re location assistance, placement and case management. The Housing Advocate works in conjunction with the Housing Coordinator and operates under the Housing First model when deemed appropriate. The following is a list that outlines the Housing Advocate’s most frequent and essential job functions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work closely with area shelters and social service agencies to link community members with mainstream resources/referrals needed to regain stable housing
- Community outreach activities to assist clients with locating fair market rate housing in a timely manner
- Regularly evaluate clients’ progress in Individualized Service Plans
- Complete case notes/ documentation for each client
- Identify program participant’s barriers to housing and work one on one to advocate for the housing needs of each program participant
- Collaborate as appropriate with clients’ collateral contacts
- Provide housing counseling assistance
- Participate in Rapid Re-housing process as determined by program policies
- Network with landlords and establish new housing opportunities for program participants
- Complete data entry
- Assist with the development of relevant policies and procedures relating to the nature of this position
- Administrative activities as assigned by Housing Coordinator
- Perform other assigned duties, as directed by supervisor in a timely and efficient matter
Qualifications:
- Ability to work a flexible schedule – including evening hours per needs of clients
- Ability to understand financial objectives and maintain case load per program budget
- Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds
- Ability to complete task on time, manage time appropriately and multi-task while working independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Strong organizational skills
- Possession of an automobile, a valid driver’s license and insurance in compliance with agency limits
- Positive attitude and people skills
Training and Experience:
- Bachelors Degree in Social Work or related field preferred
- Knowledge of Housing First Model
- Knowledge of case management principles and practices
- Knowledge of landlord-tenant law
- Knowledge of mainstream/ community resources
- Knowledge of personal computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel
- Bilingual strongly desired
- Knowledge of available housing opportunities desired
- Experience working with homeless individuals desired
- Knowledge of Service Point or similar system desired
This position description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the employee. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities required of the employee. The employee may be asked to perform other duties as required.
All Guest House of Milwaukee employees are required to report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not, and must provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment.
The Guest House of Milwaukee is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.