Housing Advocate

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt $20.00/hr
Summary: The Housing Advocate focuses on addressing the unique housing needs of survivors of sex trafficking and is responsible for advocating for safe and stable housing options, coordinating housing assistance programs, and providing ongoing support to survivors as they secure and maintain housing. The Housing Advocate ensures that survivors have access to secure and supportive housing environments while focusing on the survivor’s journey towards independence and recovery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
· Assist client is accessing assistance programs tailored to the needs of survivors of sex trafficking.
· Conduct comprehensive assessments of survivors' housing needs, considering safety, affordability, accessibility, and long-term stability.
· Collaborate with local housing agencies, landlords, and property managers to identify and secure safe and supportive housing options for survivors.
· Stay informed about available housing resources, subsidy programs, and community-based initiatives to maximize housing options for survivors.
· Advocate for survivors' housing rights and needs, both within the organization and in interactions with external stakeholders by assisting with applications, paperwork, and communication with landlords or property managers.
· Work closely with survivors to develop personalized housing plans, setting goals and identifying strategies to secure and maintain safe housing.
· Collaborate with employment and education programs to help survivors access job opportunities and educational resources, contributing to their long-term housing stability.
· Establish and maintain partnerships with shelters and collaborate with community organizations, faith-based groups, and other partners to secure transitional and permanent housing options.
· Maintain accurate and confidential records of survivor housing needs, assistance provided, and progress towards housing goals.
· Prepare timely reports and documentation required by the organization and funding sources to track housing outcomes and program effectiveness.
· Contribute to the organization's data collection efforts, ensuring the collection of relevant information for program evaluation and reporting purposes.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability:
Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills. Ability to articulate ideas, plans of advocacy, and resource options clearly and persuasively. Proficiency in additional languages is extremely desirable in this position.

Reasoning Ability:
Strong reasoning ability, such as communication, adaptability, time management, and attention to detail enables the Housing Advocate to approach advocacy efforts with a logical and creative mindset, resulting in effective engagement with the survivors resulting in overall performance in their role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities:
· Empathy due to the sensitive nature of our work
· Written and verbal communication skills
· Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to actively listen, engage diverse people, and build rapport with survivors, housing providers, and community stakeholders.
· Knowledge of housing resources, rental assistance programs, and housing policy frameworks.
· Understanding of the unique housing challenges faced by survivors of sex trafficking and the impact of trauma on housing stability.
· Experience in developing and implementing housing assistance programs or initiatives.
· Knowledge of life skills development and the ability to provide practical guidance to survivors.
· Cultural competency and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
· Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
· Respect for confidentiality and adherence to ethical guidelines in working with survivors.

Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The role of the Housing Advocate involves both physical and intellectual responsibilities, such as spending a significant amount of time working at a desk or in meetings with survivors, which can require extended periods of sitting, screen time, and time in meetings therefore necessitating prolonged face-to-face interaction with others. The Housing Advocate should also be capable of traveling between our primary office and housing buildings.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Paul, MN 55117