Housing Advocate

POSITION SUMMARY: The Housing Advocate is responsible for identifying and assisting eligible households needing housing services through the provision of comprehensive case management services with a focus on improved health outcomes, housing stability, employment and income attainment. 

 SALARY:$42,500-$53,100
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, traveling, driving, having reliable transportation to meet clients, and utilizing a computer for typing and conducting research, attending meetings, conducting assessments and completing service plans.
MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Provide high quality case management for clients living with HIV and their families with a focus on improved health outcomes, housing stability, employment and income attainment.

·         Function as a central and primary access point for financial assistance programs

·         Attend community housing meetings and training to educate about specific needs associated with HIV and to understand and support the collection and data entry required.

·         Provide supportive services and referrals for vocational assessment, job readiness, job search, and retention.

·         Maintain appropriate referral sources and contact persons for community-based services.

·         Develop and evaluate individual case plans for each assigned client at intake and every quarter thereafter; monitor and assess on an ongoing basis through each contact.

·         Provide crisis intervention and consultation/outreach to community agencies.

·         Complete all documentation within two business days of service provided.

·         Providing linkage to resources such as housing, respite, nutritional assistance, palliative care, chore assistance, transportation and social support functions which help increase ability to remain independent in the community.

·         Assist clients in obtaining/maintaining safe, affordable housing by conducting intakes, performing eligibility checks, locating and completing applications for housing, assisting applicants with housing subsidy programs and procedures, and assisting with the recertification and relocation process.

·         Conduct habitability and visual lead based paint inspections, review fire safety and lead based paint education as required by financial assistance source.

·         Demonstrate unconditional positive regard to clients; Conduct all aspects of job responsibilities with a focus on exceptional customer service.

·         Utilize supervision appropriately:  seeking individual supervision as needed; being prepared to actively participate in group supervision.

·         Strive for continuous growth and development of Cultural Humility exhibiting an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity.

·         Maintain client files and records as directed by agency policies and procedures that will be demonstrated by scoring no less than 90% on peer audits.

·         Maintain client confidentiality by adhering to agency policy and procedures

·         Maintain familiarity with housing programs policies and procedures and adhere to guidelines set within.

·         Complete accurate data collection, reports, and documentation to provide data for federal, state, agency and board purposes as assigned by supervisor.

·         Work in conjunction with Equitas Health committees related to clients’ needs and services.

·         Complete a minimum of 5 hours a year of HIV-specific training, and 5 hours a year of housing/supportive services training to keep informed about current research, case management models, and needs assessments.

·         Represent Equitas Health within the community in order to provide education and advocacy about the strengths and needs associated with individuals living with HIV.

·         Other duties as assigned related to this position by supervisor.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE:

• Required education and experience:
• Possess a bachelor’s degree in a social science field and have at least six months experience in a social service setting; or
• Possess an associate degree with at least 1 year of experience working in a social service setting; or
• Possess a high school diploma/GED with at least 4 years of experience working in a social service setting.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and other Qualifications:

·         Must have sensitivity to, interest in and competence in cultural differences, HIV, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with persons of color, and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered community. 

·         Community-based Case Management, housing services and employment training experience desired.

·         Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and other computer applications required. 

·         Reliable transportation, driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required.

 OTHER INFORMATION:

Background and reference checks will be conducted. In accordance with Equitas Health’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy, pre-employment drug testing will be administered.  Hours may vary, including working some evenings and weekends based on workload.  Individuals are not considered applicants until they have been asked to visit for an interview and at that time complete an application for employment.  Completing the application does not guarantee employment. EOE/AA