Housing Advocate bei YWCA NORTHEAST INDIANA INC

Description

Purpose:  

Promote housing opportunities and options for survivors of domestic and sexual violence to support clients’ transition to safe, affordable housing and promote self-sufficiency.

Expectations of every YWCA Staff Member: 

• Uphold and promote the YWCA Mission. 
• Maintain compliance with state standards.
• Adhere to established policies and procedures.
• Contribute to fund development efforts for support of all programs and the overall Association. 
• Provide support to other departments and staff.

Essential Duties:

• Provide coordinated entry and intake assessments for participants seeking housing support, identifying housing services needs and coordinating initial services.
• Support survivors of domestic and sexual violence in finding and securing safe, affordable housing, in collaboration with advocates and residential team members on the housing plan.
• Help families access resources for housing-related assistance (i.e. furniture procurement, utility assistance, etc.).
• Advocate with managers and owners for tenancy and negotiate move-in costs.
• Assist clients in participating in housing support programs and vouchers such as rapid housing, homelessness prevention, and other types of support.
• Maintain accurate and appropriate records and compliance with state standards, and manage databases to ensure accuracy.
• Listen and assist clients with options as issues arise; advocate for fair housing standards for survivors. 
• Transport clients in personal vehicles, as needed.
• Travel throughout YWCA Northeast Indiana service area to provide services and network with other providers.
• Other duties as assigned to meet the organization’s needs.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's in Social Work, Human Services, or related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• CPR and First Aid Certifications within the first year of employment.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Knowledge of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking issues and patterns and their effects on men, women, and children.
• Knowledge of fair housing laws and experience in crisis intervention, networking, team building and public speaking.  
• Strong customer service skills with ability to communicate in a professional manner with a wide range of people. Unequivocal commitment to pluralism.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive manners.
• Strong time management skills; ability to take initiative to solve problems and work with minimum supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• 1-3 years of general office experience, including use of telephones, printers and computers.
• Accurate, organized, and detail-oriented, with ability to work under pressure and shift priorities in response to changing needs.
• Ability to keep accurate records and files
• Must comply with the organization's policy of automobile insurance: must have a valid driver’s license and personal automobile insurance coverage.  
• Flexibility to change work hours as needed.

Physical/Mental Essential Requirements:

• Walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, moderate lifting and carrying (up to thirty (30) pounds).  
• Full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. 
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
• Must drive personal vehicles frequently throughout the 6-county service area.   
• Ability to sit at a computer work station for extended periods of time.  
• Occasional need to stand for long periods of time.  
• Ability to focus on detail and accuracy of work product.  
• Work is performed primarily in a non-smoking office environment combined with remote/community-based work, though travel may expose employees to inclement weather conditions. 
• Occasional high stress may be experienced in dealing with clients, staff and volunteers.

The statements within this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position.