What are the responsibilities and job description for the Full Time Stabilization Advocate-Housing Services Program_Lynn position at Centerboard Inc?
GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION
The primary focus of the Stabilization/Housing Advocate is to provide supportive services to families as they prepare to exit shelter and follow them for a year. This position will also support with temporary coverage for housing advocates during times of absence.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS*
- Assist in the completion of Homebased Packets.
- Work with families in determining areas of need and develop a Stabilization Plan.
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Provide comprehensive advocacy, including but not limited to:
- Assist in obtaining and using benefits
- Provide information and referrals to appropriate community resources
- Support families in maintaining referrals and services
- Arrange family conferences/reviews with other service providers as needed
- Monitor and track progress made on their Stabilization Plan
- Properly document all incidents, correspondence, needs and accomplishments of the family
- Maintain demographic and service statistics for each family.
- When requested, assist the Program Director with training and orientation of other program staff, volunteers, or interns.
- Assist Families with all aspects of continued housing search including but not limited to:
- Assisting families with finding safe and affordable housing.
- Networking with housing and service providers.
- Review and complete housing applications and responses.
- Provide families with leads and applications to housing opportunities.
- Actively schedule meetings and set appointments with families.
- Mediate to settle tenant-landlord issues.
- Utilize FileMaker, ETO and other databases necessary to document progress, monthly re-housing, and weekly status of families and meetings (Update demographics/contact information).
Temporary Housing Advocate Functions:
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At initial arrival to unit, complete intake process including but not limited to:
- Initiating contact with the family
- Reviewing house rules, DHCD guidelines and site inventory
- Determining immediate emergency needs
- Complete initial intake paperwork
- Provide advocacy and support families with housing search.
- Conduct weekly “unit inspections” to ensure unit maintenance as well as compliance by families with Centerboard & DHCD policy regulations.
- Communicate with families verbally and written/hold weekly meetings with family.
- Complete shelter exit checklist/duties; make appointment with family at the unit.
- Support various housing programs as directed by supervisor
- Circumstances may arise where advocates are required to work after hours (i.e. after hour placements, housing appointments, unit searches
- Perform other related tasks as assigned
COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree or some college courses preferred. High School Diploma/GED required. Two years experience working in housing service or independent living programs is helpful. Candidate must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills and the ability to relate with people. Must be able to work with computers, databases and interact with families. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. This position requires the ability to work with a diverse population and participate in Centerboard’s values of multicultural awareness. Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required.
