Housing Advocate

Program: Housing Advocacy

Position: Housing Advocate

Office Location: Oskaloosa, Iowa

Reports to: Programs Director

At Crisis Intervention Services (CIS), we celebrate uniqueness; we support it, knowing a diverse team is a strong team. CIS does not discriminate based on color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability or age. Employment at CIS is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence.

CIS is recruiting Candidates who excel in:

• Client centered care
• Relationship-building with diverse populations
• Self-directed and can work independently
• Creative thinkers who are solution oriented

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide confidential, empowering, trauma-informed direct service to victims/survivors of physical violence.

Work schedule is Monday through Friday. Housing Advocate participates in an on-call response system during day, evening, and weekend hours.

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to navigate evolving social climates while providing client centered care. Candidate will be committed to completing tasks in a dynamic environment and be able to support diverse clientele while maintaining an understanding of available resources. CIS staff must be empathetic, inclusive and non-judgmental. Service provision focuses on the self-determination and empowerment of the victim/survivor. This position provides an opportunity to engage with community members, victim service agencies, coalitions, as well as state and local systems.

Client Centered Responsibilities

• Engage, assess, connect, and protect clients referred to CIS. Provide assessment of needs to survivors in order to understand the best way to promote safety and healing in the survivor’s life.
• Conduct empowerment focused advocacy to assist survivors in obtaining employment, transitional/permanent housing and overall achievement of goals of self-sufficiency.
• Provide systems advocacy to reduce barriers and promote survivor connection to essential services, such as The U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s local programs and/or The Department of Human Services’ resources.
• Provide individual counseling, information, and referrals to survivor to increase their connection to resources and support.
• Provide trauma informed advocacy by utilizing tools such as danger assessments, barrier worksheets, and safety planning.
• Perform crisis advocacy and intervention to assist a survivor in attaining emotional and physical safety.
• Focus on ensuring the social, physical, psychological and emotional well-being of the clients.
• Provide systems advocacy to reduce barriers and promote connection to essential services.
• Provide information and referral to survivor to increase their connection to resources and support.
• Work in collaboration with other Housing Advocates to provide assistance to support the survivor when impacted by the abuse.
• Maintain client records and files.

Community Outreach Responsibilities

• Maintain a professional and positive attitude in all interactions while representing CIS.
• Network and collaborate with local, regional and statewide victim service providers.

Credentials and Training

• Attain and maintain state, ICADV, and IowaCASA required Victim Counselor and Certified Shelter Advocate certifications and continuing education requirements for position.
• Participate in program meetings.

Providing services across multiple counties requires that this position have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and ongoing access to a reliable and insured personal vehicle. As part of the hiring process we complete a background check.

Qualifications

Bachelors’ Degree in Human services, Social Work or Psychology preferred, equivalent work experience considered.
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35,568.00 - $36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35,568 - $36,000