What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Advocate (Part-time) position at Inner-City Muslim Action Network?
OVERVIEW:
The Housing Advocate plays a vital role within IMAN Housing. This position will support Case Managers in the daily upkeep and management of the home, while also providing direct assistance to residents, offering guidance and support throughout their stay. The Housing Advocate will collaborate with multiple departments within IMAN to ensure a safe and nurturing home environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Housing Advocate plays a vital role within IMAN Housing. This position will support Case Managers in the daily upkeep and management of the home, while also providing direct assistance to residents, offering guidance and support throughout their stay. The Housing Advocate will collaborate with multiple departments within IMAN to ensure a safe and nurturing home environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop expert knowledge and practice of IMAN Resident Housing policies, procedures, and guidelines
- Meet daily with Case Managers and IMAN Facilities to support housing needs
- Collaborate daily with IMAN Security and Facilities for property security and maintenance
- Create and maintain an intentional, faith-based, healthy, healing community
- Ability to consult with collaterals regarding residents in the home
- Work closely with case managers to develop transition plans
- Assist with follow through on referrals
- Keenly aware of community services, advocacy events/services and support for reentry residents
- Collaborate with Senior Housing Manager on probation/parole status and Partnership attainment/progress
- Attend community meetings to foster relationships/pipelines for Case Manager
- Ability to attend case consultations with case managers as needed
- Take an active part in developing and implementing community activity nights/days
- Strict guidance and enforcement of housing policies and procedures
- Monitor and ensure residents are attending GR programming and appointments
- Ensure residents are completing chores properly and in a timely manner
- Monitor visitations as needed, ensuring visitors and residents are upholding visitation and general house rules and regulations
- Collaborate with case managers to support residents in obtaining necessary documents such as their identification, social security card, and birth certificate
- Assist residents with employment readiness, including completing GED and/ or training programs
- Ensure all residents are signing in and out of home
- Ensure security is aware of residents locations for security purposes
- Assist emergency personnel in gaining access to the building in response to a reported emergency
- Maintain physical presence in IMAN homes to establish checks for safety and compliance with all rules in the home
- Model, teach, and assist residents with life skills
- Facilitate conflict management and resolution by ensuring proper responses to issues between residents using restorative practices
- Regularly document and report to security personnel and senior case manager unusual incidents as they arise
- Provide transportation for residents to IMAN sponsored events, worksites, and appointments, including court
- Attend weekly house and agency meetings, events, and professional development sessions
- Attend and monitor resident participation in Spiritual Reflection sessions before dawn on Saturday mornings (rotating schedule).
REQUIED QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma with 1-2 years of experience in human services is required
- Interest and ability in working with returning citizens/at risk youth
- Experience working with special needs populations: adults experiencing homelessness, disabilities, veterans, and/or the elderly
- Computer literacy and ability to navigate electronic databases
- Ability to be flexible and multi-task
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and culturally competent team
- Clear motor vehicle driving record
- CPR certified- preferred, or ability to obtain once hired
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field highly preferred.
- Experience with community services, resources, and public entitlements preferred
GENERAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Crisis Management: Competence in handling high-pressure, emergency situations, such as imminent evictions or unsafe living conditions, and providing immediate support and solutions.
- Case Management: Strong case management skills to track and support residents through the housing process, including assessing needs, developing action plans, and coordinating services.
- Cultural Competence: Sensitivity and understanding of diverse populations, including different cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds, as well as the ability to provide tailored support to each individual.
- Communications Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex hosing-related concepts clearly and persuasively to residents and stakeholders.
- Resource and Referral Knowledge: Knowledge of available community resources, such as legal aid, financial assistance programs, mental health services, and emergency shelters, and the ability to refer clients to appropriate resources.
- Empathy and Compassion: A deep understanding of the challenges faced by residents, demonstrating empathy, listening skills, and a non-judgmental approach to providing support.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex situations, identify potential solutions, and creatively navigate challenges to secure housing for clients.
IMAN is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job
