Homeless Services Advocate

About Oswego County Opportunities

Ranking among Oswego County's top ten largest private employers, OCO carries out its mission to inspire partnerships and provide services that empower people, support communities, and change lives through more than 50 programs serving 15,000 people each year. OCO's Employee benefits include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (available to Full-Time staff)
• Paid leave (sick leave, PTO, holidays, etc.)
• 403B Deferred Annuity Retirement Plan
• Term Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

JOB SUMMARY

OCO's Crisis & Development Services assist people in gaining safety, self sufficiency and personal growth through prevention, intervention and skill building services. Homeless Services Advocates provide on-going case management to assist homeless individuals and families to achieve permanent housing and assist them with supportive services during their experience of homelessness and housing stabilization. Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, referral, coordination and other case management and supportive services related to housing stability. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answers crisis hotline and provides immediate triage support to individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
• Assess individuals/household for program eligibility.
• Gathers and completes required forms to request payment of financial assistance.
• Ensures prompt and accurate data input into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) ServicePoint and Initial Contact and Intake data into agency database, CAPTAIN.
• Provides emergency supportive and crisis counseling including crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
• Follows applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations and/or standards including HUD/OTDA/OCO.
• Conducts assessment of strengths, needs and goals and develops a viable plan of action with clients.
• Monitors outcomes and updates plans accordingly, periodically reassesses needs.
• Provides on site visits to apartments to provide services and support.
• Provides linkage and referral to necessary community services and resources.
• Acts as liaison between tenants and landlord, neighbors or service providers when a communication barrier is present.
• Assists tenants with securing funding, household supplies, proper clothing and ensuring adequate food supply.
• Completes accurate documentation and timely paperwork.
• Assists with education and direction to address prevention of future evictions or homeless situations.
• Provides and/or assists in securing necessary transportation to access services.
• Works cooperatively with other agency and community providers.
• Provides education to clients in money management skills, home upkeep, etc.
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned.
• Attends related trainings and in-services as assigned.

 JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have ability to relate to special populations and individuals/families with multiple life difficulties.
• Must have ability to relate in a warm, non-judgmental manner, and be a good role model to clients.
• Must have ability to establish and maintain successful relationships with service providers, and staff.
• Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated, resourceful, organized and adaptable in carrying out job duties.
• Must be flexible with work schedule in order to meet the need of the program.
• Must exercise a non-judgmental, trauma informed, client-center approach and family development philosophy.
• Must have good oral and communication skills.
• Must work in a professional, objective manner and display good judgment initiative and resourcefulness.
• Must possess a valid New York State Driver’s License and have access to a reliable vehicle for travel throughout the area and to transport clients.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates Degree in a Behavioral Sciences or Human Services Field, and
• One to three years related experience working with special populations, in a human services or housing program field, or
• Any acceptable combination of education, experience and training.

37.5 Hours Weekly

Monday through Friday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with flexibility required     

Grade 9

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.