Housing Advocate

POSITION : Housing Advocate

REPORTS TO : Housing Manager

STATUS : Full-Time, Regular, Non-exempt

COMPENSATION : $21 per hour

BENEFITS : Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Employee Assistance Program; 403(b) Retirement Plan; Paid Holidays, Sick, and Vacation

LOCATION : Sacramento, CA (this position is full-time in-person role)

JOB SUMMARY :

The Housing Advocate is responsible for supporting the implementation of daily programming within the Transitional Living Program (TLP) and the Short-Term Transitional Emergency Placement Program (STEP) and other programs supporting youth experiencing homelessness. This position provides services for unhoused LGBTQ transitional-aged youth (18-24 years). Our housing programs are rooted in community building, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction models. Responsibilities include crisis intervention, peer support, referrals and resource navigation, assistance with life skills, house maintenance, and overall operational assistance at TLP and STEP.

We operate a low barrier shelter program for unhoused youth who have often experienced trauma. Low-barrier services are designed to reach LGBTQ transitional-aged youth (18-24 years old). Housing Advocates work to reduce impacts from being unhoused by creating a safe, inclusive and stable short-term housing environment where their basic needs are met. In partnership with their Case Manager, other program staff, and community partners, we are working as a team to support the client's capacity to achieve and maintain long-term housing stability, strengthen life skills and self-reliance, upon entry into our program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

1. Provide client advocacy and support, including ensuring client accountability to all program requirements and standards of conduct.

2. Support program implementation including assisting with client intake and case goals, resident programming, and complete data entry and documentation.

3. Support clients with daily activities, crisis intervention, resources and referrals.

4. Ensure a safe, clean, inclusive, and affirming housing environment.

Housing Advocate Support

Support and motivate clients in case goals, such as : obtaining identification, applying for healthcare and food assistance, engaging in a mental health program, life skills workshops and job readiness. Support clients in meeting daily program guidelines, such as chores. Ensure client accountability to guidelines, community agreements, and policies related to housing program and provision of services, with safety at the forefront. Provide peer support, crisis intervention and connection to Center and community resources. Utilize culturally responsive, trauma-informed and client-centered interventions.

Program Implementation :

Accurately record all services provided to clients in the client data systems, assist with data reporting for grant reports, and complete shift notes for each shift worked. Ensure materials / supplies are adequately stocked for program needs. Support the general cleanliness and maintenance of housing facilities. Asist with implementation of resident activities, workshops, special events, and skill building workshops as requested by program managers. Support activities conducted by collaborative partners, including maintaining appropriate relationships with partner program staff and basic understanding of referral / resource networks for transitional age youth.

Support Clients with Crisis Intervention :

Identify the signs of potential crisis and work to proactively engage with clients in prevention and if necessary, de-escalation. Informing Housing leadership of any concerning client behaviors / patterns. Maintain thorough knowledge of the internal and external intervention resources and assist clients with linkage to care. Practice of trauma-informed care services and understanding of serving BIPOC / LGBTQ / marginalized individuals, while ensuring the collective safety of residents and staff is consistently prioritized in our facilities.

General Duties :

Functions as an essential member of the Housing Team when providing direct services to clients and backup coverage for program staff as needed. Participate in resident meetings, department meetings, all-staff meetings, planning meetings, and trainings, as required. Collaborate closely with other Housing Advocates, Case Managers, Housing Manager, Director of Housing Services as well as staff in Health Services, Youth & Family Programs, Advocacy & Training, Operations, Development, and Grant Management Teams. Participate in providing On-Call shift support when emergency coverage is needed. Handle a variety of special projects and other related duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE :

Knowledge and understanding of the issues, needs, and interests of LGBTQIA2S youth, including a thorough understanding of the intersections of race and the spectrum of gender and sexual identities. Experience working with queer and transgender Black, Indigenous, and other youth of color experiencing homelessness, undocumented community members and asylum seekers, people living with HIV / AIDS, people with mental health and addiction issues, non-native English speakers, having modeled a client-centered approach is critical. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, immigration status, and physical abilities in an intersectional environment. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Committed to contributing to a positive and supportive environment for clients and co-workers.

REQUIREMENTS :

Personal commitment to the Center's mission and work to create a region where all LGBTQ people can thrive and a passion for LGBTQ issues including a robust understanding of anti-racist frameworks, intersectionality, systems of oppression, civil rights, and a thorough understanding / lived experience with homelessness is critical. Must be at least 21 years of age. Education :  Associate or bachelor's degree in a Social Sciences or related field is preferred but not required; 2 of years direct youth experience may be substituted for formal education. Experience :  Minimum of 2 years of work experience in a social services, youth development, or homeless services environment. Certifications :  Completion of CPR / First Aid certification and Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training upon hire, if not current. Computer / Office Equipment Skills :  Proficiency working with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, OneDrive, and Teams; client tracking database systems, and social media tools. Access to reliable transportation is required. AvailabilityFlexible 40 hours / week with an agreed upon schedule 5-daysper week schedule. Must be flexible to change the regular schedule to support program needs and to emergency staffing coverag..Physical Demands :  The person in this position will be required to sit or stand for extended periods, maneuver tight storage space, move objects up to 25  pounds, ascend / descend stairs, operate office equipment, open and close filing cabinets and boxes, observe visitors, and communicate messages by telephone. Offer of employment may be contingent on satisfactory results of a criminal history background check. Employees must be legally permitted to work in the United States. The Sacramento LGBT Community Center is a drug free workplace, employees may be subject to a drug test. Vaccination Requirement :  All employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and are encouraged to stay up to date annually or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. Documentation will be required prior to your first day of work.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION :

The Sacramento LGBT Community Center works to create a region where all LGBTQ people can thrive.  We support health and wellness, advocate for equity and justice, and work to uplift a diverse and culturally rich LGBTQ community.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY :

The Sacramento LGBT Community Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, including those of color, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex are encouraged to apply. The Center maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees, volunteers, interns, and applicants. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, sex, age, national origin, marital status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, physical or mental disability (including HIV or AIDS), medical / mental condition, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by statute; nor as to any individuals associating with an individual of any legally protected class.

TO APPLY :

Please submit application materials through our career portal at saccenter.org / careers. No phone calls please. Posting will remain up until position is filled.

PI259610802

Salary : $21