What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Advocate position at Spanish Community Center?
POSITION: HOUSING ADVOCATE
STATUS: Full-Time
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Housing Program Manager
PAY RATE: $24.50
POSITION SUMMARY:
In partnership with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Housing Advocate will provide support to families experiencing inadequate housing, and youth who are at risk of becoming homeless upon emancipation from DCFS. The Housing Advocate will ensure participants receive case management and financial assistance to secure stable, permanent and affordable housing.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Evaluate emergency housing needs and provide immediate services including intake and referral
- Create unique housing action plans with specific client-advocate responsibilities, and revise regularly to reflect progress
- Assist in securing permanent and affordable housing by identifying local property vacancies and facilitating application process
- Develop professional relationships with landlords and maintain lists of housing providers in local areas
- Assist clients in securing funds to meet subsistence needs including, but not limited to, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Supplemental Security Income
- Educate clients on tenant rights and responsibilities, and provide financial literacy and life skills training
- Advocate for clients when accessing utility services, weatherization programs and other low-income energy assistance services
- Research employment opportunities and provide vocational counseling centered on client skills, strengths, and interests
- Maintain organized files, clear case notes, and detailed daily agendas
- Complete client and program reports on a monthly and quarterly basis
- Represent Spanish Community Center at community functions and at other events as requested
- Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, applied behavioral science, or related field
- Fluent in reading, writing and speaking in Spanish
- Two (2) years of experience in a social services or related agency
- Knowledge and skill in working with families in crisis or in sensitive situations
- Demonstrated high quality interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Professional demeanor and ability to prioritize responsibilities and function effectively during stressful or busy periods
- High degree of cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with families from diverse racial, socio-economic, ethnic and educational backgrounds
- Ability to engage, assess, motivate, and support participants using advocacy and coaching skills that are compassionate, strengths-based, and non-judgmental
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.50 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Evenings as needed
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25