Housing Advocate

Housing Specialist Duties:

• Share monthly hotline and on-call duties as needed.
• Meet individually with clients to provide financial coaching and housing counseling, using HUD's. Housing Counseling Rules and Regulations as a guide.
• In accordance with HUD's Housing Counseling Rules and Regulations complete client intake, counseling, and follow-up on spending plan, credit, and savings.
• Timely client tracking via Empower DB.
• Participate in local area community outreach (i.e., presentations, fairs, etc.,)
• In accordance with grant requirements, assist with quarterly and annual reporting to various funders.
• Assist with and/or initiate marketing activities that will fulfill our advertising goals for program services.
• Actively participate in monthly quality and process reviews to improve the effectiveness of housing counseling services. Prepare in advance; provide feedback and suggestions related to improvements as needed or asked.
• Participate in all meetings related to housing to include HUD meetings and PCADV housing meetings.

Direct Services

• Provide trauma-informed services to all survivors seeking services
• Conduct goal planning sessions with follow up meetings led by the survivor

Community Education

• Participate in community fairs to provide information on A Way Out's housing services
• Provide trainings to educate the community about domestic violence and A Way Out services
• Building and Maintaining Partnerships
• Create collaborative partnerships to increase access to referral options and additional services for survivors
• Maintain positive relationships with community stakeholders to further the mission of A Way Out
• Develop cross-training opportunities where possible

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated understanding of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence and stalking and providing trauma-informed, accessible services to the same.
• Understanding of intersectional oppression related to domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence and stalking is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with community stakeholders and maintain partner relationships.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of four years related experience in direct services
• One year experience interacting with systems, such as criminal or civil courts, public benefits, child welfare, housing, etc., is preferred.
• Or four years of relevant experience, including both work and lived experience.

REASONING SKILLS:

• Ability to recognize personal biases in any given situation.
• Ability to deal with rapidly changing situations with multiple layers.
• Ability to issue spot in real time and provide suggestions.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a diversity of individuals, organizations, and government agencies
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively with a diverse group of people in person, in writing and verbally.
• Strong verbal presentation skills and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people and audiences.
• Experience with meeting facilitation, training, or public speaking.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Proficiency with computers, PC environment preferred
• Understanding of Microsoft Office Products
• Commitment to A Way Out's mission and core values
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must be able to maintain the confidentiality of any information encountered.
• Must have access to a vehicle for daily use