Housing Advocate

JOB FUNCTION: Provide supportive services to households experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Build relationships with households to increase housing stability by helping them navigate the housing system, linking households to resources within the community, and empowering people to meet goals.
QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Human-Service-related field Valid driver’s license Preferred Ability to work independently and to work with families and individuals in crisis situations Experience working with adults with mental illness Minnesota Social Work License Certification or familiarity with Homestretch training, asset training resources, financial literacy curriculums, and community & small business resources Experience working with people with low incomes AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS: PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, but the employee should never lift more than 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
AGENCY EXPECTATIONS: Embrace, advocate, and carry out the mission, vision and core values of the Agency and adhere to all Agency Policies and Procedures Familiarize and work toward the achievement of Agency-wide strategic plan goals, strategies, and measures Acts as a role model within, as well as outside the Agency Provide friendly, responsive service to the public, community organizations and to those we serve With a respectful and positive attitude, work with low income individuals and families with diverse backgrounds Support, develop and maintain productive relationships required to carry out job activities Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management Maintain the security and confidentiality of all records and interpersonal interactions Work effectively and cooperatively with community partners and co-workers Participate in and/or lead Agency committees Embrace Agency commitment to DEI REPORTING TO THIS POSITION ARE: None ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1) Housing and Economic Empowerment Programs Availability to work specified Agency hours for the Housing division and the position of Housing Advocate Outreach to other organizations involved with low-income/homeless households Identify, recruit, and encourage potential participants Select clients from eligible applicants Conduct intake and orient clients to program services Accurately complete intake packets and verify information to determine eligibility for Housing and Economic Empowerment programs Determine needs of potential clients and prioritize resource purchases according to grand guidelines and fiscal procedures Evaluate client supportive service requests based on budget and client's goal plan Connect clients with services Complete program reports as requested by the Program Director, Housing Coordinator, or Lead Housing Advocate Complete and enter client data into data collection system Provide case management services to assigned participants Provide information and referrals when necessary and act as a liaison and client advocate for referrals as appropriate Maintain client files Client home visits Connect with landlords and make housing inspections 2) Community Outreach: Complete public benefits applications and screening (SNAP, medical, etc.
) Outreach tables at community events Teach Financial Literacy classes and other economic empowerment programs 3) Agency and Division Support: Represent Agency in the communities we serve Compile and submit required reports and data to Supervisor Assist with other program projects as requested by Supervisor Attend and participate in agency, community, and state meetings important to effective Agency operations Assess needs for professional development and conduct training for intra/interagency staff as required Availability to work designated Agency hours for your Division and position 4) Commit to, embrace, and uphold the CAPLP Core Values Raise the Bar: We always strive for excellence and never settle for the status quo – Be your best self; Hold yourself and your team accountable; Always best practice Be Brave: We challenge ourselves to go further than before, endure obstacles and try new things – Think outside the box; Take risks; Say the hard things … be part of the solution Do the Right Thing: We have the strength of character to do the right thing even when it’s not easy – Lead by example; Be mission-driven; Be professional and ethical .
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even when no one is looking Care for Each Other: We respect, trust and care for ourselves, our customers and our teammates – Be kind; Assume the best; Take time to build relationships; Celebrate success Help People: We help people to help themselves and each other, focusing on those who need us the most – Show compassion; Embrace diversity; Go the extra mile