Job description
Position: Housing Advocate -Transitional Housing Program
Location: Central Falls RI
Job Type: Full-time Monday through Friday 10AM-6PM
Job Summary: The Housing Advocate plays a crucial role in supporting survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault as they transition to residing in stable independent living. This position involves providing case management, advocacy, and support to empower survivors on their journey to healing and self-sufficiency.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Client Assessment and Planning:
1. Conduct comprehensive assessments of survivors’ needs and strengths, focusing on their housing and support requirements.
2. Collaborate with survivors to develop individualized transition plans, addressing housing, safety, and emotional well-being.
Housing Assistance:
3. Assist survivors in locating and securing safe and affordable housing options following term of transitional housing.
4. Provide guidance and support with housing applications, understanding leases, and budgeting for housing costs.
5. Maintain relationships with landlords and housing authorities to ensure the availability of suitable housing options.
Support Services:
6. Offer crisis intervention, counseling, and emotional support to survivors experiencing trauma and emotional distress.
7. Facilitate access to necessary support services, such as legal aid, financial assistance, childcare, and healthcare.
8. Assist survivors in connecting with employment, education, and job training programs.
Safety Planning:
9. Prioritize safety planning with survivors, addressing immediate safety concerns and ensuring a secure living environment.
10. Collaborate with law enforcement and partner agencies to enhance survivor safety.
Resource Coordination:
11. Provide information and referrals to community resources, including legal services, counseling, and social services.
12. Assist survivors in accessing public benefits and other assistance programs to promote housing stability.
Documentation and Reporting:
13. Maintain detailed and confidential case files, documenting interactions, assessments, and services provided.
14. Prepare regular progress reports on survivors’ transition plans and outcomes.
Advocacy and Community Engagement:
15. Advocate for survivors’ rights and needs within the community and with relevant agencies.
16. Collaborate with local housing organizations, service providers, and government agencies to expand housing options for survivors.
Qualifications:
Education:
A minimum of an Associate’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is preferred.
Experience:
Previous experience in case management, trauma informed services or support services for domestic violence survivors is an asset. Knowledge of Housing First model a plus.
Skills and Abilities:
1. Exceptional empathy, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills.
2. Profound knowledge of trauma-informed care and domestic violence issues.
3. Effective crisis intervention skills.
4. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations, recognizing cultural sensitivity.
5. Upholds confidentiality and respects the privacy of survivors.
6. Committed to a survivor-centered and strengths-based approach.
7. Bilingual ability in English/Spanish a plus.
Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. The Duties and Responsibilities are a representative, but not exhaustive list of duties performed.
The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization does not discriminate against a volunteer, an employee, or applicant for employment of conditions or opportunities for employment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age or country of ancestral origin.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed; the Principal Duties and Responsibilities are a representative, but not exhaustive list of duties performed.
Job Types: Full-time 10AM-6PM Monday to Friday
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $20.00 – $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
· 401(k)
· 401(k) matching
· Dental insurance
· Health insurance
· Life insurance
· Paid time off
· Vision insurance
Schedule:
· 8 hour shift
· Monday to Friday
· No weekends
Work Location: In person