Participant Advocate

About YWCA Central Carolinas

YWCA Central Carolinas is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Since 1902, YWCA has evolved to meet the needs of the surrounding community. Today, our programs include transitional housing, youth literacy programs, racial justice and advocacy work, and a co-ed fitness center.

We provide transitional housing to women and families facing homelessness through our Women In Transition and Families Together programs, which operate as stepping stones between emergency housing and permanent housing, providing space for women and families to decompress from the constant state of stress and anxiety that accompanies housing instability while actively seeking permanent housing and financial stability. Women and families enter our transitional housing programs from various precarious housing situations: they may have been living in their car, with friends or family members, in a motel or in emergency shelters.

YWCA’s programs foster a safe space for participants to stabilize their lives so they can work towards the goals of attaining permanent housing and financial stability through participation in our comprehensive case management services.

Position Objectives Provides on-site supportive services to participants in residence as needed depending on occupancy and staffing needs. Guides and assists participants in developing measurable steps to increase their economic independence and eliminate barriers to permanent housing. Applies the YWCA mission in all aspects of work and professional conduct and communicates the racial justice imperative to new and existing WIT participants.

Transitional Housing is a team-driven program, requiring many hands to meet the needs of participants. It is the expectation that this position will assist the team, as needed, when duties arise beyond those listed here.

Hours Department operating hours (for point of contact and back-up purposes) are 8:00 a.m.

- 5:30 p.m. Individuals will be scheduled to work within those hours with some flexibility on lunch breaks depending on coverage needs and other staff schedules. Standard hours can vary but must include weekly team meetings on Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. as well as one weekly, two-hour in person team meeting, during regular department hours.

Duties and Responsibilities

Delivers Effective Services

• Oversees full-cycle supportive services process for 26 - 30 participants.
• Develops a highly individualized person-centered plan with each participant that highlights individual strengths and includes strategies for addressing barriers. Monitors participants in their progress toward successful completion of individual goals and objectives from participant entry to exit, including but not limited to employment and career development, recovery, financial literacy, affordable housing, maintenance of physical and mental health.
• Meets with participants every 1 – 2 weeks based on individual level of need. Coordinates collaborative meetings with participants and other service providers to evaluate overall progress when applicable.
• For those pursuing LCSW only
• o Establishes therapeutic goals and provides individual and/or group therapy for select participants throughout the LCSWA licensing process, in coordination with supervisor approval.
• o Assists the director with the applicant intake process by conducting comprehensive clinical assessments, as needed and approved by supervisor. Make recommendations for program approval and treatment during weekly team meetings.

Collaborates with the Community

• Collaborates with and advocates for community resources to secure services that will assist participants in reaching goals including securing affordable permanent housing and sustainable employment and savings. Communicates regularly with other service providers to ensure coordination of services.
• Represents the YWCA at public and interagency meetings that share the organization’s commitment and concern for issues impacting women, children and families who are at risk of homelessness.

Upholds Compliance Standards

• Maintains participant files including…