Part-Time Coordinated Entry System Advocate

PART-TIME COORDINATED ENTRY SYSTEM (CES) HOUSING ADVOCATE

Bridges to Housing Stability, Inc. (“Bridges”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Howard County, MD. Bridges’ mission is to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy. To that end, Bridges provides affordable housing and/or case management to households who are precariously housed, overburdened with rent, facing eviction, at risk of homelessness, or already homeless.

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The CES Housing Advocate is part of Bridges’ Homeless Services Program (HSP), a client‑centered, case‑management based program designed to:

• Assist clients, based on needs assessments, in locating and securing affordable and sustainable housing;
• Support clients in attaining the tools necessary to maintain long‑term housing stability and achieve self‑sufficiency;
• Provide general support and coaching.

The Housing Advocate interfaces with clients, staff, volunteers, landlords, and partnering organizations to satisfy clients’ housing needs and support their self‑sufficiency plans. The Housing Advocate also manages resources, processes, and data relating to each client, manages their own cases, and provides team backup and support as directed by the Director of Homeless Services.

• Maintain Bridges’ standards of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Attend, participate, and present case information at HSP meetings, staff meetings, and other work‑group meetings.
• Utilize personal phone and vehicle, as applicable, to carry out duties (subject to reimbursement per Bridges’ Employee Handbook).
• Represent Bridges and its mission to families, community organizations, funding sources, congregations, volunteers, etc.
• Understand and communicate Bridges’ programs and public profile both within and outside the organization.
• Contribute marketing and fundraising content to other staff, as requested.
• Participate in training, networking events, and weekend Bridges activities—including tabling at events to share Bridges services.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Contribute to the achievement of program metrics and program goals.
• Communicate program expectations per the Program Participation Agreement and regularly reinforce the agreement with clients.
• Maintain a caseload of 7‑10 households as assigned by the Director of Homeless Services.
• Provide intensive and supportive long‑term case management to permanently support households, including:
  • Perform client intake assessments to evaluate eligibility and needs by conducting interviews, gathering information, and reviewing documentation.
  • Partner with clients to assess housing needs, preferences, and barriers to safe, stable, and affordable housing; identify steps to address both needs and barriers.
  • Guide households in developing individualized Housing Stability Plans with the overall goal of permanent housing retention.
  • Coach and empower clients toward their Housing Stability Plan goals.
  • Identify and refer clients to community resources to support Housing Stability Plan goals.
  • Advocate for resources in the community to address client Housing Stability Plan goals and link services within the Coordinated Entry System (CES).
  • Identify housing needs of referred households and match clients with available housing in the community and surrounding areas.
  • Network, negotiate, and incentivize landlords to assist clients with housing location and placement efforts.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies whose resources can support client Housing Stability Plan goals.
  • Arrange in‑depth financial literacy coaching to teach and reinforce budgeting, credit, debt, and timely bill payment fundamentals.
  • Arrange workforce development services, including counseling from employment specialists on job searching, resume writing, interviewing, conflict resolution, and professional development.
  • Work with the Howard County Housing Commission for voucher recipients to ensure necessary paperwork and voucher payments are processed for clients.
  • Maintain availability as needed…