Part-Time Coordinated Entry System Advocate

POSITION TITLE:

Part-Time Coordinated Entry System (CES) Housing Advocate

Bridges to Housing Stability, Inc. (“Bridges”) is a 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.

The CES Housing Advocate is part of Bridges’ Homeless Services Program (HSP), a client‑centered case‑management program designed to assist clients in locating and securing affordable housing, supporting long‑term stability, and providing general support and coaching. The advocate interfaces with clients, staff, volunteers, landlords, and partner organizations to meet housing needs and support self‑sufficiency plans.

General

• Maintain Bridges’ standards of confidentiality and professionalism
• Attend, participate and present case information at HSP meetings, staff meetings, and other work group meetings
• Use personal phone and vehicle as applicable to carry out duties (reimbursement pursuant to Bridges’ Employee Handbook)
• Represent Bridges and its mission to families, community organizations, funding sources, congregations, volunteers, etc.
• Understand Bridges’ programs and public profile and communicate these as needed outside the organization
• Provide content when requested to other staff on marketing and fundraising campaigns and strategies
• Participate in Bridges’ training and, on occasion, networking events and weekend Bridges’ activities (that could be tabling at an event to share services)
• Other duties as assigned

Position‑Specific

• Contribute to the achievement of program metrics and goals
• Communicate program expectations per the Program Participation Agreement and 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:
• Performing client intake assessments to evaluate eligibility and needs via interviews, document review, etc.
• Partnering with clients to assess housing needs and barriers, identify steps to address both
• Guiding households in developing individualized Housing Stability Plans with the goal of permanent housing retention
• Coaching and empowering clients toward the goals of their Housing Stability Plans
• Identifying and referring clients to community resources to achieve their Housing Stability Plan goals
• Advocating in the community for resources and linking services within CES
• Identifying housing needs of referred households and matching clients with available housing
• Networking, negotiating, and incentivizing landlords to assist clients in housing location and placement efforts
• Developing and maintaining relationships with community agencies that support client goals
• Arranging financial literacy coaching to teach budgeting, credit, debt, and timely bill payment
• Arranging workforce development services, including employment counseling, resume writing, interview skills, etc.
• Working with the Howard County Housing Commission for voucher recipients to ensure necessary paperwork and voucher payments
• Maintaining availability to promote open communication with clients
• Conducting quarterly home visits with all program households
• Establishing goals to increase self‑sufficiency matrix scores
• Accurately document and track all services provided to households and enter into Service Point (HMIS) and client files promptly
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date client records in the HMIS Service Point database, complying with HMIS policies and client confidentiality
• Ensure case files are complete and orderly, complying with Bridges’ standards and grant requirements

• Collaborate with and participate in the HSP team, especially the lead Housing advocate, on problem‑solving and mutual advisement to promote increased effectiveness and efficiency of HSP services
• Provide support to other HSP clients, as needed, in the absence of their assigned case manager/housing advocate
• Coordinate with the HSP team to cover each other’s responsibilities as directed by the Director of Homeless Services or as otherwise needed
• Develop and maintain…