Advocate

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3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $24.00 To $24.00 Hourly

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Provide empowerment-based, survivor-centered housing stabilization, resource navigation, and ongoing advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking residing at Kalamazoo Community Courtyard. The position will serve as a liaison among residents, MSHDA, Pine Grove Property Management, and community service providers to support timely recertifications, project compliance, and assisting residents with meeting their individual goals to promote long-term housing stability.

The Permanent Housing Advocate will assist residents with identifying and addressing barriers that may affect their housing, connecting with community resources, coordinating supportive services, and working toward individualized housing stability and self-sufficiency goals. This position will promote resident engagements by coordinating community meetings, educational activities, co-lead support groups, and other on-site events as needed. The Permanent Housing Advocate will also support the development and implementation of workforce development programming to help residents strengthen employment readiness, increase income, and achieve greater economic stability.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification is strongly preferred; or may be obtained within six months of hire.
• Two years' experience required; four years' experience preferred in direct services with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking.
• Experience in housing navigation, housing stabilization, rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, or housing advocacy is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid drivers license.
• Must possess an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
• Ability to initiate and cooperate, working alone or within a team environment.
• Proven ability to set priorities and fulfill responsibilities.
• Ability to make sound decisions and respond capably in crisis situations.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records and statistics.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is strongly preferred.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide survivor-directed, trauma-informed services, including safety planning, supportive counseling, mobile advocacy, education, referrals, support groups, and follow-up. Home visitation support
• Conduct regular home visits with residents of Kalamazoo Community Courtyard to assess housing stability, identify emerging needs, support individualized goals, and address concerns that could affect tenancy.
• Assist residents with navigating rental subsidies, recertification requirements, security-deposit assistance, and other housing-related resources.
• Serve as a primary point of contact among residents, MSHDA, Pine Grove Property Management, YWCA staff, and community service providers.
• Support residents with completing and submitting required documentation for initial eligibility, annual and interim recertifications, and continued program compliance.
• Assess residents' housing stability, safety, and supportive service needs and develop appropriate goals, service plans, recommendations, and referrals.
• Advocate for residents and provide support in resolving housing concerns, lease-compliance issues, landlord-tenant disputes, and other barriers that may jeopardize housing stability.
• Educate residents about tenant rights and responsibilities, lease requirements, community expectations, property maintenance procedures, and project-based housing requirements.
• Provide housing information, referrals, and coordinated connections to community resources, including healthcare, behavioral health, childcare, transportation, education, legal services, public benefits, and financial assistance programs.
• Support the Director of Survivor Housing Initiatives with…