Advocate; RRH

HOUSING ADVOCATE (RRH)

Reports to:

Manager of Counseling & Advocacy

Department:
Counseling & Advocacy

Status:
Full Time – 40 hours

Location:

Stamford & Norwalk CT

FLSA Status:
Non - Exempt Travel Requirements: 50 %

The primary role of the Housing Advocate is to provide housing advocacy and case management services to survivors/victims of domestic violence and/or human trafficking. Case management, using a DV housing first approach, will include trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches to housing stabilization, rebuilding self-esteem, developing essential life skills, and establishing financial independence by supporting their goals to increase income and self-sufficiency. Additionally, as is required in state standards and best-practice models, domestic violence advocates will provide survivors and their children with counseling, risk assessment, safety planning, goal setting, resources, and referrals to other support services.

To assist survivors in attaining housing rapidly and maintaining safe and stable housing long term. In addition, this position will work with survivors to increase income, explore health insurance coverage, and help those who are able to work secure employment.

• Complete coordinated intakes, assessments, and screenings to determine housing options and eligibility based on HUD and Connecticut State Department of Housing (DOH) guidelines.
• Complete survivor-centered, strengths-based housing plans that identify barriers to housing and set a path to housing stability; reviewed and updated monthly.
• Support in designing and implementing safety plans and housing risk assessments.
• Home visiting, safety permitting, at a minimum of once per month, with each survivor enrolled in the rapid rehousing program.
• Provide case management services focused on increasing income, accessing long-term housing subsidies, establishing and/or expanding family and community-based supports, and assisting in increasing access to mainstream services.
• Develop a relationship within the homeless service system.
• Assist in program development and quality assurance activities as directed by CCADV Director of Housing Advocacy.
• Assist survivors with locating available housing units, the leasing process, landlord mediation, and tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Submit requests for rental payments for survivors enrolled in the RRH program.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date files and records to include required documentation and confidential case management notes.
• Assist with reporting, as needed.
• Document all client and program data into database within 48 hours of contact.

• Attend local CAN meetings.
• Participate in the annual Point-in-Time count.
• Attend monthly CCADV housing meetings.
• Participate in the RRH Case Conference team meetings weekly.
• Attend CCADV trainings and workshops related to housing.
• Maintain DV certification by receiving not less than six hours of in-service training in issues related to working with survivors of domestic violence / human trafficking.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of safety planning and survivor-centered advocacy as it relates to domestic violence survivors.
• Ability to maintain service records, complete records accurately and submit in a timely fashion in accordance with CCADV Program Standards.
• Willingness to learn how to navigate multiple systems including housing, health, employment, substance use disorder treatment and government benefits.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others, within the DV system and with outside providers, to develop creative solutions to difficult challenges.
• Fluency in Spanish required.

DVCC offers a supportive workplace culture. The annual salary range for this position is $50,000 - $52,000. This is an in-person position.

DVCC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. DVCC does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.