Job Title: Lead Housing Advocate
Supervised By: Director of Housing Services
Hours & Status: Full-time, Hourly Non-Exempt, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, some flexible scheduling required to meet with clients occasionally in the evening;
Salary & Benefits: $22-$25 per hour; generous PTO (4 weeks; increases to 6 weeks at 2 year anniversary); 12 Paid holidays; health, dental benefits and HSA or FSA with employee match; Simple IRA with employee contribution
AGENCY OVERVIEW
Safe Haven Ministries—a nonprofit organization located in Grand Rapids, Michigan—believes in a multi-faceted approach to serving victims/survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking and preventing domestic violence in our community. Safe Haven offers confidential housing services; individual advocacy; support groups; children’s programming; and primary prevention training and technical assistance for the entire community. Safe Haven is committed to serving all individuals impacted by relationship abuse and values creating a safe haven for all.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Safe Haven Ministries is seeking a Lead Housing Advocate who will provide comprehensive support services to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking through their housing journey. A successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to deliver consistent and quality strength-based psychoeducation and advocacy, and will work collaboratively with property managers, landlords and community partners.
The Lead Housing Advocate will assist with all aspects of HUD contract compliance and regulatory requirements. Someone successful in this role must have the ability to show good independent judgment and the ability to effectively manage crisis situations.
SUMMARIES & DUTIES
- Carry a reduced caseload of rapid rehousing and transitional housing clients (approximately 5-7 households), serving individuals from an empowerment and trauma informed approach.
- Develop and nurture relationships with property managers, landlords and community partners.
- Maintain a updated resource list of potential landlords to assist all Safe Haven rapid rehousing clients securing housing
- Navigate community resources to assist individuals with their housing journey
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to work in various environments including residential, non-residential and community based sites.
- Effectively respond to crisis situations, provide active listening and strong advocacy skills
- Incorporate domestic violence and human trafficking education into case management sessions, support clients in monthly goal setting and housing stabilization plans
- Facilitate housing assessments for potential transitional housing and rapid rehousing clients
- Occasionally provide assistance to Safe Haven’s crisis services (i.e. hotline, chat and walk-in services)
- Utilize an empowerment model in navigating social and economic barriers that housing insecure and chronically homeless individuals may encounter
- Ability to work independently and as a team.
- Develop and oversee support group focused on economic empowerment, which may include partnering with existing social service providers to facilitate groups
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Read, comprehend, and apply laws, rules and regulations (i.e. HUD) in determining eligibility and assistance for transitional housing and rapid rehousing clients
- Maintain accurate and timely client documentation
- Demonstrate professionalism and leadership qualities with strong abilities to adapt, prioritize and demonstrate flexibility as needed.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Carry a rotating weekend on call shift every 8-10 weeks
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED OR PREFERRED
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field or 3 years of related experience
- Valid Michigan Driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence; previous work with domestic violence preferred.
- Bilingual preferred
- Ability to communicate with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- Understanding of chemical dependency, HIV/AIDS, mental illness and harm reduction strategies
- Knowledge of HUD regulations, guidelines and procedures; knowledge of housing stability practices
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to lift/move 30 pounds
Safe Haven is an equal opportunity employer and dedicated to a policy and culture of non discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. People with disabilities, people of color, indigenous people and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
