Housing Advocate

Cornerstone of Hope, Inc. (COH) provides administrative and staffing services to non-profit organizations in the Western Kentucky Region. As such, COH has an Housing Advocate position available to be assigned to work at Merryman House located in Paducah, KY.

EXPERIENCE

I. Required Skills

• Proficiency in basic computer skills, Microsoft Office and Adobe;
• Skills in resolving problems, planning and organization, exercising independent judgment and attention to detail;
• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain highest levels of confidentiality;
• Professional oral and written communication skills, including correct grammar, spelling and punctuation;
• Ability to adhere to strict deadlines and adapt quickly to changing requirements;
• Ability to interact with individuals at all levels;
• Knowledge of homelessness and barriers to safe/affordable housing preferred;
• Must be able to transport clients and possess a valid driver's license
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds and engage in physical activity naturally required in moving/relocation.

II. Preferred Education

High school diploma/GED required; Associate Degree in relevant field of study preferred

III. Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of homelessness and barriers to safe/affordable housing preferred;
• HQS inspection certification preferred;

JOB SUMMARY

The position will include housing-related advocacy. The Housing Counselor will assist with the application process for Section 8, other housing subsidies, and private landlords, conduct inspections of housing units, complete housing re-certification paper work, provide one-on-one and group education related to homelessness/prevention, assist with relocation process, and provide referrals to other housing programs and community resources. The Housing Counselor provides housing stability case management and comprehensive supportive services to clients enrolled in Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center and Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence housing programs. Travel may be required as client need dictates within the 8 counties of the Purchase Area Development District.

JOB DUTIES

1. Professionalism

• Maintains confidentiality;
• Assures professional case notes and correspondence;
• Adhere to and implement requirements of Fair Housing Act;
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism in all actions, both internally and externally in regard to written and verbal communication, behavior and decision-making;

2. Initiative

• Takes initiative to solve problems, and seeks clarification and additional guidance promptly when needed;
• Assists other departments efforts as able including the shelter;
• Educate clients on community resources and safe housing options;
• Assist clients with housing stability through budgeting, landlord relations and explanation of lease agreement;
• Participates in agency-wide awareness & fundraising efforts as required;
• Provide suggestions for improvement in processes, etc., as requested;

3. Timeliness

• Maintains thorough, complete, and accurate documentation of all client and community partner interactions in accordance with agency policies;
• Submits time and activity sheets accurately and timely;
• Assists with department reports as requested;
• Ensures all documentation is accurate and up-to-date by reporting deadlines so as to ensure accurate reporting to Senior Management, Grants & Compliance and Funders;

4. Knowledgeable

• Remains abreast of regulations promulgated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC);
• Possess and demonstrates a strong, working knowledge of the Interim Rule(s) of applicable programs and services;
• Attend trainings relevant to position to upgrade knowledge of laws, regulations and contractual requirements as directed by direct supervisor or the MHDCC Executive Director;
• Understands program eligibility requirements to correctly enroll participants and is able to communicate that information to clients/partners/staff effectively;
• Understands & follows MHDCC policy and procedures;
• Possess strong understanding of KCADV housing programs and how those programs are able to benefit client based on their housing needs;

5. Integrity

• Behaves in ethical manner;
• Protects client confidentiality at all times and strictly adheres to confidentiality in regard to personnel, donor, board member and community partner information, including but is not limited to electronic documents, etc;
• Stays abreast of current practices and trends involving domestic violence, and its effects on families and children so that he/she is able to offer effective advocacy and consultation expected of someone working for the state-designated domestic crisis provider;
• Understands grants that fund the position and how to properly bill time & activities to those streams;

6. Productivity & Quality of Work

• Meets regularly with clients of the MHDCC;
• Actively engages clients effectively so to promote the programs and services offered through the Housing Department;
• Attends meetings timely and is prepared;
• Completes tasks thoroughly, timely and accurately;
• Conducts the duties of his/her job with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrates high client "stably-housed" rates (e.g., clients who access housing services are house/supported on a regular basis);

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Microsoft Office: 2 years (Preferred)
• Adobe: 2 years (Preferred)
• Section 8 Housing: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• HQS Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person