Housing Advocate - St Peter

ROLE: Housing Advocate – St Peter

GENERAL ROLE DESCRIPTION:
The Housing Advocate-St Peter will be responsible for supporting and providing case management services for participants within Partners for Housing (P4H) programs, as well as: Maintain an active case load striving to meet with each family/individual on a regular basis per program guidelines; Provide advice and assistance to family units needing to access community-based programs and services; Promote a team-based environment of support, collaboration and encouragement where staff contributions are valued; Model professionalism, positivity and be a champion of our mission.

STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried – 40-45 hours per week

LOCATION: Union Street Place in St Peter, MN

OUR TEAM: Our team of professionals are collaborative, caring, strong advocates, diverse and work hard to make a difference in the lives of our participants in the community!

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: The essential functions include but are not limited to:

Case Management:

• Enable an environment that will provide transitional stays, safe sleep, create and support initiatives to help participants address barriers, and provide coordinated support services to women and families experiencing homelessness in our community.
• Provide assessment, case planning, housing advocacy, tenant education, and case management services to families accepted into P4H program(s).
• Work as part of a team with other P4H professionals to provide each participant household with the resources, skills and knowledge to become self-sufficient and prevent future episodes of homelessness.
• Facilitate and monitor participant recordkeeping including entry, stay and exit, violations of guidelines, attendance and more.
• Document conversations with guests or clients and other staff in a thorough and organized manner.
• Ensure through on-going or time specific case management services as defined by the needs of the families enrolled in the program, that families
• Access needed resources and services to maintain their housing
• Receive support for problem solving, childcare, health care, clinical care, transportation, life skills training, money management, and crisis intervention.
• Be familiar with available community resources that will enhance the lives of the clients. Make referrals or perform advocacy functions with agencies as applicable.
• Document client progress in a timely manner for entry into the Homeless Information Management System (HMIS)
• Play a key role in providing input, planning and facilitating programming to benefit participants.
• Move donations or guest/clients’ belongings, including furniture and other items, with assistance from other staff members, as needed
• Transport guests/clients as needed
• Fill in for peers or direct reports when they are away, to ensure seamless support of guests/clients

Facilities and Operational Activities:

• Collaborate with the Shelter Manager for optimum alignment of duties and participant support.
• Monitor facility to maintain a clean and safe environment for participants and staff.
• Adhere to facility policies, procedures and professional code of ethics.

• Treat clients in a culturally sensitive manner, with a trauma-informed lens.

• Give input on rules and guidelines for facilities, participants and staff as appropriate to create a safe, housing-focused and positive environment for all; ensure compliance.

• Facilitate and uphold the highest confidentiality and respect for participants and their personal information

• Complete documentation as required

Organization/Communication Activities

• Work to establish and maintain a favorable public image and promote positive relationships by representing P4H within the local community and by collaborating with area partner agencies.

• Support organizational efforts to promote the work of P4H to support people experiencing homelessness due to low income and other barriers, create awareness of the homelessness issues in our community.

• Participate in Continuum of Care and Homelessness Response Team meetings

• Support co-workers and management by coordinating or assisting with events or create and facilitate events that support the programs and organization

Other Activities: as assigned or required

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Ownership: Demonstrates understanding and full support of the mission, vision, and values of the shelter program; can demonstrate those values to others; consistently behaves in a manner congruent with the mission, vision, values and beliefs.

• Initiative: Has strong work ethic; is action oriented and energetic; seizes opportunities; sets demanding but achievable objectives for self.

• Integrity and Trust: Is seen as trustworthy by others; practices direct, honest and transparent communication; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn’t operate with hidden agendas; responds to situations with constancy and reliability.

• Interpersonal Skills: Establishes good working relationships with all others who are relevant to the completion of work; works well with people at all levels of the congregation; builds appropriate rapport; considers the impact of his/her actions on others; uses diplomacy and tact; is approachable; avoids communication triangles.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Guests and staff are expected to wear masks and safely distance.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• case management: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: One location