Housing Advocate

Position Available:

Housing Advocate

Who we are:

Safe Haven Ministries is a nonprofit organization located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, We believe in a multi-faceted approach to serving victims/survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and exploitation, while also working to prevent these types of violence in our community. We offer comprehensive intervention services for the entire community, including:

• Confidential emergency shelter

• Transitional and rapid re-housing

• Psycho-educational support groups

• Individual case management and advocacy

• Children and youth support services

• Crisis services

• Mobile advocacy

• Primary prevention training and outreach

Our success is made possible through our dedicated team who are guided by our lived values of:

• Equity and belonging

• Excellence

• Faith

• Partnership

• Safety

• Social Norms Change

• Stewardship

• Survivor Centered

• Systems Change

What you’ll get to do:

As a Housing Advocate you will be providing comprehensive support services to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking throughout their housing journey. While delivering consistent strength-based psycho-educational advocacy to survivors you’ll also work collaboratively with property managers, landlords and community partners. Under general supervision of the Director of Housing Services you will also grow and develop your skills by:

• Observing professional confidentiality, protecting the rights of clients and their families, and observing the Safe Haven Ministries Code of Ethics at all times.
• Providing comprehensive strengths based housing advocacy to Safe Haven clients.
• Assessing personal and family situations of homeless individuals and families to determine eligibility for programs and service needs.
• Assisting participants in locating and securing housing of their choice using proper calculations of income and rent per program guidelines.
• Providing training on the responsibilities of tenants and how to address potential issues with property owners.
• Serving as an ongoing liaison between property managers and participants and neighbors as needed.
• Ensuring rental properties meet HUD Quality Standards and are appropriate for the program participants.
• Facilitating and coordinating supportive service activities for participants to prompt achievement of goal and objectives, including development of a strength-based Housing Plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency for participants
• Providing domestic violence case management and advocacy to participants: provide support, reduce isolation, listen, problem solve, and identify resources to assist with reintegration of participants in the community.
• Establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships, coordinating services with other agencies or workers providing services to the consumer.
• Maintaining client files per program guidelines and funding requirements.
• Collecting and reporting program data while maintaining strict confidentiality practices
• Organizing group events, training, coaching to consumers to support the goals of increased income and self-sufficiency, workforce and employment training.
• Attending team meetings, staff meetings and training workshops.
• Contributing to the team in service delivery outcome achievements.
• Implementing project guidelines and requirements to promote integration of project objectives and strategic goals into service delivery functions.
• Carrying out procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements and policy and procedural requirements.
• Producing monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports.
• Identifying and communicating training and professional development needs.
• Participating in professional development opportunities.

Our ideal candidate will have/be:

• A Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field or 3 years of related experience

• A valid Michigan Driver’s license and reliable transportation

• Have served individuals from an empowerment and trauma informed approach.

• Have knowledge of community resources to assist individuals with their housing journey.

• The Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to work in various environments including youth settings, residential, non-residential and community based sites.

• The ability to effectively respond to crisis situations, provide active listening and strong advocacy skills.

• Share a staff on call rotation with other advocate staff.

• Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence; previous work with domestic violence preferred.

• The ability to work independently and as a team.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Able to read, comprehend, and apply laws, rules and regulations in determining eligibility and assistance.

• The ability to communicate with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

• Able to demonstrate professionalism and leadership qualities with strong abilities to adapt, prioritize and demonstrate flexibility as needed.

• Strong computer skills.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

What You’ll Get:

• $19.00 per hour

• Generous PTO

• 11 paid holidays

• Competitive health, dental, and vision benefits

HSA or FSA with a dollar for dollar match on the first $600 employee contributions Simple IRA with a 2% employer match

• A full-time schedule

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Employees are required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

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 LGBTQIA candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please visit www.shmgr.org/careers.