Housing Advocate

YWCA is currently recruiting a Full-Time Housing Advocate. The Housing Advocate provides participant-centered advocacy, case management, and housing stabilization services to individuals and families served by YWCA Cass Clay. This position assists participants in identifying goals, accessing resources, navigating systems, and overcoming barriers to safety and stability. The Advocate maintains accurate documentation, collaborates with community partners, and delivers services in accordance with YWCA policies, funding requirements, and best practices.

Job Duties:

Advocacy
• Conduct participant intake, eligibility screening, enrollment, and program exit procedures in accordance with program requirements and grand guidelines.
• Coordinate and provide transportation to participants as necessary to access housing, appointments, and other program-related activities.
• Assist participants in developing life skills, problem-solving strategies, and goals and safety plans that support individual needs and stability.
• Connect participants with community resources and assist with referrals related to housing, rent and utility assistance, public benefits, healthcare, mental health services, childcare, legal services, transportation, employment, and other identified needs.
• Provide ongoing case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, and emotional support.
• Understand and be sensitive to the unique needs of survivors of domestic violence, ensuring that case management is trauma-informed and participant-centered.
• Maintain knowledge of local housing resources and serve as a liaison with housing programs, housing authorities, landlord, and community partners to support participants in obtaining and maintaining safe, stable housing.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and compliance with all agencies, state, federal, and grant requirements.
• Support the safety and security of YWCA facilities by appropriately responding to phones, door buzzers, locks, security system, and fire alarms, and by following all established safety and emergency protocols.

Grant Implementation
• Assist with the collection, tracking, and reporting of program data required by funders and grantors.
• Maintain accurate program statistics and prepare reports as required for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain participant records in accordance with funding and program requirements.
• Submit assistance requests and support documentation in a timely manner.
• Understand and adhere to grant and program requirements, objectives, and compliance guidelines.
• Make program-related purchases and ensure all expenses are reasonable, allowable, and within approved budgets.
• Support the overall operation of YWCA Programs by participating in meetings, trainings, and collaborative efforts that promote participant safety and well-being.

Other Duties
• Represent YWCA at community events and serve on committees or attend meetings on behalf of the organization.
• Assist with statistics and reports as necessary.
• Accept and organize furniture and other donations as necessary.
• Participate in OnCall rotation.
• Prompt and reliable attendance required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's or Associates degree in Behavioral Sciences or a related field is preferred.
• Must have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of unique challenges for those that have experienced domestic violence and homelessness.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification is preferred
• Must be able to travel off-site as needed.
• Must have valid driver's license with proof of insurance and insurable record.
• Meets all background check requirements.
• An understanding of, appreciation for, and support of the mission of the YWCA Cass Clay.

Requirements:
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions of this position. While performing the responsibilities for this position, the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, climb stairs, bend, push, carry and drive frequently. The employee will also be required to twist at waist, squat, kneel, stoop, crouch and reach overhead occasionally. Standing in place and sitting at desk for prolonged periods of time are performed occasionally. Repetitive keying, data entry, wrist motion, and reaching above shoulders are performed frequently. Lifting up to 20 lbs. from shoulder to overhead is occasional, carrying and pulling up to 75 lbs. is performed occasionally and pushing up to 75 lbs. is performed frequently.

The description above provides the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.