Housing Advocate (HUD)

SAFE Shelter Salvation Army SW 2nd Avenue Portland, OR 97204, USA Travel Required : Yes Description Recruiting Opportunity Closes: 11/02/2026 Hourly Wage: $26.00 - $30.00 Status: Full Time Number of Positions: 1 The Salvation Army Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. West Women’s Mission Statement: We create a safe nurturing environment for survivors to realize their potential for healing and growth as we work together to end domestic violence. Scope of Position: The Housing Advocate serving the Women’s Housing Collaborative will establish and maintain advocacy relationships with participants in this permanent supportive housing program. This position is the primary case manager and will establish and maintain advocacy relationships with all of the clients enrolled in the Women’s Housing Collaborative program (up to 30 households). This position will screen for program eligibility, fill program openings within a timely manner (30 days), administer monthly rental checks for participants, maintain positive working relationships with prospective and current landlords, maintain all client-related documentation, write case plans, meet regularly with each client and act as an advocate/case manager for the participant with outside agencies. The duties of this position include information and referral, and advocacy activities as specified by the individual client’s needs. Additionally, the Housing Advocate will participate in community hearings, meetings, and forums which promote the housing needs of WHC participants in the community. They will perform screening, intake, advocacy and case management duties in accordance with the domestic violence coordinated access system for housing placement for survivors. The duties of this position also include information and referral activities as specified by the individual participant’s needs. Works with Advocacy team to offer front desk coverage, on-call back up, community representation, and co-advocacy as applicable. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of standardized but moderately complex procedures and operations requiring training and experience to be successful. Ability to function with limited direct oversight and/or with limited remote training Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner. Ability to prioritize multiple requests and demands for the Shelter. High level of problem-solving skills to complete the days challenges High level of patience Ability to function and work in a stressful environment A genuine concern for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Maintain confidentiality and privacy. Crisis intervention and non-violent mediation skills a plus. SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE-RELATED SKILLS: Utilize Microsoft Office 2010 or later Software Answer and Telephone system Use Networked computers and printers Send and Receive from a Fax Machine Use a Photo Copier and Scanner Motor vehicle Experience as needed Utilize and Understand Reporting Databases (such as Service Point, Osnium, MS Excel) Supervisory Responsibilities: Minor. General oversight and awareness of Project colleague. Work with and through Supervisor for all supervisory issues. Supervision is of a limited variety of activities of ordinary complexity. COVID-19 The Salvation Army will comply with all governmental orders and any contractual obligations relative to COVID-19 safety measures, including mandatory vaccination of staff, if required. The Salvation Army will consider requests for exemptions from any such requirements on either religious or medical grounds. PROFESSIONALISM (NOT LISTED IN PRIORITY ORDER): Must adhere to all Salvation Army policies and procedures. Must maintain the integrity of confidential communications or activities. Must maintain professional, courteous and cooperative manner with all community partners, TSA staff, personnel, clients, and outside contacts and demonstrate respect and a positive attitude toward them at all times. Must be a team player, take initiative and be flexible in assisting others and to the best of the employee’s ability, ensure accurate and timely work objectives. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Write case management plan and provide advocacy services to all participants of the WHC program through the lens of assertive engagement and trauma informed care. Develop case management plans with participants with the goal of increased safety, self-sufficiency, and housing stability. Identify and make connections with resources which assist in participants increased safety, self-sufficiency, and housing stability. Maintain ongoing professional relationship in all interpersonal contacts (note confidentiality and professional guidelines requirements). Administer client/rental assistance as it is available and in coordination with WWCS Business Manager, DHQ Finance Dept., Manage Cash Advance, and maintain all rental assistance records. Facilitate and develop WHC retention groups as applicable to client needs on a quarterly basis. Complete Safety and Stabilization Assessments as necessary and log SSA’s into reporting portal. Advocate, support and encourage personal empowerment of the client. Maintain client files with appropriate forms, outside documentation, etc. Secure housing resources, including permanent subsidized housing. Update all Service Point data for each participant by the 5 th of the month. Complete check requests with necessary documentation utilizing available client assistance funds, rental checks, and utility checks. Develop Reporting, monitoring, and assistance for HUD CoC renewal grant processes. Create a safety plan with each client responding to their unique needs. Log pertinent information in a timely fashion. Meet regularly with each participant. Facilitate "network" meetings as applicable to participant’s needs. Provide advocacy to assist in each participant’s housing placement. Administer client/rental assistance as it is available to increase safety and housing stability. Advocate, support and encourage personal empowerment of the participant and within the shelter setting. Perform appropriate statistical and data entry tasks in a timely fashion. Work with both internal and external entities to increase the success and safety for each participant. Always attend to the safety and security needs of the shelter. Maintain high ethical standards in all case consultation with peers and outside agencies. Uphold all confidentiality policies and procedures in accordance with agency policies and VAWA Standards. Provide front desk coverage for one day a week at 8 am and lunch hour coverage weekly Set up, breakdown, prepare, and serve breakfast, lunch, or dinner as needed to maintain shelter services for survivors Be present and on time for all staff meetings as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. ORGANIZATION SKILLS : Must maintain an organized work area, files, etc. contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of work within the assigned workday and avoiding unnecessary overtime. RESPONSIBILITY: Significant impact on program and costs. Work is done under general supervision in accordance with general procedures or policies. Will have some latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. Decisions and actions are subject to prior approval in unusual cases by the Director. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead Ability to operate telephone Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. (usually file boxes) Ability to access and produce information from a computer Ability to understand written information Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is a reasonable and no undue hardship would result. EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE: Preferred: BA/BS in Human Services field plus experience in a social service setting working with vulnerable populations and/or trauma survivors Considered: Equivalent work and life experience connected to working with vulnerable populations and/or Trauma Survivors Project or grant Oversight in Housing related services and/or Voucher issuing. Data base management and oversight. Training and experience in trauma informed care, assertive engagement, domestic violence, housing, non-violent communication, crisis counseling is desired. Ability to work with various socio-economic, ethnic and racial populations is a must. Must possess good written and oral communication skills and (or be willing to learn) knowledge of social services network; and commitment to non-violence in all interactions. Computer skills essential to perform tasks related to the position with a focus on Excel. MISCELLANEOUS: The Handbook for Employees will be your guide to all personnel practices and procedures. If you have any questions, please contact the Divisional Director of Human Resources. In any position with The Salvation Army, it is impossible to predict the many requests and assignments that can and will be made on an employee. This is the case with this position. Flexibility and a cooperative spirit are crucial characteristics of the person who holds this important position and for the successful operation of Salvation Army services. The Salvation Army reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. The Salvation Army’s facilities and vehicles provide a smoke and drug free work environment for all employees and volunteers. SUPERVISOR: Justin Moshkowski Travel Required Yes . Qualifications Education Preferred Bachelors or better in Sociology. High School or Equivalent or better. High School or Equivalent or better. Licenses & Certifications Required Driver's License Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr