Veterans Housing Advocate

The Veteran's Housing Advocate is responsible for working closely with low-income Veterans and their families in securing financial means to help them overcome their housing crisis while providing support services and referral guidance.

The Housing Advocate will be familiar with all aspects of the agency's Supportive Housing Programs and related programs, including performance standards, program procedures and outcomes.
2. Responsible for participant enrollment in the Shallow Subsidy program within SSVF.
3. Responsible for maintaining current and accurate records as required by the program, and ensuring their confidentiality.
4. Demonstrate ability to establish a trusting relationship with participants of varying economic, cultural and functional levels.
5. Assesses needs, risks, and obstacles applicable to household stability and long-term permanent housing.

6. Develop and implement service plan/participant savings plan to reduce risks and move participant to housing stability, including reducing emergency crisis', identifying life skills training, job training, general education, etc.
7. Document all client contacts and contacts on behalf of clients within case record, including follow up conferences and referrals to community agencies.
8. Assist program participants in completing other paperwork (public assistance forms and training or job applications) as needed.
9. Make periodic home visits as needed. Make periodic visits with landlords as needed.
10. Maintain knowledge of community resources and procedures for accessing resources.
11. Complete inspections to ensure that rental units meet Housing Quality Standards.
12. Prepare agreements between individual landlords and the agency.
13. Ensure check requests are made in a timely manner in accordance with agency financial policies and procedures.
14. Keep updated records in client tracking databases.
15. Conduct weekly phone calls to clients to monitor progress.
16. Complete required check requests associated with veteran housing expenses i.e., rent and utilities.
17. Assist all job seekers within the SSVF program to obtain employment. Connect Veteran with skill training, resume building and other resources to obtain employment/education.
18. Develop relationship with area employers with the aim of matching SSVF clients to appropriate job openings.
19. Connect Veterans with Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits by working directly with Veteran to compose and submit SOAR disability claim applications.
20. Perform other duties and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

Training: All staff will participate in pre-service training for the program and will participate in in-service training and on-going CAA trainings as deemed appropriate by Supervisor.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Services area preferred.
2. Training: As required for program.
3. Certification/Licenses: Must have a valid Michigan Driver's License. Must become SOAR certified within 90-days of hire date.
4. Work Experience: Minimum of four (4) years case management experience. Extensive knowledge of resources for low-income and homeless families. Experience working with Veterans and their families.
5. Transportation: Must possess reliable transportation. Travels to all program service areas as needed.
6. Basic Skills: Must possess excellent written and oral skills, high degree of computer literacy, and knowledge of business procedures and efficient operation of business equipment.
7. Problem Solving, Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills: High level of independent problem-solving and decision-making skills. Establish and maintain positive rapport with people of all economic levels, cultures and capabilities.
8. Physical and Mental Capabilities: Must be able to visit clients in their homes with frequent exposure to environment hazards.