Housing Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

HOUSING ADVOCATE

Reports to : Director of Housing & Economic Empowerment

Department: Housing

Original Date: November 2020

Revised Date: February 2025

Status: Full Time – 40 hours

Location: Stamford & Norwalk CT

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Travel Requirements: 30%

SUMMARY

The primary role of the Housing Advocate is to provide housing advocacy and case management services to survivors/victims of domestic violence and/or human trafficking. Case management, using a DV housing first approach, will include trauma- informed, survivor-centered approaches to housing stabilization, rebuilding self-esteem, develop essential life skills, and establish financial independence by supporting their goals to increase income and self-sufficiency. Additionally, as is required in state standards and best-practice models, domestic violence advocates will provide survivors and their children with counseling, risk assessment, safety planning, goal setting, resources, and referrals to other support services.

GOAL

To assist survivors in attaining housing rapidly and maintaining safe and stable housing long term. In addition, this position will work with survivors to increase income, explore health insurance coverage, and help those who are able to work secure employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete coordinated intakes, assessments, and screenings to determine housing options and eligibility based on HUD and Connecticut State Department of Housing (DOH) guidelines.
• Complete survivor-centered, strengths-based housing plans that identify barriers to housing and set a path to housing stability; reviewed and updated monthly.
• Support in designing and implementing safety plans and housing risk assessments.
• Home visiting, safety permitting, at a minimum of once per month, with each survivor enrolled in the rapid rehousing program.
• Provide case management services focused on increasing income, accessing long- term housing subsidies, establishing and/or expanding family and community-based supports, and assisting in increasing access to mainstream services.
• Develop a relationship within the homeless service system.
• Assist in program development and quality assurance activities as directed by CCADV Director of Housing Advocacy.
• Assist survivors with locating available housing units, the leasing process, landlord mediation, and tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Submit requests for rental payments for survivors enrolled in the RRH program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up to date files and records to include required documentation and confidential case management notes.
• Assist with reporting, as needed
• Document all client and program data into database within 48 hours of contact.

Training & Professional Development

• Attend local CAN meetings.
• Participate in the annual Point-in-Time count.
• Attend monthly CCADV housing meetings.
• Participate in the RRH Case Conference team meetings weekly.
• Attend CCADV trainings and workshops related to housing.
• Maintain DV certification by receiving not less than six hours of in-service training in issues related to working with survivors of domestic violence / human trafficking.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of safety planning and survivor-centered advocacy as it relates to domestic violence survivors.
• Ability to maintain service records, complete records accurately and submit in a timely fashion in accordance with CCADV Program Standards.
• Willingness to learn how to navigate multiple systems including housing, health, employment, substance use disorder treatment and government benefits.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others, within the DV system and with outside providers, to develop creative solutions to difficult challenges.
• Fluency is Spanish required.

COMPENSATION

DVCC offers a supportive workplace culture. DVCC offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive workplace culture. The salary range for this position is $50,000-$55,000 per year. Benefits include health, dental, vision, HRA, (DVCC pays $3,350 for individual/$6,700 for family), a 403(b)-retirement plan with 6% employer match, employer paid $10,000 life insurance, additional voluntary life insurance, short term and long-term disability coverage, and 15 days of paid time off. Professional development opportunities are also encouraged.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full-time position
• This is an in-person position.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to all DVCC and state/federal regulations.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings, trainings, and home visits if needed.
• Flexible schedule that may include occasional evenings or weekends based on program need.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical decision-making, and the mission and values of the agency.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DVCC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. DVCC does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Abilities

N/A

Occasionally

Frequently

Constantly

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend

X

Handling/Fingering

X

Reach Outward/Above

X

Taste and Smell

X

Less than 10 lbs.

10 lbs. to 50 lbs.

50 lbs. to 100 lbs.

More than 100 lbs.

Lifting

X

Visual Requirement

20/20 Correctable Vision

SIGNATURES

Prepared by: ___________________________________ Date: _______________________

Approval Signature: _______________________________ Date: ______________________

Employee Signature: ______________________________ Date: _______________________

DVCC has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions, competencies, and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and DVCC reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as DVCC may deem appropriate.