Housing Advocate Case Manager -HRC2

Provide housing focused and person-centered case management for individuals experiencing homelessness at the Lewis Center- a low barrier shelter. Work along with participants to create an Individualized Housing Plan; provide guidance and support to participants to meet their individualized housing goals; and contribute to the mission of Goodwill by advocating for the participants and maximizing opportunities for persons experiencing homelessness to become more independent, guided by precedent and working within the limits of established policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Receive and review intake information for new participants in the Homeless Resource Centers: Philip D. Lewis and Fairview locations.
2. Meet with individual participants and review interests, work history, and goals. Complete SPDATs as required Work in cooperation with participants to establish individual housing goals.
3. Create a warm, welcoming, environment; implement and support the principles of a trauma informed care environment.
4. Develop individualized housing plans that assist guests in identifying permanent housing options in the community.
5. Verify participants' eligibility and research benefits being received and assist with applications if needed.
6. Assess participant's barriers to housing and support individual in identifying strategies to overcome barriers.
7. Provide resources and referrals to assist participant as needed to support housing plans.
8. Provide assistance with transportation when needed to doctor appointments, social security, etc. and clothing.
9. Provide participant with housing counseling and support; and serve as a liaison between program providers, direct care staff, and other support providers. Provide crisis intervention and advocacy, assessments, and information gathering and sharing with staff. Research and recommend resources and make referrals to other programs.
10. Enter the data gathered from participant contacts into the appropriate database systems for case follow-up and review. Ensure that participant consent forms are obtained and on file.
11. Investigate and find out what agencies and organizations within the community serve persons experiencing homelessness. Determine what programs, support groups and services are offered. Offer to make presentations to groups to enhance community awareness of the programs and opportunities offered by the Lewis Center and Fairview.
12. Participate in staff meetings, case conferences and various meetings with GGI staff and others to receive guidance on program changes or enhancements.
13. Participate in training to upgrade skills as courses become available. Complete all GGI required trainings within 6 months of hire.
14. Provide assistance with other general department activities. Provide any range of department administrative assignments or special projects as requested.

OTHER DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Demonstrate by words and actions a commitment to the Goodwill mission to help people experiencing homelessness to become self-sufficient, working members of the community.
2. Perform or assist with any duties or operations, as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules and quality requirements.
3. Maintain safe work area and comply with safety procedures and equipment operating rules, keeping work area in a clean and orderly condition.
4. Participate in any variety of meetings and task force groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, and policies.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation, Social Services, Human Services or related field required.
2. Minimum of one (1) year case management experience preferred.
3. Excellent communication skills required. Ability to establish and maintain rapport with employers and referral agents.
4. Excellent problem solving skills & organizational skills.
5. Must have a valid Florida driver's license, valid insurance, reliable transportation for travel to outlying locations and the ability to be insured under the company's vehicle insurance policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. General office environment
2. Generally normal sitting, standing and walking
3. Regular travel
4. Occasional assistance with lifting up to 30 lbs.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer and usual peripherals, word processing, spreadsheets and software programs, and standard office equipment, automobile, large passenger van, or wheelchair accessible van, as required.