Economic Advancement Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Economic Advancement Advocate (EAA)

Title: Economic Advancement Advocate (EAA)

Location: Sanctuary Place Office and scattered sites as assigned

Reports To: Family Empowerment Team (FET) Manager

Supervises: N/A

Status: Full-time/Exempt

Salary: $48, 838.09-$52,000

Organization Summary

Facing Forward to End Homelessness (Facing Forward) ends the cycle of homelessness for families and individuals by offering hope, help, and housing. Facing Forward utilizes a Housing First model which provides permanent supportive housing to chronically homeless individuals, families, and veterans. Under this model, we first ensure that clients have a safe stable home and assist clients as they empower themselves - leading a forward-facing life. By providing permanent housing and a full array of services, including case management, referrals for substance abuse treatment, mental health support, education, and job training, we give people who have experienced homelessness the tools they need to reclaim their lives.

Vision

Facing Forward is committed to empowering all individuals to envision a brighter future. We strive to ensure our approach reflects the unique paths that have led people to Facing Forward. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where each member of Facing Forward is empowered to be themselves, share ideas, and contribute to the mission and vision of the organization. We believe we are stronger together and seek to serve as a foundation in partnership with clients, staff, vendors, and community partners. In unity, we can work to prevent and end homelessness while guiding clients on their journey toward stability, health, and self-sufficiency.

Summary Description

The Economic Advancement Advocate (EAA) supports adults and program participants ages 18 and older in achieving financial stability, economic mobility, and long-term self-sufficiency. As part of the Family Empowerment Team (FET), the EAA provides individualized and group-based services focused on employment readiness, career advancement, financial literacy, education access, and workforce development.

Using a holistic, client-centered, and trauma-informed approach - the EAA works closely with participants to assess strengths, barriers, skills, interests, and career goals. The EAA assists clients with developing and implementing individualized economic advancement plans that support pathways to sustainable employment, increased earning potential, vocational training, apprenticeships, certifications, and higher education opportunities. They also help participants become empowered by providing guidance in resume development, interview preparation, job search strategies, digital literacy, workplace readiness, and financial capability. This role collaborates with employers, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and community partners to create opportunities and address barriers to employment such as transportation, childcare, housing instability, technology access, and gaps in employment history.

This position requires strong relationship-building skills, flexibility, and the ability to engage participants from diverse backgrounds who may have experienced homelessness, trauma, unemployment, or systemic barriers to economic advancement. Some evenings and weekends may be required. Home visitations and other community destinations, and a vehicle are also required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Direct Service Provision (70%)

• Conduct participant assessments to identify strengths, barriers, interests, skills, and pathways toward financial self-sufficiency and career advancement.
• Develop individualized economic advancement and employment plans with participants and monitor progress toward established goals.
• Provide one-on-one coaching and support related to:

• Employment readiness
• Career exploration
• Resume writing
• Interview preparation
• Job search strategies
• Professional communication
• Workplace expectations and retention

• Assist participants in identifying and applying for employment opportunities, including:

• Full-time and part-time employment
• Apprenticeships
• Trade programs
• Vocational training

• Certification programs
• Transitional and career pathway opportunities

• Support participants in accessing education and training opportunities, including GED programs, community college enrollment, vocational certifications, workforce training, and continuing education.
• Provide digital literacy coaching, including assistance with:

• Online job applications
• Email communication
• Virtual interviews
• Basic computer skills
• Workforce technology platforms

• Conduct financial capability and skill-building sessions focused on:

• Budgeting
• Banking and savings
• Credit establishment and repair
• Debt reduction
• Financial planning
• Tenant education and housing stability

• Facilitate workshops and group sessions on topics including financial literacy, workforce readiness, career advancement, and economic mobility.
• Conduct office visits, community-based meetings, and home visits as appropriate to support participant engagement and service delivery.
• Collaborate with Case Managers and other program staff to coordinate services and ensure participants are progressing toward individualized goals.
• Maintain relationships with employers, workforce development agencies, educational institutions, apprenticeship programs, and community organizations to expand opportunities for participants.

• Support participants in transitioning into higher-paying, more stable employment opportunities and career advancement pathways.

Staff Development (10%)

• Provide training and support to staff regarding workforce development, financial capability, and economic advancement resources.
• Serve as a resource to staff on employment, education, and career pathway opportunities available to participants.
• Assist with mentoring volunteers, interns, and students as needed.
• Participate in professional development opportunities related to workforce development, financial coaching, trauma-informed care, Motivational Interviewing, and economic mobility practices.

Program Administration (20%)

• Assist program leadership with program development, evaluation, reporting, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Develop and track participant outcomes related to employment, income growth, financial stability, education attainment, and workforce participation.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, participant files, service plans, and documentation.
• Complete timely and accurate data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other required databases according to agency policies.
• Prepare reports and collect data to support grant compliance, program evaluation, and funding requirements.
• Utilize email, databases, and technology platforms to communicate effectively and complete assignments efficiently.
• Protect participant confidentiality and maintain compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, trainings, and organizational events as required.
• Support special projects, workshops, community events, and job fairs as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Workforce Development, Education, Counseling, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university preferred.

Experience

Minimum of two years of experience providing workforce development, employment services, career coaching, financial literacy education, or case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income populations, or underserved communities.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of workforce development systems, career pathways, vocational training, apprenticeships, and employment resources.
• Knowledge of financial capability and economic mobility strategies.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by homelessness, trauma, poverty, mental health challenges, or systemic barriers.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain professional boundaries with diverse populations.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general office technology.
• Experience with trauma-informed care, Motivational Interviewing, and strengths-based practices preferred.
• Knowledge of local workforce development and community resources preferred.

Certification/License

Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed remotely and in a typical office environment

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer are required

• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of light office items (up to 20 lbs) may be

required

• Frequent use of standard office equipment including computers, phones, and printers

WORK SCHEDULE

• This is a hybrid position with standard office hours of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00

p.m.

• The role requires a combination of on-site presence at organizational locations and remote

workdays

• Regular in-office presence is required based on operational and departmental needs

• Attendance at meetings, trainings, and organizational events may occasionally be required in the

evenings and weekends

• Flexibility to adjust schedule based on operational needs, office coverage, or organizational

priorities may be required

Equal Opportunity Employer

Facing Forward to End Homelessness is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage

applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race,

color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry,

citizenship or work authorization status, age, disability, marital or family status, military or veteran status,

or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, Illinois, or Chicago law.

Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and hiring process. Applicants who

require an accommodation may contact View email address on us.fitly.work

For benefits information, please see the attached document.