New Jersey Association on Correction
Location
Paterson, NJ | United States
Job description
| Job Title | Reports to: | FLSA Status: | Department: | Level: |
| Housing Advocate | Program Supervisor | Non- Exempt | PCDSVC | Program Support III |
| If interested please submit your application to: |
| Denise Jennings, HR Director Email: [email protected] |
JOB SUMMARY
Passaic County Domestic and Sexual Violence Center (PCDSVC) is seeking a housing
Advocate who will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing for
residents in our Transitional Housing and Shelter Programs. The Housing Advocate works with adults and families who are victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Housing Advocate role is to expedite and streamline the search for affordable housing including but not limited to locating appropriate and affordable units for rent including but not limited to contacting landlords and housing authorities to identify available units in the community and expedite and streamline the search for affordable housing. Clients include adults coping with the trauma and the aftermath of long-term abuse where housing is a vital component of crisis intervention. Knowledge of homelessness correlated with domestic violence is essential.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:
- Work closely with Case Manager/Advocates to determine appropriate services for clients at the time of intake; identify personal and economic barriers to be addressed during scheduled bi-monthly meetings with residents; and assure that the resident’s needs are being met to overcome barriers as they move into permanent housing.
- Develop and maintain relationships with prospective landlords, brokers, managers and housing authorities to advocate for families who need permanent housing. Maintain knowledge related to housing policies, regulations, and tenants’ rights. Identify available and affordable units for rental.
- Prepare lists of affordable housing and track openings in subsidized housing for clients. Identify apartments in safe and well-kept buildings with working equipment and appliances.
- Educate clients and landlords about program services and tenant rights. Advocate to waive application and credit check fees and to lower rent prices.
- Keep abreast of funding available to assist clients with rent and security deposits.
- Provide life skill training to ensure clients are prepared before moving into permanent housing.
- Advocate for and support clients, accompanying them to apartment viewings and lease signings.
- Provide technical assistance, information and referral, advocacy and resource development for clients and related service providers.
- Network with other housing service providers to ensure that the housing needs of homeless are adequately addressed.
- Participate in organizations and coalitions, which help promote greater resources for clients.
- Collaborate with program leadership, to contribute to program planning, policy, systems, implementation, and evaluation for the emergency transitional housing program.
- Ensure the completion of client-related paperwork, progress notes, and statistical reports in accordance with company procedures.
- Completes other duties as needed and/or requested by supervisor to align with mission and vision of the organization.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in social services (or related field) or minimum three years of experience working in advocacy services, case management, or similar work in a direct service setting.
- Experience working with special populations including homeless adults, families, who are victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
- Experience in housing development or housing tenancy is preferred.
- Dedication to empowerment of survivors and their dependents, as well as a commitment to and understanding of anti-oppression, social justice work and gender equity.
- Capacity to work effectively with others of diverse backgrounds, including age, language, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, mental/physical abilities, and socioeconomic status.
- Strong assessment and counseling skills, with a focus on trauma-informed service provision.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Highly preferred: Bilingual/bicultural; familiarity with community resources; crisis intervention experience.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS :
* Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a currently registered vehicle.
* Must complete NJ 40-hour State Mandated Domestic Violence Training and/ or 40 hour CSVA training.
* Must successfully pass criminal and driver background checks conducted by the agency and funder.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some evening and overnight availability may be necessary.
The New Jersey Association on Correction is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, lawful political affiliation or group membership, physical handicap, age, marital status, sexual orientation, prior involvement in the criminal justice system, off the job lawful activities or physical appearance.
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