Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Youth Homelessness Housing Advocate to join our dynamic team. This vital role focuses on empowering young individuals experiencing homelessness by connecting them with stable, affordable housing options and comprehensive support services. As a Youth Housing Advocate, you work collaboratively with participants, landlords, service providers, and community partners to help youth secure and maintain safe, affordable housing while building long-term self-sufficiency. Your energetic approach and commitment to social justice will drive positive change in our community, ensuring no young person faces homelessness alone.
Responsibilities
Youth Housing Navigation & Advocacy
- Conduct comprehensive intake assessments and eligibility determinations in partnership with the Housing Stability Program Manager.
- Meet with young adults experiencing homelessness in person, by telephone, or through virtual platforms.
- Assist participants in identifying barriers to housing and developing individualized housing stability plans with the goal of achieving permanent unsubsidized housing within 24 months of program entry.
- Help youth secure permanent housing through housing search assistance, landlord advocacy, and resource coordination.
- Work closely with landlords to identify available housing opportunities within Fair Market Rent guidelines.
- Coordinate with utility providers and other vendors to establish affordable payment arrangements when necessary.
- Assist participants in obtaining documentation necessary for housing eligibility and program participation.
- Advocate on behalf of participants with landlords, service providers, and community agencies.
- Provide ongoing support to ensure participants can maintain housing and avoid future episodes of homelessness.
Case Management & Supportive Services
- Maintain an active caseload of YHDP participants and provide case management services in accordance with program requirements.
- Develop individualized service plans focused on housing stability, employment, education, income growth, health, and life skills in order to meet outcomes of employment, housing security upon completion.
- Connect participants with community resources, including employment services, education programs, behavioral health services, transportation assistance, and benefits programs.
- Engage participants with the Agency’s Financial Opportunity Center as part of their individualized service plans to work on budgeting, credit score building, debt reduction, savings building and learn skills in becoming a good tenant through participation in the Ready to Rent program.
- Monitor participant progress and adjust service plans as needed.
- Support Housing Stability Program clients when staffing needs and caseload capacity permit.
- Participate in clinical supervision and case consultations when appropriate.
Coordinated Entry & Community Collaboration
- Collaborate with 211 NH and regional access point partners to conduct Coordinated Entry screenings and follow-up assessments when indicated.
- Assist individuals and families seeking housing services through Greater Nashua's Coordinated Entry system.
- Coordinate services with community agencies to ensure participants receive comprehensive support.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with landlords, housing providers, and community service organizations.
- Participate in local and statewide initiatives focused on homelessness prevention and housing solutions.
- Represent Front Door Agency at Continuum of Care (CoC) meetings, Ending Homelessness Committee meetings, and other community forums as assigned.
Program Operations & Housing Support
- Process financial assistance requests accurately and promptly, including rental assistance, security deposits, utility assistance, supportive services and other housing-related expenditures.
- Coordinate with the Program Manager to monitor program expenditures and grant spending.
- Assist in completing apartment inspections using HUD’s INSPIRE standards.
- Purchase, inventory, stage, and set up furnishings and household items for YHDP Transitional Housing units as needed and/or secure volunteers to assist.
- Coordinate unit turnover activities, including communication with cleaning vendors, landlords, maintenance.
- Ensure participants receive housing assistance consistent with program guidelines and funding.
- Coordinating with landlord, FDA maintenance team and possible volunteers to assist with scheduling maintenance items.
Data Management, Reporting & Compliance
- Maintain complete, accurate, and timely participant files.
- Enter and manage participant information in HMIS and EmpowOR systems.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and agency program requirements.
- Assist with preparation of all required reports, including demographic, statistical, and outcome data.
- Provide CEO regular participant progress report narratives to use for Board Education
- Monitor participant outcomes and contribute to performance improvement initiatives.
- Attend all required HMIS, EmpowOR, and grant compliance trainings.
- Assist with maintaining and updating program policies and procedures.
Agency Advocacy & Team Participation
- Support Front Door Agency's housing and anti-poverty advocacy efforts in collaboration with agency leadership.
- Participate in statewide advocacy groups and community coalitions related to housing and homelessness.
- Attend staff meetings, program meetings, supervision sessions, and professional development opportunities.
- Assist with agency-wide initiatives, including seasonal and holiday assistance programs.
- Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.
- Perform other duties as assigned that support agency operations and mission fulfillment.
- Develop individualized service plans focused on housing stability, employment, education, income growth, health, and life skills in order to meet outcomes of employment, housing security upon completion.
- Connect participants with community resources, including employment services, education programs, behavioral health services, transportation assistance, and benefits programs.
- Engage participants with the Agency’s Financial Opportunity Center as part of their individualized service plans to work on budgeting, credit score building, debt reduction, savings building and learn skills in becoming a good tenant through participation in the Ready to Rent program.
- Monitor participant progress and adjust service plans as needed.
- Support Housing Stability Program clients when staffing needs and caseload capacity permit.
- Participate in clinical supervision and case consultations when appropriate.
Your energy and dedication will help transform lives by providing hope, stability, and opportunity for youth facing homelessness. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every young person can thrive through compassionate advocacy and innovative solutions.
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Experience:
- related: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Nashua, NH 03064 (Required)
Work Location: In person
