Job Title: Housing Advocate
Supervisor: Housing Advocacy Program Director
Hours: 35 hours per week
Hourly Rate: $28.12
FLSA: Non-Exempt Status: Full time, Union
Location: Somerville, MA
Overview
The Community Action Agency of Somerville, known as CAAS, is changing lives for our community members who are furthest from opportunity. For over 40 years, we have been helping local families and individuals achieve financial security while working to eliminate the root causes of economic injustice. Our vision for Somerville is for a city where no one lives in poverty, where we support each other through strong community structures, and where the the opportunity to thrive is a lived experience for every resident. We are proud to be a source of stability and support for our community. Our website: https://www.caasomerville.org/
TO APPLY:
The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with the ideal candidate beginning as soon as possible. For best consideration, please submit a cover letter (required) and resume to HR at [email protected]
Position Summary
The Community Action Agency of Somerville is recruiting for a full-time Housing Advocate to work as part of the Housing Advocacy Program. CAAS' Housing Advocacy Program (HAP) provides a wide range of services to low-income individuals at risk of homelessness, including preventing evictions through advocacy with landlords and in district court and maximizing income by improving access to public benefits.
The position of Housing Advocate will be charged with working with Somerville residents at risk of displacement by providing legal support and determining eligibility then processing rental assistance applications to prevent eviction. With the support of Cambridge & Somerville Legal Services, Housing Advocates ensure that tenants are made aware of their rights when facing an eviction. Other responsibilities of the Housing Advocate include assisting those facing housing insecurity to apply for affordable housing and engage clients in housing search when awarded a Section 8 voucher.
GENERAL DUTIES:
● Conduct client intake upon assignment of case.
● Maintain a caseload of an average of 30-35 clients.
● Assist clients in identifying and pursuing housing options such as public housing and other subsidized options. The Housing Advocate will ensure the client properly completes the applications and confirms receipt of the application.
● Advocate for priority status (homeless, disability, DV) for subsidized housing.
● Explore options for housing other than subsidized housing within the private market with the assistance of start-up costs
● Support clients in representing themselves and communicating with landlords, property managers, etc.
● Support clients during the eviction process by ensuring they understand their rights and provide assistance during the Answer & Discovery process as well as advocate on behalf of the client during the trial process.
● Determine eligibility for rental assistance and assist with completing the application which includes collecting documentation from both the client and the landlord/property manager and confirm payment received by the landlord
● Present challenging cases to legal services and/or the team for additional support
● Attend weekly supervision with legal services for ongoing legal advocacy training as well as weekly supervision with the Director of HAP and weekly team meetings.
● Ensure accurate date reporting in CAAS database, CAP60 as well as maintain the client file per standards
● Maximize financial and supportive resources, and help clients address other barriers to stable housing such as referrals to job search programs or assistance with applying for SNAP
● Work collaboratively with other community providers in the best interest of the client
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
● Must be able to create a client-focused relationship with clients
● Knowledge of systematic barriers facing clients served by CAAS, particularly housing instability/homelessness
● Comfortable addressing large and small groups, as necessary
● Strong verbal and written communication skills
● Ability to work among a diverse team, giving and receiving feedback from peers
● Experience doing Housing Search and Stabilization a plus; working in direct services and crisis intervention required; familiarity with a wide array of supports and opportunities available to low income families, and familiarity with trauma-based approaches preferred
● Ability to communicate in a second language highly preferred and priority given to applicants who speak Spanish
● Acceptable CORI required
LOCATION AND TRAVEL:
The program follows a hybrid work schedule requiring staff to work from the CAAS administrative office in Union Square, Somerville, with the option to work remotely from home.Monday through Thursday are mandatory in-office workdays, while remote work is permitted on Fridays. Following 90 days of employment, the schedule may be adjusted at the discretion of the Program Director and based on program needs. The position also requires the ability to travel to in-person local meetings and events throughout the metropolitan area. Street parking is available through a City of Somerville business parking permit provided and paid for by CAAS.
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
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. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
COMPENSATION:
CAAS offers competitive compensation for this position plus an attractive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, retirement, professional development and other benefits, and a collaborative, committed team of colleagues.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be discriminated against by this program, including in employment, because of race, religion, sex, national origin, immigration status, cultural heritage, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.
Pay: $28.12 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Somerville, MA 02143
