Rapid Re-Housing Support Advocate

YWCA West Center Michigan
Grand Rapids, MI

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Job Details

Full-time
$20 - $25 an hour
14 days ago

Qualifications

Driver's License

Full Job Description

TITLE: Rapid Re-Housing Support Advocate
STATUS: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Project HEAL
SALARY GRADE: 4

POSITION SUMMARY
The Housing Support Advocate – Rapid Rehousing provides trauma-informed advocacy, housing navigation, and case management services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking participating in Project HEAL's Rapid Rehousing Program. The Advocate supports survivors in securing and maintaining safe, stable housing while promoting self-sufficiency, economic empowerment, and long-term housing stability.

Working from a survivor-centered and strengths-based approach, the Housing Support Advocate assists participants in overcoming barriers to housing, accessing community resources, developing individualized service plans, and achieving personal goals. This position works closely with landlords, housing providers, community agencies, and internal program staff to ensure compliance with HUD and funding requirements while promoting positive outcomes for survivors and their families.

The Housing Support Advocate is committed to advancing the mission of YWCA West Central Michigan: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Survivor Advocacy and Case Management
- Conduct comprehensive intake, assessment, eligibility determination, and enrollment processes for housing program participants.
- Develop individualized service plans in partnership with participants that identify strengths, goals, housing needs, and barriers to self-sufficiency.
- Provide ongoing trauma-informed advocacy, case management, and supportive services to assist participants in achieving housing stability and personal goals.
- Maintain regular contact with participants through office visits, home visits, community meetings, and virtual communication.
- Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support as needed.
- Empower participants to make informed decisions regarding housing, employment, education, financial stability, and community resources.
- Assist participants in developing life skills, budgeting strategies, and long-term housing plans.
Housing Navigation and Stabilization
- Assist participants in locating and securing safe, affordable housing.
- Facilitate applications for housing resources, including MSHDA programs, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Permanent Supportive Housing, and other community housing opportunities.
- Conduct housing inspections and habitability reviews in accordance with HUD and program requirements.
- Evaluate housing units for rent reasonableness and program eligibility.+
- Build and maintain positive relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers.
- Mediate landlord-tenant concerns and advocate for participants to promote successful tenancy.
- Monitor housing placements and provide support to prevent housing instability and homelessness.
Program Compliance and Documentation
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records in compliance with HUD, funding source, agency, and confidentiality requirements.
- Complete required case notes, assessments, service plans, progress reports, and program documentation within established timelines.
- Track participant outcomes and program performance measures.
- Assist with preparation of reports, audits, monitoring activities, and data collection requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and agency regulations governing housing and victim service programs.
Community Collaboration and Outreach
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, including housing providers, law enforcement agencies, courts, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and human service organizations.
- Coordinate referrals and access to supportive services including employment assistance, workforce development, education, childcare, healthcare, transportation, and financial empowerment resources.
- Represent Project HEAL and YWCA West Central Michigan at community meetings, coalitions, and partner events as assigned.
- Promote awareness of housing and supportive services available to survivors.
Transportation and Participant Support
Provide transportation for participants when necessary and appropriate to support housing stability, safety, and access to services.
Assist with the delivery of food, household goods, and essential resources to participants as needed.
Maintain compliance with agency vehicle and transportation policies.

Team Participation
Participate in supervision, staff meetings, case consultations, trainings, and agency events.Support a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
Maintain professional knowledge through ongoing training and development.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience providing advocacy, case management, housing services, shelter services, or related social service support.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of trauma-informed care, survivor-centered advocacy, and domestic violence dynamics.
Understanding of housing resources, homelessness prevention programs, and housing navigation practices.
Ability to effectively manage crisis situations while maintaining professionalism and sound judgment.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, landlords, community partners, and colleagues.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, racial, socioeconomic, and lived-experience backgrounds.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and database management systems.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Bilingual Spanish-speaking candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Licenses and Requirements
Ability to be approved as a qualified driver under agency insurance requirements.
Reliable transportation available for business-related travel with reimbursement in accordance with agency policy.
Successful completion of required background screenings.

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