JOB TITLE: Economic & Housing Advocate
HOURS: Full-Time
CATEGORY: Professional Staff; Exempt
RESPONSIBLE TO: Economic Advocacy Director
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Provide case management, crisis intervention, advocacy, and empowerment counseling to WRC Safe Housing Program participants, including emergency safe housing, TH and RRH; advocate for program participants within the housing and welfare systems, economic and career focused institutions and other related areas. Assist program participants in navigating systems, and conduct advocacy with various systems to ensure response to the needs of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and/or trafficking. Assist the Economic Advocacy Director in advancing the WRC’s response to the economic and housing needs of survivors.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. * Assess referrals to the TH program and schedule and conduct initial interviews to determine eligibility as defined by WRC program guidelines and contractors.
2. * Complete a History of Abuse with each TH resident; assesses safety risks for the TH resident, her children, WRC advocates and others; develop a safety plan for delivery of services in accordance with WRC policies and procedures.
3. * Coordinate initial inspection and lease signing with the landlord and TH resident.
4. * Respond to issues, needs, and concerns of the landlord or TH resident as related to the rental property.
5. * Develop and monitor individual goal plans; provide case management, advocacy and accompaniment in cooperation with the TH resident.
6. * Facilitate economic stability by providing referral, advocacy and accompaniment to organizations and institutions that address budget and credit counseling, career and educational development, housing needs, and other related economic needs.
7. * Coordinate, schedule and facilitate group meetings with TH residents and their children.
8. * Maintain client case records. Communicate essential information in appropriate logs in accordance with policy and procedure.
9. * Oversee furniture purchase, storage and distribution for the TH program. Respond to donation calls and maintain related records.
10. * Assist in the development, writing and updating of the Transitional Housing Program Manual as assigned.
11. * Assist with data collection and funding reports as assigned.
12. * Attend staff meetings, participate in in-service training and attend related professional activities as assigned.
13. *Provide On Call Service.
14. * Uphold the mission of WRC and abide by WRC policies and procedures outlined in WRC General Operating Manual.
15. Assist the Economic Advocacy Director in advancing the WRC’s response to the economic and housing needs of survivors
16. Other duties as assigned.
Economic & Housing Advocate:
• Bachelor degree in social work or related human services field, or a combination of three (3) years experience and skill in working with victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
• Demonstrate knowledge of domestic violence and /or sexual assault and a strong commitment to ending violence against women.
• Demonstrate commitment to feminist philosophy and the ability to use the empowerment counseling model.
• Demonstrate ability to apply WRC mission in daily practice.
• Demonstrate effective crisis intervention, case management and counseling skills and the ability to facilitate groups.
• Must be able to work independently and manage multiple priorities and respond to program participants in a professional and reassuring manner.
• Demonstrate ability to act as an advocate on behalf of clients with a working knowledge of systems related to economic justice work including housing, welfare and social service systems.
• Demonstrate ability to develop professional, caring relationships with program participants and function as part of a team with coworkers.
• Demonstrate ability to work well with people of various ethnic, racial and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must complete the training program of the Women’s Resource Center.
• Requires willingness to work and travel alone.
• Requires willingness to respond to crisis calls after hours, weekends and holidays related to the Transitional Housing program.
• Travel is required and access to reliable transportation is essential.
• Must pass Act 33, Act 34, and FBI background clearances
.
*Indicates essential job functions as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Submit letter of application and resume to:
Economic Advocacy Director
Women’s Resource Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 975
Scranton, Pa 18510
Or e-mail to: Carols@wrcnepa.org
Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2020