Scattered Site Housing Advocate

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work closely with survivors, housing partners, and community stakeholders to maintain the Bridges and Crossings Programs and its participants.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of survivors’ housing needs, considering safety, accessibility, and individual preferences, while maintaining the placement of survivors in safe and stable housing units, advocating for their housing rights and preferences.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of survivor housing needs, assistance provided, and progress towards housing goals.
• Provide ongoing case management and support to survivors in the program, assisting them in accessing essential services such as medical care, legal aid, and counseling.
• Advocate for survivors' housing rights and needs, both within the organization and in interactions with external stakeholders by assisting with applications, paperwork, and communication with landlords or property managers.
• Collaborate with local shelters, housing agencies, landlords, and property managers to maintain safe and sustainable housing options for survivors.
• Cultivate relationships with employment and education programs to help survivors access job opportunities and educational resources, contributing to their long-term housing stability.
• Stay informed about available housing resources, subsidy programs, and community-based initiatives to maximize housing options for survivors.
• Collect and analyze data on program outcomes, survivor progress, and housing stability while maintaining our client database and various tracking systems.
• Ensure that the program adheres to the principles of trauma-informed care and survivor-centered practices.
• Other duties as assigned by the Housing Operations Manager.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability

Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills. Ability to articulate ideas, plans of advocacy and outreach efforts, and resource options clearly and persuasively. Proficiency in additional languages is extremely desirable in this position.

Reasoning Ability

Strong reasoning ability, such as communication, adaptability, time management, and attention to detail enables the Bridges and Crossings Program Advocate to approach advocacy efforts with a logical and creative mindset, resulting in effective engagement with the survivors resulting in overall performance in their role.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel and should be proficient at communication via email.

Education/Experience

A college degree is not required, however an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field is highly valued. An advanced degree is a plus, however commitment to continuous professional development and ongoing learning are essential.

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities

• Empathy, compassion, and the ability to provide supportive services while maintaining professional boundaries due to the sensitive nature of our work
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, able to plan tasks meticulously, manage time effectively, and accurately maintain systems.
• Proven experience in community outreach, social services, or a similar role, preferably in the field of human trafficking or related social justice issues
• Knowledge of sex trafficking issues, victim identification, and trauma-informed care principles
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to work with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills
• Familiarity with local community resources, social service agencies, and support networks
• Respect for confidentiality and adherence to ethical guidelines in working with potential victims and survivors of sex trafficking
• Experience in housing advocacy, program coordination, and case management, preferably within the context of anti-trafficking efforts.
• Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, and housing policy frameworks, especially as applied in the Ramsey County CoC and/or SMAC model.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices, survivor-centered approaches, and cultural sensitivity.
• Commitment to ethical practices, confidentiality, and respect for survivors' autonomy
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Ramsey County and the Twin Cities metro area as required by the position.
• Reliable access to a personal vehicle and current automobile insurance for work-related travel.

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.

The role of the Scattered Site Housing Advocate involves both physical and intellectual responsibilities, such as spending a significant amount of time working at a desk or in meetings with survivors, which can require extended periods of sitting, screen time, and time in meetings therefore necessitating prolonged face-to-face interaction with others. The Bridges and Crossings Advocate should also be capable of traveling between our primary offices, encampments, outreach events, and other out-of-office locations.