Housing Advocate - Daytime Drop In Center

Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity•Saint Albans City, VT

1d•$27 - $29•Hybrid

About The Position

CVOEO is seeking a Housing Advocate at our Samaritan House Shelter who will provide client-centered, trauma-informed support for emergency housing clients and others experiencing homelessness with the ultimate goal of empowering the client to access safe, sustainable housing. Housing Advocates work with clients to secure housing and access essential benefits, and refer people to medical, mental health and substance use disorder services. Housing Advocates work with an array of community partners to help clients access options for housing and social services. Addressing barriers to housing and working with partner agencies to address those barriers is a crucial aspect of this role. Housing Advocates work in partnership with clients to promote a sense of community and continue to work with clients as needed once they’re successfully housed. This position includes overseeing our daytime drop-in center, open to all address basic needs. A flexible schedule based on business needs and some local travel are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in the field of social or human services or a combination of education and experience from which comparable skills and knowledge are acquired.
A commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and access to reliable transportation.
Willingness and ability to travel within the CVOEO service area.
Ability to uphold safety standards.

Nice To Haves

In-depth knowledge of the causes and effects of homelessness, affordable housing, poverty, economic justice and multiple oppressions affecting economically vulnerable groups.
Direct experience in advocacy and service provision to individuals affected by housing and economic insecurities.

Responsibilities

Provide client-centered, trauma-informed support for emergency housing clients and others experiencing homelessness.
Empower clients to access safe, sustainable housing.
Work with clients to secure housing and access essential benefits.
Refer clients to medical, mental health, and substance use disorder services.
Collaborate with community partners to help clients access housing and social services options.
Address barriers to housing and work with partner agencies to resolve them.
Promote a sense of community with clients.
Continue to work with clients as needed once they are successfully housed.
Oversee the daytime drop-in center, open to all to address basic needs.