Residential Advocate

URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND • Portland, OR

3d • $29 - $34

About The Position

The Residential Advocate has responsibility to identify and build rapport with individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and need emergency shelter and to gain access to permanent supportive or long-term housing. This position provides the provision of housing-related community health services to homeless households or those at risk of homelessness assisted through our motel shelter and Transitional Housing Program (TH). Residential Advocate will provide individualized support to the transitional housing team by supporting residents to develop a plan and assess their support and set achievable long and short-term goals, with an emphasis on healing from trauma, and long-term health promotion.

Requirements

• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the Urban League and the dynamics of social change.
• Knowledge of community resources (both public and private) and awareness of housing issues in the Portland metro region
• Demonstrated computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites with an emphasis on Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook programs, required.
• Skills in motivational interviewing, assertive engagement, needs assessment, and coordination of services for unmet needs both by phone and in-person.
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; good time-management, problem prevention, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and support the goals and mission of the Urban League of Portland
• Good written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and over the phone.
• Ability to listen and develop rapport and relate well with community members.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to work varied days and hours including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the phone and/or use computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and support the goals and mission of the Urban League of Portland
• Minimum 1 (one) years’ experience in social services and knowledge or awareness of low-income or homeless people and the issues facing them.
• Experience with crisis intervention and customer service.
• Minimum of 1 (one) year of experience in shelter or residential programs or social services, working with and relating to African Americans
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and own mode of transportation at the time of hire and throughout the course of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using HMIS (service point), SharePoint and Apricot- preferred.
• Strong administrative skills and familiarity with databases preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interact with guests, staff, and volunteers in a strength-based, trauma informed manner at all times
• Provide basic intake and orientation to all new guests daily, including but not limited to reviewing Participant Agreements and Guidelines, drug and alcohol policies and emergency procedures.
• Provide ongoing services to all guests as detailed on their individualized service plans.
• Distribute food, blankets, bedding and other needed items in a fair and equitable manner to guests.
• Attend biweekly transitional housing team huddle and strategize best ways to serve clients.
• Attend weekly one-on-one supervision with supervisor.
• Process resident/client intakes and discharges with completion of associated forms
• Maintain resident/client files with file audit compliance requirements and enter data into HMIS
• Provide supportive services in a culturally responsive, non-judgmental manner.
• Use creativity and resourcefulness to ensure participants are aware of all community resources available for them and advocate with other service providers for the needs of our participants.
• Support transitional housing team to help match individuals into permanent supportive housing, community-based, subsidized, treatment focused, shared or other types housing.
• Advocate for community members with prospective landlords, working closely with Urban League Housing Specialists and community partners to ensure that those who do obtain housing are able to retain it in the long term.
• Promote culturally responsive mediation between community members and the social service system, the police bureau, mental health and substance use treatment programs, and other service providers.
• Provide holistic culturally appropriate and accessible health education and information and responsive crisis intervention for community members.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, coordinated access meetings, training workshops and community meetings as assigned and related to outreach.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employee- paid health, vision, and dental insurance for the employee at 100% plus 100% coverage for families with HMO plans. PPO plans start at $29.89 per individual plan.
• 21 days of PTO in your first year
• 12 paid holidays
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Life Insurance
• The ability to plan and volunteer in engaging community events.
• The ability to serve your community through a culturally specific lens.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees