Stabilization Advocate

Rosie's Place Inc•Boston, MA

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Stabilization Advocate will provide supportive services and assistance to guests who face housing challenges that may lead to an eviction. These guests often have chronic mental illnesses, physical disabilities, or limited English Proficiency. The Advocate is expected to work onsite at Rosie’s Place during their work week and engage regularly with staff, guests, and volunteers. While this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, flexibility with days on-site is required to fulfill work obligations and to take part in organization meetings, trainings and events. We continue to adapt to safety protocols related to COVID-19 as we understand them, and all employees must follow our safety protocols. Among these protocols, we require all employees to be up to date with their COVID vaccinations. Requests for medical or religious exemptions from the COVID vaccination are considered.

Requirements

Bilingual strongly preferred in Spanish.
Minimum of two years of experience in case management or advocacy.
Ability to lift at least 20- 30 pounds.
Must have a vehicle, valid Massachusetts Driver’s License, and a safe driving record.
Ability to work within a diverse community.
Understanding of and commitment to addressing issues affecting low-income guests.
Experience and knowledge of mental health, domestic violence, and the ability to work in intense emotionally charged situations.
Ability to maintain a calm demeanor when working with guests with problems indicative of untreated emotional/physical health needs and active substance use/abuse/dependency.
Strong knowledge of community resources within Boston.
Proven ability to work independently, creatively, flexibly and prioritize within a high demand environment.
Strong communication, listening, and organizational skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong written/verbal communication and great math skills.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual strongly preferred in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Meet and maintain a caseload of guests in their home by providing services and accompanying them to court, medical, and housing appointments.
Negotiate and mediate with landlords, management companies, housing authorities, and lawyers on behalf of guest.
Assist guests with tenant/lease disputes, back rent and utility arrearage, rental calculations, yearly housing and government assistance recertifications, report family/income changes or other issue.
Take on the initiative to lead a meeting when the guest cannot.
Access needs of services such as resources and referrals, transportation, food pantries, DTA and other governmental offices, and community resources.
Also, information and referrals provided on-site, by both Rosie’s Place programs and other allied partners.
Support guests by engaging in a variety of ways to cultivate relationships and build trust.
Maintain an up-to-date community resources as well as current regulations and requirements for obtaining public benefits, housing, and other services.
Must have the ability and the experience working with guests who have a history of substance abuse and domestic violence.
Maintain detailed and accurate guest records on file or electronic database.
Ensure confidentiality when handling all aspects of guests’ information.
Participate in weekly supervision, monthly program and staff meetings.
Report directly to the Program Manager and perform any additional duties as assigned by the manager.
Perform all work in accordance with the philosophy and practices of Rosie’s Place.