Housing Advocate (Hybrid)

Company: Catholic Charities of the Archidiocese of Washingt
Location: Silver Spring
Posted on: November 24, 2022

Job Description:

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, your knowledge and service in areas such as immigrants and refugees, mental health, social work, employment, and adult education, legal and financial services, health care, food assistance, shelter and housing, developmental disabilities and prison outreach can make a profound difference in the lives of many. Through more than 50 programs across the district and five surrounding counties, Catholic Charities is opening doors to help and hope. At CCADW, we continue to build an inclusive culture that celebrates a diverse workforce. We offer so much more than just a job. We offer careers. We take pride in our "promote from within" culture. We offer professional development, a comprehensive benefits package, a hybrid work model with both remote and in-office work, and a passion for building and motivating world-class, high-performing teams. Explore your career opportunity with Catholic Charities. Join us in Inspiring Hope and Building Futures.



Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington values the safety of our employees, our clients, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs. If you are invited to join our team, you must submit proof that you are up to date with your COVID vaccinations, including the booster dose or you must request an exemption from your representative. New employees must either provide proof of vaccination or be granted a medical or religious exemption before working with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.



JOB SUMMARY: The RRH Housing Advocate connects individuals and families experiencing homelessness with supportive services and short-term rental subsidies in partnership with Montgomery County Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEPH). Housing Advocates aid referred clients through the housing search, application, and lease-up process. Provides short-term supportive case management services to ensure clients remain stably housed while the program provides subsidy support. Housing Advocates work primarily in the community, in clients' homes, and in collaboration with other community providers to help clients access resources, remain stably housed, promote greater self-sufficiency, and increase life skills. Case management frequency and intensity are determined by an ongoing needs assessment, observed necessity, and request of the client within the program length of stay.



ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:



* Assists referred clients with the identification, application, and leasing of permanent housing options provided through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Housing Location Program within 30 days of referral.

* Documents all client interactions and services in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

* Establishes and maintains positive working rapport with client landlords, housing providers and other case management teams to support clients in ongoing and continued stability in their identified housing unit.

* Makes appropriate referrals for substance abuse, mental health, legal, medical, dental, educational, recreational, vocational, employment, and other housing needs.

* Regularly assesses client's acuity, financial stability, and general progress.

* Supports clients in developing a working financial plan that promotes increased budgeting skills, maintenance of housing, timely rental payments and improved credit.



EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:



* Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field required.

* For social work degrees, social work licensure in the appropriate jurisdiction is required.

* For professional counseling degrees, professional counseling licensure in the appropriate jurisdiction is required.

* Two years' experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly with clients who have a persistent and severe mental illness, substance abuse disorder, or other health condition, a history of homelessness, and/or are domestic violence survivors.

* In some cases, minimum years of experience can be substituted with additional related certifications or education.



SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:



* Must possess a valid local, driver's license and the ability to maintain a good, clean driving record.

Keywords: Catholic Charities of the Archidiocese of Washingt, Silver Spring , Housing Advocate (Hybrid), Other , Silver Spring, Maryland