Housing Advocate

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: Housing Advocate
Schedule: Monday - Friday
Location: Toledo, WA
Classification: Full-Time, Nonexempt
Opening Date: January 20, 2023
Salary Range: $24.89-$32.36per hour DOE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled, first review February 3, 2023

Position Summary:
Mentors and assists Cowlitz Tribal Members with access to meaningful housing solutions by addressing tribal members’ barriers; ensures compliance with CITH and HUD policies and procedures. Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and Housing department.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Advises, advocates and consults on clients’ needs and issues.
• Locates existing resources available to clients in their community.
• Identifies housing-related barriers and works to assist clients with overcoming them.
• Provides crisis intervention and advocacy services utilizing trauma-informed, client-centered practices.
• Meets with clients in their homes, remotely or in the community.
• Assists clients in completing housing and other benefit applications online.
• Assists victims in identifying and obtaining community resources for basic needs.
• Provides ongoing advocacy, goal-setting assistance, and safety planning.
• Advocates for clients to landlords or property managers as needed.
• Completes accurate data collection on client services and assists in reporting to grantors.
• Attends and participates at partner meetings and community engagement events.
• Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers of the operations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and presents a positive, professional demeanor and image.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of CITH and HUD policies, procedures, and programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health disorders and effective intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of customer service practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of records management.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to tribal customs and beliefs.
• Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database and financial software programs.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to use good judgment, analyze, and solve problems.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, requirements, ordinances, and legislation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree in Social Work or related field.
• Two years’ working in the field of social services or housing.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to use hands, wrists, and fingers associated with computer equipment. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time. Normal visual acuity and ability to talk and hear is required by this job.

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in a typical interior office setting. Exposure to dirt, dust, allergens, and potentially dangerous situations may occur. Noise level is usually minimal to moderate. Evening and weekend work may be required.