Job Opening: Anti-Poverty Family Advocate

Job Description

Job Title:                                Anti Poverty Family Advocate

Department:                           Social Services

Reports to:                             Lead Social Services Specialist

Hours:                                     Full time, Non-Exempt, generally 8-5 M-F.

Compensation:                       $13.24/hour ($27,548/year). Medical, dental, short and long term disability and AD & D insurance provided. Holidays and paid leave provided.

Location:                                Gresham, OR

SUMMARY

Provide telephone and in person screening with homeless and low income families and individuals who are seeking assistance. Explain agency and community services and eligibility guidelines. Administer short and long term rent assistance and perform initial intakes for emergency shelter and longer term housing programs.  Strong partnership with high poverty SUN schools with significant prioritization given to families with children in these schools. Many applicants face multiple challenging issues that may create barriers to housing and self-sufficiency. The office environment is extremely busy and there are many more people seeking services than resources available.

CRITICAL PERFORMANCE FACTORS:

1.      Conduct an in-depth assessment with applicants for service including but not limited to: demographics, income verification, housing status and short term needs and goals.

2.      Administer monthly rent assistance lotteries. Track spending using Excel and maintain regular communication with HAP rent assistance program manager.

3.      Assist each household receiving rent assistance to develop and track implementation of a goal plan that systematically addresses the actions needed to achieve self-sufficiency including but not limited to development of personal and work skills, employment, increased income, housing, transportation and child care. (Overall goals of program are income self sufficiency, housing stability and academic success of children.)

4.      Perform at least monthly home or office visits with families receiving long term rent assistance.

5.      Provide back up to the front desk receptionist as needed for lunch breaks and other periods of absence.

6.      Refer households to other services provided by Human Solutions as appropriate, including but not limited to anti-poverty educational groups and domestic violence and employment support services.

7.      Maintain accurate, complete, up-to-date documentation of service activities using Human Solutions procedures, forms and data reporting systems. Submit paperwork in a timely manner.

8.      Compile monthly information and referral and short term intervention statistics.

9.      Maintain current case notes and goal plan for each household and make regular entries regarding the status of their situation and their activities to achieve goals.

10.  Conduct telephone or written follow ups with each family in accordance with requirements of funding sources.

11.  Participate in bi-monthly department staff meetings and monthly all staff trainings.

12.  Participate in community meetings as appropriate, including but not limited to information and referral and interagency housing.

13.  Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and abilities required.

Knowledge of:

·        Social and economic issues creating poverty, working successfully with practices and techniques related to people with low income to achieve greater self- sufficiency. 

·        Community resources and agencies providing social services needed by the homeless population.

Ability to:

·        Apply required knowledge and identify, in partnership with clients, their needs and effective solutions

·        Plan and coordinate delivery of services

·        Empower and support homeless and low income persons in life choices and change.

·        Work cooperatively with all volunteers and staff.

·        Develop and maintain productive working relationships within Human Solutions, with public and private agencies, the general public and clients.

·        Be culturally sensitive to diverse client populations.

·        Prepare and maintain clear, accurate, complete and timely records and reports.

·        Maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries with all households served.

·        Understand and follow complex written and oral instructions, rules and procedures; to work independently and to be a vital and contributing part of a team.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

·        At least six (6) months experience providing social services.

·        Experience with crisis intervention, community networking and resource development.

·        Spanish or Russian fluency preferred but not required.

·        General computer and word processing skills and willingness to advance computer skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

TO APPLY

 Please send resume with cover letter and contact information for three professional references to: Patricia McLean, Human Solutions, 12350 SE Powell Blvd., Portland OR 97236 or via email (preferred method) to [email protected] . Letters of reference are not necessary, simply the names and contact information of people who can provide a professional reference. Open until filled.