Housing Advocate

The Housing Advocate supports participants throughout their housing journey by providing effective, non-judgmental assistance. This includes helping participants secure safe and suitable housing, conducting inspections, and serving as a liaison between tenants and property managers. Advocates conduct annual re-certifications and assessments, and collect documentation for processes such as rent increases, property management changes, and income changes.
Working individually with each participant, the Advocate develops housing stability plans, connects participants to educational, employment, and supportive resources, and ensures all activities comply with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other funder guidelines, including timely, accurate documentation and adherence to eligibility and reporting requirements.
 

Qualifications

• Have knowledge of a wide range of social service resources.
• Work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, including diverse communities.
• Advocate for clients experiencing housing discrimination and empower them to self-advocate.
• Build relationships with and educate landlords about the populations served, identifying and engaging with those who demonstrate fair housing practices.
• Understand SAVE, Inc.’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program and effectively communicate its benefits to landlords, participants, and community partners.
• Be a self-starter, capable of multitasking and adapting priorities as needed.
• Work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Maintain professional boundaries while treating clients with respect, patience, and compassion.
• Work effectively with individuals who have experienced trauma, homelessness, justice or foster care system involvement, substance use, and/or mental health challenges.
• Understand anti-racist frameworks, intersectionality, systems of oppression, and civil rights.
• Have professional or lived experience with homelessness (preferred).
• Demonstrate strong communication skills (verbal, written, and electronic) with empathy and positivity.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and databases; HMIS experience preferred.
• Hold a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation; be willing to transport participants.
• Pass a criminal background check and discuss any findings in relation to job duties.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy & Participant Support

• Meet weekly, monthly or quarterly with participants to assess needs and use progressive engagement techniques to promote housing stability.
• Conduct housing inspections, annual recertifications, and participant assessments in accordance with HUD and agency standards.
• Collect, prepare, and process required documentation for changes in rent, income, or property management.
• Support participants in setting and achieving goals such as obtaining identification, accessing healthcare, securing food assistance, participating in mental health programs, attending life skills workshops, or preparing for employment.
• Assist participants in obtaining and maintaining public benefits.
• Identify and connect participants to supportive services such as cash aid, food programs, and medical care.
• Provide crisis intervention and engage in conflict resolution when necessary.
• Collaborate with other professionals to address barriers to stable housing and create individualized housing plans.
• Provide ongoing guidance, resource coordination, and referrals to meet participants’ needs.
• Accompany participants to critical appointments when deeper support is required.
• Educate and counsel participants about available housing services and program requirements.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case documentation.
• Facilitate and participate in meetings and hearings related to participants.
• Enter and track data in HMIS to meet agency and funder reporting requirements.