at Champaign County Regional Planning Commission in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
The Homeless Support Advocate assists households experiencing homelessness by triaging referrals for those at the “front door” of homelessness. This position assists customers to reduce barriers and increase access to existing homeless services such as Centralized Intake priority list. RPC’s Homeless Support Advocate assists households with crisis shelter plans as well as works on individualized goals focused on increasing housing stability. This position will provide initial pre-housing connection assistance, crisis housing counseling, referral connection, life skills development, support, and advocacy needed to maintain housing long term. This position will ensure delivery of assigned program services in accordance with Agency Vision, Mission, and Values and applicable program contracts, manuals, and guidelines.
Requirements- Associate degree in human services or related field; combination of education, training, and experience in the field may be considered. One year of experience in human services and/or bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Ability to pass criminal background check.
- Strong background in customer services and human services with program’s target population.
- Knowledge of and or experience working with mental health and or substance abuse preferred.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
- Knowledge of and or experience in working with medically fragile individuals.
- Knowledge of and or experience with the DCFS system.
- Valid driver’s license, safe and reliable vehicle, and the ability to transport clients and their children and visit their homes throughout service area daily.
- Possess household budgeting skills.
- Knowledge of continuing education options including high school, trade, and college.
- Understands steps to implement to work toward gainful employment for individuals lacking employment history.
- Knowledge of housing continuum from shelter to home ownership in service area.
- Knowledge of public assistance programs, including eligibility and application process.
- Ability to attend community meetings, provide program information at community meetings, and collect and share relevant meeting information with team.
- Knowledge and respect for diverse cultures/lifestyles and problems of poverty in the community.
- Ability to work with clients on an individual basis and in groups.
- Excellent customer service skills with a professional demeanor, networking skills, and the ability to exercise good judgment in complex situations.
- Proficient in English (spelling, punctuation, grammar).
- Ability to attend worksite regularly to perform job duties and responsibilities.
- Ability to use motivational interviewing to assist clients in setting personal goals toward stability.
- Computer skills needed to complete case documentation, data entry and timesheets.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate client scheduling needs including periodic evenings and weekends.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., M-F (Flexibility is necessary to support the goals of the program.)
