TITLE: Residential Advocate
DEPARTMENT:Housing
REPORTS TO: Transitional Housing Program Supervisor
CLASSIFICATION:1.0(FTE) 40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends. This is a field-based position with varying schedules and may require local travel.
SCOPE:The Residential Advocate has responsibility to identify and build rapport with individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and need emergency shelter and to gain access to permanent supportive or long-term housing. This position provides the provision of housing-related community health services to homeless households or those at risk of homelessness assisted through our motel shelter and Transitional Housing Program (TH). Residential Advocate will provide individualized support to the transitional housing team by supporting residents to develop a plan and assess their support and set achievable long and short-term goals, with an emphasis on healing from trauma, and long-term health promotion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION / EXPERIENCE/ LICENSURE

• At least one-year experience in a social services and knowledge or awareness of low-income or homeless people and the issues facing them.
• Experience with crisis intervention and customer service.
• Minimum of one year of experience in shelter or residential programs or social services, working with and relating to African Americans

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the Urban League and the dynamics of social change.
• Knowledge of community resources (both public and private) and awareness of housing issues in the Portland metro region
• Demonstrated computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites with an emphasis on Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook programs, required. Experience using HMIS (service point), SharePoint and Apricot is preferred
• Skill in motivational interviewing, assertive engagement, needs assessment, and coordination of services for unmet needs both by phone and in person
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; good time-management, problem prevention, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and support the goals and mission of the Urban League of Portland
• Good written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and over the phone.
• Ability to listen and develop rapport and relate well with community members
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Ability to work varied days and hours including evenings and weekends as needed
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the phone and/or use computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and support the goals and mission of the Urban League of Portland.

• Interact with guests, staff, and volunteers in a strength-based, trauma informed manner at all times
• Provide basic intake and orientation to all new guests daily, including but not limited to reviewing Participant Agreements and Guidelines, drug and alcohol policies and emergency procedures.
• Provide ongoing services to all guests as detailed on their individualized service plans.
• Distribute food, blankets, bedding and other needed items in a fair and equitable manner to guests.
• Attend biweekly transitional housing team huddle and strategize best ways to serve clients. Attend weekly one-on-one supervision with the supervisor.
• Process resident/client intakes and discharges with completion of associated forms
• Maintain resident/client files with file audit compliance requirements and enter data into HMIS
• Provide supportive services in a culturally responsive, non-judgmental manner.
• Use creativity and resourcefulness to ensure participants are aware of all community resources available for them and advocate with other service providers for the needs of our participants.
• Support transitional housing team to help match individuals into permanent supportive housing, community-based, subsidized, treatment focused, shared or other types housing. Advocate for community members with prospective landlords, working closely with Urban League Housing Specialists and community partners to ensure that those who do obtain housing are able to retain it in the long term.
• Promote culturally responsive mediation between community members and the social service system, the police bureau, mental health and substance use treatment programs, and other service providers. Provide holistic culturally appropriate and accessible health education and information and responsive crisis intervention for community members.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, coordinated access meetings, training workshops and community meetings as assigned and related to outreach.
• Any other duties as assigned.