Position Summary

The Housing Advocate is the primary liaison for the Rental Subsidy Program, providing trauma-informed community based domestic violence counseling, crisis intervention, case management and advocacy with a special focus on housing issues. This position conducts intake and assessment services and follow-ups as specified in the individual client service plan, and as needed by funder’s requirements. The Housing Advocate links the LDVP program with Congreso’s Housing & Financial Stability Division, external housing entities (i.e. Emergency Beds Program), and emergency assistance funds. Additionally, the Housing Advocate supports DV workforce services to empower survivors to achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency. This position works with internal and external stakeholders, clients, the community and community resources, and is expected to maintain sensitive information with integrity and professionalism.  

This position reports to the Adult Counseling and Housing Coordinator. This is a HYBRID position with onsite work conducted at Congreso’s main office, in the community, emergency shelters, client’s home, and on the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline.

The Housing Advocate applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that everyone brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role.

Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision.  We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ , and women to apply.  Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions listed below.

• Provides counseling, case management, referral linkage, advocacy, and educational services at Congreso’s main office, in the community, within emergency shelters, within client’s home, and on the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline.  

• Provides resource information to clients, other Congreso staff and social services agencies.
• Provides on-going crisis intervention, advocacy, case management and resources to a specific number of clients as determined by the agency and funding source. 
• Conducts initial client intake, which includes: an agreement to services, a needs assessment, and the mutual development of a goal/service plan.
• Conducts client follow-up as needed by client and as specified in the individual client service plan, and by program service requirements.
• Works closely with internal Divisions and programs to create a pathway for clients to achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency.
• Maintains contact with landlords and realty agencies, assists clients with identifying safe housing, conduct home inspections with clients, and negotiates lease agreements with landlords. 
• Complies with all client confidentiality regulations as specified by agency, funding source, local, state and federal regulations.
• Maintains accurate and up to date client files and documentation, as well as landlord and other entity payment data.
• Submits monthly and quarterly programmatic narrative and statistical reports to supervisor.
• Participates in coverage of the Philadelphia Domestic Violence hotline as scheduled by supervisor.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

All Staff Competencies

• Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
• Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
• Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
• Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
• Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
• Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Minimum Experience, Education, and Qualifications

Minimum Education: 

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work or related field, required. A suitable combination of education and direct counseling experience in a related field may be considered in lieu of the Bachelor’s degree requirement.

Minimum Experience: 

2-3 years’ work experience in domestic violence counseling and advocacy, required.

Certification/License:

40-hour Domestic Violence training certificate from an approved PCADV training program required and may be completed post-hire.

Mandated Reporter and Supporting Children and Families with Disabilities training certificates required and may be completed post hire.