Sr. Advocate - Housing Intensive Case Management

Job Summary:

Independently provides comprehensive case management services and service coordination to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability according to OCO Universal Service Delivery methods in diverse locations including OCO offices other agency offices program sites public places and the homes of consumers. This role is a leads the program in assessing client needs developing individualized service plans and coordinating resources to support clients in achieving stable housing and self-sufficiency. Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program policies and procedures.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform ongoing intensive case management services including crisis intervention supportive counselling providing information and referral connection and linkage to other community service providers and follow-up services.
• Acts as a liaison between tenants and landlord neighbors or service providers when a communication barrier is present. Provides advocacy with landlords local DSS medical providers and criminal & civil justice personnel.
• Provides or supports participants in arranging transportation as needed. Accompanies and provides advocacy at appointments and meetings.
• Completes accurate documentation and timely paperwork including but not limited to maintaining participant files required assessments case notes and Rehabilitation Housing Action Plans.
• Conducts strength-based assessments to gauge needs personal strengths and goals. Assists in developing SMART support plans. Monitors outcomes and updates support plans accordingly. Periodically reassesses needs.
• Assists participants and completes required documentation required to secure financial assistance proper clothing and ensuring adequate food supply.
• Assists with education and direction to prevent future evictions or homeless situations.
• Provides up to 3 months of Bridge Support at discharge including monitoring referral linkages and ongoing participation in support and treatment services as relevant recognizing barriers or needs and providing specialized referrals and linkages to outside programs and community resources
• Performs other related program duties and special projects as required
• Adheres to all applicable local state federal and agency regulations policies and procedures.
• Attends training staff meetings conferences and seminars as assigned.
• Assures the provision of continuous comprehensive non-judgmental consumer centered services that are strength based develop assets and mobile throughout Oswego County.
• Communicates pertinent information to co-workers supervisors and community partners as instructed.
• Completes all documentation as required including electronic records; documents for billable services as required.
• Acts in a Leadership role represents the agency to community partners and oversees program specific functions as assigned.
• Adheres to local state federal and agency regulations policies and procedures.
• Attends training staff meetings conferences and seminars as assigned.
• Responsible for prompt and accurate data collection and input into agency database CAPTAIN
• Assumes other program-related tasks as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledgeable in tenants rights and fair housing practices.
• Must demonstrate excellent communication interpersonal customer service organizational time management ability to work independently and verbal and written skills.
• Must be able to relate to special populations and individuals/families with multiple life difficulties warmly non-judgmentally and be a good role model to clients.
• Must demonstrate an ability to problem solve de-escalate and provide crisis support.
• Provide culturally competent and trauma-informed services
• Must demonstrate knowledge of community services and resources location purpose and how to access refer and link clients with services.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of community resources including housing programs and availability
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of participants and the program.
• Must establish/maintain/exhibit professionalism with participants employees and service providers.
• Must be creative in program planning demonstrate resourcefulness initiative and objectivity.
• Must have computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to navigate the internet.
• Must have acceptable physical and mental health to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position:
• Must possess a valid NYS Drivers License with a good driving record within Agency policy and have access to a reliable properly insured vehicle for travel and transport of clients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors Degree and
• One to three years of related experience working with special populations in a human services or housing program field or
• Any acceptable combination of education experience and training.

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Oswego County Opportunities equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to racecreedcolor religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran statusmarital statussexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.