Employment
If you want to do meaningful work at a great nonprofit, consider coming to work for us. Set your career in a rewarding direction--join HomeStep---and help move homeless individuals and families forward in our community!
HomeStep is an equal opportunity employer and provider of training services and programs.
We are currently recruiting for the position of Single Adult Advocate
Deadline to submit applications for this position is July 30, 2010
HomeStep is a program of The Church Council of Greater Seattle providing 100 transitional housing units in scattered site apartment and houses across King County. Our mission is to provide safe and supportive housing while giving participants the skills and resources they need to become self sufficient and to leave homelessness permanently. Additional information regarding HomeStep can be found at www.home-step.org.
General Description:
The Single Adult Advocate provides coordination of support services for homeless individuals in scattered site transitional housing for up to 24 months and quarterly follow up care for an additional two years. S/ he develops a housing stability plan and initiates the process for locating permanent housing. The housing stability plan specifically addresses multiple issues that may have led to homelessness. These may include domestic violence histories, prior drug and alcohol use, generational poverty, trauma experiences or lack of English speaking ability. S/he supports the individual in achieving self sufficiency through defining achievable goals, encouraging/expecting progress on goals and assistance in accessing all available resources. Progress is measured quarterly utilizing multiple tools. The Advocate works with approximately 20 individuals at a time.
The Advocate reports to the Director of Supportive Services.
This is a 40 hours-per-week exempt position
Specific Responsibilities:
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Utilize motivational interviewing and strengths based techniques to determine goals and objectives to attain successful long term permanent housing and address the factors that led to homelessness.
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Develop an appropriate service plan that includes weekly communication toward achieving goals and accessing all available internal and external resources.
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Assist the individual in negotiating the social services system
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Arrange and facilitate monthly house meetings with residents
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Work with supervisor to devise and implement corrective action plans for residents not meeting goals.
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Provide on going assistance quarterly after the resident graduates from program for up to two years.
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Create and maintain client files for all clients. The files will include up-to-date case notes, stability plans, measurement scales, contracts and all other required forms and paperwork.
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Establish and maintain positive relationships with sponsoring congregations, housing providers, community social service providers and advocacy groups.
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Plan and arrange community building and life-skill building workshops and trainings for residents.
- Perform other duties and required.
Preferred Qualifications:
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BA/BS or Masters in a service related field including psychology, sociology, social work or similar field.
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Two years experience in direct social services preferably in working with homeless individuals.
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Knowledge of local social service system including public and private resources/programs available to aid homeless individuals.
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Experience in group dynamics, facilitation and conflict resolution
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Working knowledge of issues and barriers facing those who are homeless
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Ability to comply with the Code of Conduct for HomeStep
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Excellent communication skills including active listening, motivational interviewing and writing
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Computer competency including operating Microsoft Office software
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Ability to work very independently and as part of a team in a multicultural, ecumenical agency
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Ability to work evenings/weekends as needed
- knowledge about diverse cultures and ablity to provide services sensitive to clients' individual cultural and ethnic difference.
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People of color, and/or bilingual are strongly encouraged to apply.
Remuneration:
Salary: $31,000+, depending on experience. Benefits include 22 vacation days, 12 sick days, medical-dental insurance as provided by the Church Council of Greater Seattle Human Resources Policies.
Employment Process:
Applications for this position will be accepted until July 30, 2010 or until the position is filled.
The Church Council of Greater Seattle’s Employment Application is required to be considered for this job. The application can be printed from the Church Council Website www.thechurchcouncil.org
Additional information regarding HomeStep can be found at www.home-step.org
To apply, email or send a cover letter, the completed Church Council application, your resume, and a list of three references (former or current employers, supervisors or teachers with telephone numbers and addresses) to:
Arika Patneaude, MSW
Director of Supportive Services, HomeStep
8757 15th Avenue NW, Suite 204
Seattle, WA 98117
The Church Council of Greater Seattle and HomeStep are committed to diversity in the workplace and promotes equal employment opportunities for all staff members and applicants. The Church Council and HomeStep does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, national origin or religion. (In some cases religious affiliation may be a bona fide qualification for a position that is not the case for this position)
