Housing Advocate

DAP was created in 1976 as part of a movement to provide safety, advocacy and supportive services to victims of domestic abuse not otherwise available within Delaware County. Today, we remain the only provider of services exclusive to victims of domestic violence in Delaware County. Empowering victims of abuse and domestic violence prevention are at the core of our mission.

Purpose:
The Housing Advocate supports the mission of DAP by providing advocacy, counseling, information, referrals, Coordinated Entry Assessments, and other related services to victims of domestic violence residing in the organization’s Safe House. Additionally, the advocate will also complete coordinated entry assessments for DAP clients. The Housing Advocate position is a full-time, 40 hours/week, position. Nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure adequate 24-hour coverage of the Safe House may be required, if included in normal work schedule.

Essential Duties:

- Provides emotional support to Safe House residents via active listening
- Responds to calls on DAP’s 24/7 hotline; providing crisis intervention, supportive listening, referrals and other support
- Screens callers for shelter admittance
- Provides and arranges for shelter for eligible persons
- Orients residents to the Safe House, acquainting them with the physical space and guidelines for communal living
- Supports residents in implementation of individual safety and goal plans
- Supports Assistant Manager in providing individual advocacy, supportive services, counseling, crisis support, case management, and other services as needed
- Provides information and referrals for residents and their children
- Complies with guidelines related to government food supplies, gift cards, in-kind donations, and other resources
- Assists in the care and maintenance of the Safe House (this includes cleaning, tidying, organizing donations, room preparation, and maintaining clutter-free environment)
- Performs data entry, and accurately inputs statistical information in ETO
- Works cooperatively with other Safe House staff to support positive communal living environment
- Understand and comply with all regulations relating to DAP, Coordinated Entry, Relocation Assistance, and other overseeing entities including but not limited to the PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) in order to implement programs effectively and by the standards with which DAP must adhere.
- Provide coordinated entry assessments to all participants within Delaware County experiencing a housing crisis due to domestic violence.
- Conduct pre-screen assessments and standardized assessment tool (VI-SPDAT) with individuals fleeing domestic violence.
- Works cooperatively with other DAP staff to ensure holistic response and service delivery to residents
- Provides clear responses and necessary documentation to requests for information for grant proposals, grant reports, or other organizational needs
- Participates in organizational staff meetings
- Completes and submits time sheets on time
- Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Competencies:

- Possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening
- Supports effective resolution of complex or sensitive disagreements or conflicts
- Possesses ability to build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect
- Possesses ability to work well independently, setting high standards of performance for self and assuming responsibility and accountability for successful completion of assignments or tasks
- Possesses ability to work well with others and uphold a psychologically safe environment
- Maintains confidentiality and earn respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions
- Already has or is willing to gain knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence, understanding of the social service system, and experience in crisis intervention in a residential setting preferred

Work Environment:

- Work is primarily performed in secured residential Safe House with communal areas as well as an office setting
- Requires the ability to monitor and observe the activities of residents (adult and child) within the Safe House
- Will have regular exposure to cleaning products, chemicals, and solvents
- Will routinely need to move or transport supplies or other equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, potentially while ascending or descending stairs
- Must provide own transportation

Other Requirements:

- Successful completion of required organizational training
- Satisfactory Criminal Background Check and other organizationally required clearance

Current work schedule:
Mon: 4pm-8pm

Tues: 8am-4pm

Weds:4pm-8pm

Thurs: off

Fri: off

Sat: 8am-8pm

Sun: 8am-8pm

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

**Benefits**:

- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid ti