Bilingual (English/Spanish) Rapid Re-Housing Advocate

HomeStart is hiring a Rapid Rehousing Advocate who will work to assist individuals in Boston experiencing homelessness with a rapid transition from emergency shelter to permanent housing. The Housing Advocate will work to support households with comprehensive housing search, assistance with the lease-up process, and follow up correspondence to ensure housing stability.

Responsibilities:

·        Assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness with all aspects of housing search and placement into permanent housing: work with clients to devise an appropriate housing search strategy; complete housing applications; prepare necessary documentation; negotiate with landlords, housing authorities, and realtors.

·   Coordinate housing search activity with related work of shelter and outreach case managers.

·   Assist clients with the process of accessing rapid re-housing funds to aid with move-in costs.

·   Support clients in maintaining and maximizing income through referrals to employment programs and help clients establish and follow a budget.

·   Provide ongoing case management once household is successfully housed to ensure housing stability.

·   Complete all required computer data-tracking and file documentation on a timely basis.

·   Travel throughout Greater Boston to assist with housing search-related activities, apartment viewings, inspections, and/or home visits.

·   Other activities as assigned by supervisor.

Skills:

·   One to three years housing search or related experience preferred (case management, property management, community organizing/advocacy).

·   Strong advocacy and outreach skills.

·   Strong written and verbal communication skills.

·   Basic math skills required.

·   Dedication to helping people who are homeless move beyond shelter.

·   Knowledge of subsidized and private housing resources and regulations preferred.

·   Experience with homeless adults, recovery population and/or mental health areas preferred.

·   Bilingual skills in English and Spanish required.

·   Computer skills required (MS Windows, Word, internet). Data entry skills preferred.

HomeStart offers: Generous benefits package, a dynamic staff, flexibility, and a supportive work environment. HomeStart is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. Persons of color and formerly homeless persons are encouraged to apply.