Job Opportunities

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Housing Advocate (full time)

Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support (ACCESS) is seeking a full-time direct service Housing Advocate. This position provides trauma informed services to clients residing in our shelter locations or seeking housing assistance throughout our service area.  This position requires an individual who can navigate conflict mediation in a polite and unintimidating manner, as well as the ability to steer conversations toward productive outcomes. 

Job Responsibilities

The Housing Advocate is a full-time salaried position.  Responsibility of this position includes providing direct service and advocacy to the clients experiencing homelessness or on the verge of becoming homeless.  The Housing Advocate will establish relationships with appropriate community individuals and organizations to identify and address unmet needs in human services, mental health, housing, and financial arenas.  This position participates in an on-call response system for victims/survivors during day, evening and weekends. This position participates in crisis-line coverage during any/all hours. The Housing Advocate, who is based primarily in Story County and reports to the Housing Team Lead, is responsible for the following:

Client-Centered Advocacy

• Advocate for domestic violence, sexual assault and violent crime clients residing in shelter.                     
• Assess client needs and work with clients on goals and objectives.
• Administer intake and departure forms with shelter clients.
• Schedule and conduct individual counseling sessions.
• Answer and respond to the shelter crisis line.
• Provide on-site intervention services for victims of sexual and domestic violence.
• Provide educational programming to shelter clients aimed at enhancing skills and understanding.
• Share shelter on-call duties with staff.

Program, Administrative, & Educational Responsibilities

• Maintain a professional and positive attitude in all interactions while representing ACCESS.
• Share administrative and office support duties with other shelter program staff members, including data entry.
• Seek, collect, maintain, and update donations made to the shelter, ensuring adequate personal products/clothing for clients.
• Ensure adequate food and supplies for daily operation of shelter.
• Assist with building maintenance.
• Assist with shelter licensure, contract and inspection obligations.
• Monitor shelter rooms as clients move in and out for damage and cleanliness.
• Maintain open ongoing communication with staff and volunteers regarding the needs of the shelter program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Expectations of Continued Learning

• Achieve Certified Victim Advocate status within 1 year of start date.
• Attend relevant conferences.
• Remain current on housing research, funding expectations, and resources available to clients.  
• Remain informed on legislative issues. Keep current on changes in the Iowa Code. 
• Gather statistics as needed for grant proposals.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to navigate evolving social climates while providing client centered care.  They will be committed to completing tasks in a fast-paced environment and able to support diverse clientele while maintaining an understanding of available resources.  ACCESS staff are empathetic, inclusive and non-judgmental.  Service provision should focus on the self-determination and empowerment of the survivor.  This position provides an opportunity to engage with community members, victim service agencies, coalitions, as well as state and local systems.

Due to the on call duties of this position, candidates must live within an hour of Ames once hired. As part of the hiring process we complete a background check. Not all results are disqualifying and we encourage candidates to discuss potential findings with hiring personnel.

Upon hire, all staff must successfully complete the 32-hour ACCESS victim advocacy training and continued training as needed/requested to maintain ICADV requirements and to meet the requirements of Chapter 915.20 of the Iowa Code. 

Preferred qualifications include:

Knowledge of the dynamics of abuse and the impact abuse has on housing stability, as well as prior experience in a housing environment. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Please send a resume and cover letter detailing how you would be an ideal candidate for the position to Cassandra Kramer, Housing Program Supervisor, at cassandra@assaultcarecenter.org.  

VOLUNTEER/ Internship Opportunities

ACCESS is always accepting new volunteers and intern to fill a variety of roles. Please read more about Volunteering or contact Lynn at volunteer@assaultcarecenter.org to learn about available opportunities.

What is ACCESS?

ACCESS, the Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support, is a non-profit, multi-service crime victim service agency providing crisis intervention, advocacy and community outreach in the Boone, Greene, Story, Marshall and Tama County area. Read more about ACCESS on our About Us page.