Job Title: Transitional Housing Advocate Department: Mission Impact Reports To: Resident Care Coordinator FLSA Status: Salary/Exempt Reviewed By: Human Resources Approved By and Date:8/2025 WHO WE ARE: We offer compassionate support and safe housing choices for survivors of domestic violence and their children. We specialize in fresh starts - letting survivors lead the way in creating their own paths forward. We serve everyone - women and men, transgender and nonbinary - because everyone is welcome, everyone belongs. The Transitional Housing Advocate represents the core values and mission of the organization and is responsible for advocating for survivors of interpersonal abuse by providing mobile, flexible, holistic, and trauma-informed case management, access to flexible funding resources, supportive services, and appropriate community referrals designed to foster overall well-being and housing stability. As a vital part of the Transitional Housing Team, Advocate works with all team members to ensure a warm environment is maintained, while ensuring resources are provided to all survivors. REVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Ensures all program services are delivered according to a voluntary service, trauma-informed care and housing first model, are in compliance with all funding source guidelines, empower all program participants to achieve goals, and to assist them in improving well-being. All services are to be provided in the spirit of Coburn Place's guiding mission, vision, and values. Implements well-being services by providing advocacy, holistic and trauma-informed case management, motivational interviewing, assessments, crisis intervention, triage resources, safety planning, personal and legal advocacy, and life-skill workshops and resources to any program participant in the transitional housing program. Supports survivors in achieving client-chosen goals regarding immediate and long-term safety, emotional and social well-being, long-term self-sufficiency, and safe and sustainable permanent housing by connecting them to supportive services at Coburn Place and relevant resources within the community. Participates in rotating on-call schedule to provide crisis intervention support to callers and program participants. During work hours, keeps location finder activated on company provided cell phone for safety purposes. Plan, implement and facilitate support groups, workshops or educational sessions for survivors. Ensures all required programming data and outcomes, as well as client file documentation (including electronic client database) is completed accurately and in a timely manner according to standards. Ensures all program participants receive proper orientation into the program and an individual plan is developed aimed at assisting each survivor to thrive. Acts as a mandatory reporter and engage with the Department of Child Services in the event of any suspected child abuse or neglect. Promotes an open and supportive flow of communication within Mission Impact and with other departments. Works with other direct service staff to ensure that the program is working cohesively to ensure the provision of seamless and holistic supportive services to families served by Coburn Place. COMPETENCIES:
- Mediation Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Residential/Low-Income Housing (or Overcoming Barriers to Obtaining Residential/Low-Income Housing)
- Adaptability
- Initiative and Decision-Making Skills
- Problem Solving
- Ability to Build Trust and Connection
- Client-centered Engagement Skills
TYPICAL INTERACTIONS:
- 60% with Survivors
- 25% with other Transitional Housing and Mission Impact staff
- 15% with Coburn Place staff (across all departments)
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of Coburn Place. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's Degree (B.A./B.S.) in psychology, social work or other related field; and two plus year's related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- Previous advocacy/case management work in domestic violence intervention, response and/or prevention in a non-for-profit environment is preferred.
- Previous experience working with individuals experiencing housing instability and knowledge of housing stabilization resources is preferred.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish proficiency preferred.
- A valid Indiana driver's license and a satisfactory MVR are required for this position.
- A clear DCS history, and clear criminal and sex offender background checks are required.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate thinks and acts strategically, anticipates and addresses barriers, and considers how actions and decisions impact individuals and the organization. Highly organized and uses transparent tools and systems to monitor performance of complex goals. Must possess a clear driving record. Must clear national, state, and local law enforcement criminal and sexual offender background checks and DCS history background check. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. ADA DISCLAIMER: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive list of all functions and duties performed for this position. Factors such as regular attendance on the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. DEIA STATEMENT: Everyone is welcome, everyone belongs. It's one of our core values. We welcome diversity. We are proud to say inclusion is what we do at Coburn Place every day. We value equity - no matter where you started or how you created your path. And we meet people where they are, respecting our differences. We are committed to infusing diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility into everything we do as we work together as one connected team to serve survivors. At Coburn Place, we believe everyone deserves a safe home. We also believe everyone deserves a safe workplace.
