Catholic Charities is currently accepting applications for a full-time Housing and Economic Advocate for its Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault program located in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Primary responsibilities include assisting domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in locating and obtaining, transitional and permanent housing in a nine county service area in southwest Iowa. This position will assess each family’s strengths and barriers to housing and together identify options that best meets their needs. The Housing and Economic Advocate will also maintain relationships with housing authorities and landlords to ensure survivors can exit homelessness quickly and maintain housing. Responsibilities also include providing education about domestic violence and sexual assault.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist survivors in Pottawattamie, Harrison, Mills, Fremont, Shelby, Audubon, Cass, Montgomery and Page counties in finding and maintaining housing.
• Provide case management for survivors including assessment, goal planning, and regular contacts to assist them in attaining their goals.
• Provide intervention planning including: collaborating with the survivor to determine their strengths, family involvement needed, safety concerns, short and long term strategies to achieve housing objectives.
• Connect survivors to mainstream resources (i.e., FIP,TANF, SSI/D and others).
• Provide advocacy/assistance to help survivors remain safely in their own home including: rental assistance, legal advocacy, court orders (restraining, no contact etc.), medical care/behavioral health, life skills, employment, transportation, and emergency assistance.
• Build relationships with landlords and other housing providers to help survivors secure and maintain housing including: maintaining a housing directory which should include documentation of all contacts with housing providers.
• Maintain regular contact with area housing programs to have updated information on available housing resources.
• Educate clients about tenant responsibilities and rights, financial management, and affordable housing opportunities. Including presenting All State Financial Education curriculum and Rent Wise curriculum in group and individual settings
• Work with survivors to help mediate landlord-tenant issues.
• Manage multiple sources of funds to assist clients and maintain accurate records of expenditures.
• Maintain working knowledge of the State of Iowa statues and codes including services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and the landlord/tenant code.
• Follow up with survivors for up to six months via letter, telephone calls or face to face to ensure safe and successful integration into housing
• Participate in continued training as required and other related duties as assigned.
• Document services provided as required.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or related field and one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Computer Skills

Demonstrates proficient computer skills and familiarity of Microsoft Office software applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. May also require the ability to use Access, and desktop publishing software as required. Ability to learn and effectively use various data collection and database management systems to record data as required. Demonstrates familiarity and proficiency with Internet tools and techniques for searching, extracting, and processing information.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations to be obtained after employment

IowaCASA Certified Sexual Abuse Counselor

Blood Born Pathogen training (annually)

CPR certification (annually)

First Aid certification (every three years)

Mandatory Child Abuse and Dependent Adult training (every 5 years)

Other Qualifications

Ability to successfully pass a child abuse registry check and criminal background check, and requires completion of the Protecting God’s Children VIRTUS training session. The successful candidate must exhibit a belief in non-violence and a willingness to advocate on behalf of clients and their children who are affected by sexual assault. Travel is required on a regular basis and access to reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance is essential. Position requires some evening and weekend hours.