Primary responsibilities

SUMMARY: The Domestic Violence (DV) Housing Advocate (HA) reports to The Asha Project (TAP) Director and the Housing System Analyst (HSA). The DVHA will work closely with the project Case Manager and is responsible for building upon Asha’s existing network of housing-related contacts, including local landlords and other housing providers. The DVHA will serve as an expert on housing dynamics in Milwaukee County. This position will coordinate with Asha Project staff to educate them on housing resources available for clients in the community and work with Asha’s HUD COC-funded housing program participants to access other housing-related benefits and connect them with available housing, when appropriate. The DVHA will be responsible for conducting HUD-required Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspections on all Transitional Housing units on an annual basis and will conduct HQS inspections on units selected by participants in the Rapid-Rehousing component of Asha’s DV Housing First program. THE DVHA will coordinate with representatives from More than a Home, and local landlords to ensure clients’ needs are met and the relationship between these individuals remains strong. First and foremost, the DVHA must ensure that client safety and safety considerations are paramount.

The DVHA is a 50% FTE, exempt position (20 hours per week). The individual in this position must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate the needs of clients, which will include (from time-to-time) some evenings and weekend hours. The DVHA must be able to participate in a developing and rotating on-call schedule. Limited travel to meet with clients or community partnership will be necessary, as needed.

RESPONSIBILITES:

• Build relationships with existing Asha contacts and landlords in the housing ecosystem in Milwaukee County.
• Coordinate with contacts at More than a Home (Transitional Housing component of the program) to maintain a strong partnership.
• Stay up to date on all housing-related benefits and resources in the Milwaukee-area, and provide referrals, when needed.
• Coordinate with other Asha Project staff to ensure clients’ housing needs are met.
• Conduct Housing Quality Standard Inspections annually, and as needed for new units in the Housing Program.

• Attend local and statewide meetings with community partners to develop a strong network of contacts and resources to benefit program participants.
• Conduct intake and assessments to meet Milwaukee COC requirements in a trauma-informed and survivor-centered manner, on an as-needed basis.
• Ensure that crisis-counseling to victims either in person or by phone is carried out in a calm, compassionate, respectful, active-listening, and non-judgmental way.
• Cooperate with Housing Program participants to assist them with navigating the complicated housing system, as needed.
• Assure procedures/policies in place for victims are carried out and ensure compliance with HUD COC grant requirements.

• Ensure and maintain confidentiality of records and client information.
• Enter data on time and as needed in the Osnium database in partnership with the DVHF Case Manager and the Housing System Analyst.
• Other duties as assigned by the Asha Project Director and the Housing System Analyst.

Qualifications

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of experience working with landlords or within the housing system, OR High School Diploma with at least three years of experience.
• Experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, or oppression.
• Experience working in a position that required discretion and/or confidentiality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of the housing landscape in the Milwaukee area

• Must possess a working understanding of DV/SA/HT and an appreciation of Asha’s holistic model of service that is culturally responsive to African American populations.
• Sensitivity and understanding of domestic, sexual, or dating violence issues, knowledge of community resources, comprehension of the criminal justice system, counseling, and communication skills, and ability to advocate for the needs of victims.
• Demonstrate a willingness to conduct oneself with the utmost integrity and professionalism and assume personal responsibility for actions.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office products, and Apple products (such as an IPAD), and database platforms.
• A valid driver’s license and proof of Insurance.

• Given the sensitive nature of this position, criminal and sex offender background checks are required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the various systems that impact victims of DV/SA/HT

• Experience working in victim or crisis-related services.
• Experience with HQS inspections or other types of housing inspections

NOTE: This job description may change at any time depending on new or reduced funding and the needs of the agency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands 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 enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Must be able to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee occasionally performs work-related travel.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the occupation and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Agency responsibilities

It is the responsibility of every End Abuse employee to uphold the mission and vision of this agency. End Abuse works to advance the principle that all people have the right to a life free of oppression and violence. We work to foster change in our economic, social, and political systems and bring leadership expertise and best practices to Wisconsin domestic abuse programs and communities engaged in ending domestic violence.

It is also an expectation that on the individual level all staff members will work to further their personal capacity to foster an environment of cultural inclusivity and sensitivity that is the foundation for all our work.

End Abuse honors the dignity and welfare of its staff and supports a healthy work-life balance.

This position is based in Milwaukee, and the person hired is expected to work out of our ASHA office.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• This is a permanent 50% FTE (20 hours per week), exempt position.
• The starting rate/range for this position is $18.27 to $24.00 an hour commensurate with experience, annually working 20 hours a week or 1040 hours per year, this comes to $19,000.80 up to $24,960.00.
• Prorated benefits include health and dental insurance, vision, a flexible spending account, a dependent care account, a 401K program, and generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Application instructions

If you wish to apply for this position, please submit a complete application package including:

• A current resume.

• A one-page cover letter.

• A one-page, double-spaced essay describing your understanding of domestic violence.

• End Abuse Employment Application (signed).

To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete application package with all items listed above. Send your complete application by email to: apply@endabusewi.org

For full consideration, please apply by 5pm CST March 1, 2023. The posting will remain open, and End Abuse will continue to accept rolling applications until the position is filled.

End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to arrest or conviction, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact HR Manager, Angie Trudell Vasquez at angietv@endabusewi.org or by calling 608-255-0539 x 303.