Child & Youth/Housing Advocate

Community Referral Agency, Inc.; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Referral Agency, Inc. seeks a dual-role advocate to support children and youth affected by domestic and sexual violence, and to assist individuals and families with housing needs.

The role involves comprehensive advocacy across legal, social, medical, and education systems, with a focus on trauma-informed, client-centered support. The Housing Advocate duties include case management, building relationships with housing programs and landlords, and timely documentation for funders,

Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent plus 2 years post-secondary education in a human service-related field; training or experience with children and in sexual/domestic abuse preferred.
• Familiar with trauma-informed, client-centered, strength-based advocacy; training provided and ongoing training expected.
• A team player committed to CRA's mission and guiding principles.
• Able to work with diverse populations and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent listening and verbal/written communication and problem-solving skills.
• Basic computer skills; familiarity with MS Office and database entry.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy within legal/judicial, social service, medical, school, mental health, and other systems as needed.
• Define options and work toward positive development for children and youth.
• Provide housing advocacy including case management, relationships with housing programs and landlords, and documentation for funders.

Skills

Trauma-informed advocacy

Team player

Diversity friendly

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Basic computer skills

Education

HS diploma + 2 years in human services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database entry

Job description

This is a dual position, and so you will hold two titles: Child and Youth Advocate and Housing Advocate.

Job Summary

As the Child and Youth Advocate, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive services for children and youth impacted by domestic and sexual violence. These responsibilities may include providing advocacy within the legal/judicial, social service, medical, school, mental health, and other systems as necessary. You will be responsible in defining options and working toward positive development of children and youth.

As a Housing Advocate, you will responsible for providing sensitive, supportive assistance to individuals and families regarding housing needs. You will be providing general case management, establishing relationships with local housing programs and private landlords, and providing timely and accurate documentation to grand funders. A detail-oriented person would be best suited for this position.

Qualifications

• H.S. diploma or equivalent plus 2 years post-secondary education in a human service-related field required. Training or experience working with children plus training or experience in the areas of sexual and domestic abuse preferred.
• Familiar with trauma-informed, client-centered, strength-based advocacy. Will train in these fields and ongoing training is expected.
• A team player committed to advancing vision, mission, values, and CRA's guiding principles.
• Able to work with diverse populations.
• Organized and works well under pressure and able to manage multiple projects.
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Position requires excellent listening skills and verbal/written communication skills/program solving skills.
• Basic computer skills necessary; familiar with Microsoft Office Products and database entry preferred.
• Must occasionally life and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally required to climb and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must possess valid driver's license, good driving record, and pass a drug/background check.
• Ability to exercise diplomacy and maintain professional conduct in all situations.
• Ability to maintain flexibility within the workweek as priorities may be subject to change.

CRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (EOAAE). All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply including minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities and individuals identifying as LGBTQAI2S+.

“Our mission is to eliminate domestic and sexual violence and its negative effects in our community by providing shelter and services that promote peace, justice and safety.”