Family Advocate (Self Sufficiency Case Manager)

  • Full-time

Company Description

Starting Salary: $56,000 to $60,000/year, depending on experience.

It is a terrific time to work for Aurora Housing Authority!  We are looking for positive, dedicated employees who are committed to our mission and to making life better for our residents.  Our core values are 

  • Respect others
  • Act with integrity at all times
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times
  • Communicate clearly

The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of Aurora (AHA) is to develop and promote quality housing while supporting and encouraging economic opportunities leading to self-sufficiency and independence. AHA accomplishes this mission by providing affordable or subsidized housing at 10 different properties, administering approximately 1200 vouchers (HCV, FUP and VASH) and offering 2 homeless programs with case management.    

Why work for AHA?

  • Outstanding benefits including medical, dental, vision, and generous paid time-off policy
  • We value diversity
  • Employee Wellness program
  • Incentives for volunteerism  in the community
  • Continuing education and training
  • Employee appreciation activities
  • Ability to make a difference in the lives of people

AHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Job Description

The Family Advocate will provide case management for homeless and lower income families who are struggling to become housing stable and financially independent.  This position helps families identify strengths and set goals, identify and overcome barriers to achieving their goals, and identify and utilize community resources that best support the family with the achievement of their goals.

  1. Work collaboratively with community partners in identifying families who qualify for AHA housing programs and assist these participants in completing intake or eligibility paperwork and participating in orientations.  
  2. Assist participants with navigating the housing search process, including identifying rental units, assisting with rental applications and supporting families through the lease up process. 

  3. Conduct initial interviews with participant families to identify their goals, barriers to achieving these goals, personal resources and connection to community resources. 

  4. Work collaboratively with participants to identify long-term goals and develop short-term action steps to reach these goals. These goals will be focused toward increasing housing stability and may include education, employment, job training and addressing needs such as transportation, healthcare and childcare. 

  5. Meet regularly with participants in their own homes according to their longevity and stability. Meetings will include career planning, problem-solving, crisis intervention, etc. All meetings have the goal of empowering participants to remain housing stable and move toward self-sufficiency. Address and support participants in addressing barriers that impact their housing stability.  

  6. Provide referral information for participants and assist participants in accessing community resources. 

  7. Assist participants in applying for and receiving appropriate mainstream benefits (TANF, SNAP, social security, SSI, etc.).  

  8. Advocate for participants with service providers (governmental and nonprofit) when needed and appropriate. 

  9. Conduct regular assessments to identify progress toward the goals specified in the contract and utilize methodologies such as Motivational Interviewing to help participants move towards change. 

  10. Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings led by the Manager of Homeless and Housing Stability Services or the Director of Family Services. 

  11. Attend and participate in all required AHA meeting and partner and community meetings. 

  12. Interface effectively and professionally with other agency departments and community colleagues to assure a successful living experience for all concerned. 

  13. Maintain appropriate paperwork and documentation for client files, billing and tracking systems. 

  14. Follow all rules and regulations from funding sources.

  15. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MSW required.   

Preferred experience working with homeless families in a self-sufficiency program or permanent supportive housing program 

Preferred Experience working with diverse client populations including families with involvement in Child Welfare and families with children who have complex medical needs 

Knowledge and experience working with clients who have experienced trauma, intersectional social challenges, and have been impacted by systemic disparities 

Preferred skills include de-escalation, trauma informed, motivational interviewing, flexibility, and problem solving.  

Experience working with county, human, or social service systems. 

Bilingual (Spanish-English) strongly preferred. 

Excellent organizational, time management, communication and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution required. 

Cooperate well with other team members, AHA staff who interface with the self-sufficiency program and partner agency personnel. 

Up to 12 months of on-the-job training to perform the job effectively.

Additional Information

Conditions of employment:

Valid Colorado Driver License and Insurance