Casa Project Advocate Job Description

ABOUT THE MASSACHUSETTS COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS:

The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (MCH) is a private non-profit agency dedicated to protecting and securing rights and opportunities for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. MCH’s mission is to improve the quality of life for those living in poverty by engaging in systemic change, providing direct services, and distributing basic goods that meet emergency needs.

Established in 1981, MCH works to support its mission on three levels – systemic change fueled by public policy, direct services through homelessness prevention programs, and the distribution of material needs such as clothing, furniture, and beds for children.

MCH is a statewide organization working to end and prevent homelessness. Our goals are to provide independent housing choices, strengthen families and communities, and elevate public policy. MCH works to achieve this mission by addressing systemic factors that keep people in poverty and homelessness.

 

ABOUT THE CASA PROJECT:

MCH’s Casa Project transforms the lives of families by providing housing-focused case management. The MCH Casa Project works with community health centers and non-profits to assist their full patient population with housing stability case management services. 

The Casa Project Housing Coordinator is responsible for developing the connection between the Casa Project, its participants, and its case managers.

Housing Coordinators receive extensive training in housing stabilization, housing search, benefits, and long-term housing stabilization planning. The goal of the Casa Project is to work with households to retain or obtain housing.

 

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Understands how to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal and negotiating skills
  • Demonstrates strong analytical skills, strong verbal, and writing skills
  • Manages time effectively, handles multiple assignments simultaneously, and prioritizes projects
  • Demonstrates professionalism in appearance and actions
  • Has a valid Massachusetts driver’s license
  • Good computer and communication skills required
 

CASE MANAGEMENT DUTIES:

  • Directly maintain a caseload of active clients
  • Participate as part of a team and regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary/multiagency staff to monitor clients’ progress
  • Establish an individualized plan or strategy to promote identified goals
  • Provide advocacy for individual clients around entitlements and services with appropriate follow-up on all referrals
  • Identify and address procedural or programmatic problems that create barriers for households at-risk of or experiencing homelessness who are attempting to access services and resources
  • Keep abreast of trends and changes in policy in specific areas of expertise
  • Maintain required documentation in written form and computer database and update clients’ records according to agency policy
  • Participate in case conferences with both internal departments and external providers
  • Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, case conferences, and staff trainings
  • Maintain a comprehensive database on participants that access the Casa Project and the services provided, which is then used to analyze public policy and for grant reporting
  • Meet weekly to review cases and determine the best course of action to assist the client
 
 

BENEFITS PACKAGE:

Medical

  • MCH pays 75% of health insurance premiums
 

Vacation and Sick Time Benefits

  • 2 weeks of vacation first year, 4 weeks thereafter
  • 10 sick days
  • 10 hours of flex time
  • 3 personal days
  • Parental leave benefits
  • 13 annual paid holidays

Pay Range – $50,000 – $60,000

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES:

Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to Robyn Frost, Executive Director: robyn@mahomeless.org. The Coalition is an equal opportunity employer.