Housing Advocate #58474 $22.43+ DOE

Make a difference with VOA Oregon! For over 125 years, Volunteers of America Oregon has been dedicated to serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Through our programs in behavioral health, addiction treatment, reentry services, and support for children and families, we provide life-changing services that promote safety, healing, and empowerment.

Join a mission-driven organization that truly values its employees! This is a full-time position with excellent benefits, including:

Comprehensive health coverage- medical, dental, and vision insurance, with an employee medical premium starting at just $12.50 per paycheck

Financial protection- life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance

Retirement security- 403(b) with an automatic 5.5% employer contribution after 18 months, regardless of employee participation

Work-life balance- a generous paid time off (PTO) plan, starting with accruals that earn 15 days in the first year, 23 days in the second, and 26 days in the third

Upfront sick leave- 80 hours of front-loaded sick time (prorated in the first year), which resets annually on January 1

Paid holidays- 10 paid holidays each year, plus three personal holidays (prorated in the first year) for employees to take time off to celebrate holidays, events, or milestones that matter most to them

Student loan forgiveness- As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, VOA Oregon is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which can help employees reduce or eliminate their federal student loan debt after 10 years of qualifying payments.

Additional perks- flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, and other voluntary benefits and discounts

At VOA Oregon, you'll be part of a compassionate and dedicated team, making a real difference in our community. Apply today!

Position Close Date:11/06/2025

Job Summary

The Housing Advocate provides survivor-centered advocacy and long-term housing support to individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence. This role combines trauma-informed case management, systems navigation, and resource coordination to promote survivor autonomy and well-being. The Housing Advocate also works to expand housing options by building relationships with landlords, property managers, and service providers, and co-facilitates a monthly survivor support group.

Essential Responsibilities

Provide confidential advocacy through crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support.

Conduct comprehensive needs assessments and develop individualized service plans.

Support survivors through legal processes and systems navigation.

Offer long-term support focused on self-sufficiency and empowerment.

Collaborate with community partners to strengthen referral networks and increase access.

Maintain accurate documentation and prepare reports for compliance and evaluation.

Participate in outreach, education, and prevention activities.

Uphold ethical communication, confidentiality, and survivor privilege protections.

Deliver HUD-related housing and supportive services to survivors.

Establish linkages with landlords and housing providers to increase survivor housing options.

Provide culturally responsive services and co-case management across Home Free programs.

Utilize client assistance funds for transportation, debt reduction, and housing support.

Co-facilitate a monthly survivor support group.

Cross-train and support other Home Free programs as needed.

Maintain service records and ensure timely reporting to funders.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field preferred.

Associate degree plus one year of experience, or high school diploma/GED plus two years of experience may substitute.

Experience in advocacy, case management, or crisis response preferred.

Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence dynamics, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices.

Ability to adapt quickly to urgent survivor needs and protection order deadlines.

Skilled in safety planning, crisis intervention, and community collaboration.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and documentation practices.

Certificates & Eligibility

Advocate Privileged State Certification (within first two weeks of hire).

Must pass Oregon Background Check and be eligible to work in the U.S.

Must not be excluded from federal healthcare programs.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Office-based with occasional travel in the Portland Metro area.

Regular computer use, phone communication, and documentation.