ORGANIZATION PROFILE

Founded in the late 1980s, Solid Ground is an award-winning nonprofit whose proven, holistic approach helps families build the strong foundations they need to emerge from homelessness into a brighter future.

Committed to the 'Housing First' philosophy, Solid Ground moves people out of homelessness and into housing first, then provides person-centered, holistic support and services essential for long-term stability. We currently operate eight supportive housing programs throughout Ramsey and Washington Counties housing over 500 women, men and children annually.

Our mission is to prevent and end homelessness for families with children in the communities we serve through housing, resources, and opportunity.

Our vision is that every family has a safe and affordable home, where parents and children thrive in school, at work and in their community and can achieve their goals and dreams.

Our core values include: Person-Centered, Equity & Inclusion, Integrity, Community

POSITION OVERVIEW

The EMP Family Advocate conducts in-depth Family Assessments for families entering the East Metro Place and works with the parents to develop individualized goal plans. The plans involve two key goal areas: housing and economic stability. Plans may also include goals that address education/job training; improved health and living skills (parenting, budgeting, etc.); and community connections.

Family Advocates aid participants in accessing the appropriate community resources to assist them in attaining both economic goals and housing stability. Family Advocates meet regularly with families to monitor progress, address barriers that arise and help make necessary adjustments to the goal plan to ensure the participant's success.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Provide supportive services and community referrals to give families necessary resources and skills to achieve self-reliance. Understanding and commitment to Housing first is essential to this position.
Meet with participants weekly (including in-home visits when applicable) to assist them in developing and achieving goals in the areas of budgeting/finances; education; employment; physical, mental and chemical health; transportation; housing; parenting and children's goals; and to provide ongoing support through resources and encouragement.
Complete a Family Strengths and Needs Assessment and develop an individualized goal plan for each family within 90 days of participant's entry into program.
Work with the Housing Navigator to develop a Transition Plan to assist participants in securing permanent affordable housing and making a successful departure from the East Metro Place program.
Provide 24 hour on-call service through staff emergency phone (rotates approximately once monthly).
Assist EMP Program Manager with recruiting participants for program and implementing participant workshops (i.e. budgeting, tenant training, DBT groups).
Assist in providing social, recreational and educational activities for participants and their children.
Coordinate and document all work done on behalf of participants to maintain accurate progress and recordkeeping for participants, agency, and funders.
Maintain timely and accurate participant records in Solid Ground's internal Apricot database
Develop clear Goal Plans once every six months with each participant to document participant's outcomes.
Manage time effectively to ensure quality service to participants.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in human services, social work or related field, plus at least one year of experience in a social service advocacy position; or a combination of education and experiencing providing equivalent knowledge.
Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, valid insurance, and satisfactory driving record to transport participants as needed.
LSW, MSW preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Understanding and commitment to 'Housing First' philosophy and Trauma Informed practice are essential to this position.
Knowledge of commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Ability to effectively communicate and work with diverse populations to encourage full participation in Solid Ground.
Knowledge of and ability to use computer and other technical resources to effectively accomplish work.
Knowledge of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, chemical dependency, affordable housing and other issues affecting program participants to ensure that programs and services are designed to meet participants' needs.
Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure work is completed in timely and productive manner.
Ability to work respectfully as a team player.
Skilled in motivational interviewing,
Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in oral and written communication on an interpersonal and group level.
Knowledge of laws governing rental housing and the ability to locate affordable housing for program participants.
Knowledge of community resources or ability to learn area resources.
Skill in crisis intervention and trauma informed care.

Working Conditions

Ability to travel to various locations for day and evening meetings and events.
Ability to work in an environment which requires the use of a computer, telephone, and 10-key; ability to perform repetitive motion of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Ability to climb one flight of stairs.

Solid Ground is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Women, BIPOC and LGBTQI candidates are encouraged to apply.

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