Service Advocate – PATH Program Focus Area

JOIN OUR TEAM AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!“Action Inc. Is dedicated to developing pathways out of poverty through innovative, community-based, collaborative approaches.”Position Description: We are currently seeking an experienced professional to fill the position of Service Advocate. Through a respectful, constructive and energetic style guided by the objectives of the organization, the Service Advocate plays an integral role in the delivery of Community Action programs. The Service Advocate works with homeless and other adults and families in crisis to support stabilization of housing and level of functioning. The position conducts street outreach to support engagement of homeless population in services and works with participants to link them with services that support housing stabilization. The position works with the homeless population including those with serious mental health and substance use diagnoses. The position is part of a team of Service Advocates who work within the framework of the Continuum of Care Coalition and the local coordinated entry system. The Service Advocate provides guidance to clients to help establish short and long-term goals, navigate the service delivery system and find and maintain safe, affordable housing in the community. The position monitors participant progress and maintains current case notes and files.Duties and Responsibilities: The Service Advocate is responsible for helping clients achieve their highest individual level of self-sufficiency by ensuring completion of assessments and plans, housing navigation, monitoring progress and helping to coordinate tenancy support services in the community. The incumbent will be part of team who implements a coordinated entry process for the homeless and provide clients assistance in securing permanent housing and mainstream assistance including SNAP, Social Security and Vocational Rehabilitation. The Service Advocate will also be responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date progress notes, along with entering data into required database systems.Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in human service field and at least two years of case management or related experience with disabled or otherwise disadvantaged populations. Candidates without a degree but appropriate work experience may be considered. Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis. The incumbent should have extensive knowledge and understanding of the barriers faced by homeless people including those with serious mental illness and substance use disorder, and the ability to communicate effectively about sensitive personal issues. The Service Advocate must have knowledge of evidence-based approaches in the field of case management, including trauma-informed care, SOAR, Housing First, and housing stabilization and must possess the ability to write clear and accurate case notes. In addition, the successful candidate will have knowledge of community programs and services, and the associated referral processes. Must be bondable and insurable. Must possess a valid Driver’s License.Action Inc. offers a competitive benefit package, which in addition to compensation, includes: paid vacation, sick and personal leave; paid holidays; medical, vision, dental, life insurance and retirement benefits through the Montana Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). This position will be open until filledAction Inc. is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Jamie Paul at 406-533-6858 or jpaul@action-inc.org