Benefits Advocate and Project Specialist
5Cities Homeless Coalition
Summary

About 5Cities Homeless Coalition
5Cities Homeless Coalition strengthens the southern San Luis Obispo County, California, community by mobilizing resources, fostering hope, and advocating for the homeless and those facing homelessness. Through collaboration and leadership, we are building an engaged community that fully understands the complexities of homelessness and actively shares the responsibility of creating and implementing solutions to reduce it

Benefit Advocate Specialist Position Summary
Reporting to the Program Manager, the Benefits and Project Specialist supports the 5CHC Team in meeting the needs of homeless South County residents by serving several functions. The Specialist provides support for concerns regarding the receipt of public benefits and access to health care by directly advocating for homeless persons in appropriate situations, offering guidance and assistance to team members with their case management and development of community resources, and mentoring homeless advocates serving the South County. The Specialist accomplishes special projects tasks as assigned.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist homeless persons in accessing and maintaining eligibility for public benefits and health care by advocating on their behalf with appropriate agencies.

2. Establishing collaborative working relationships with community resources, as well as attending and participating in appropriate community resource meetings.

3. Track pertinent data and prepare reports as required by supervisor and according to funding source guidelines.

4. Maintain accurate documentation in case files.

5. Communicate timely with persons being assisted and the 5CHC Team.

6. Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

▪ Possess a minimum of a B.A. Degree in communication, social services, or related field.

▪ Work history in advocacy, communications, outreach, or human services.

▪ Prefer previous experience with social services and/or homeless programs.

▪ Ability to use computers and proficiency in Microsoft Office software.

▪ A highly motivated self-starter, with proven ability to develop creative solutions.

▪ Project a professional demeanor and possess excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work both individually and as part of a team.

▪ Able to multi-task and remain calm in demanding and unpredictable situations.

▪ Ability to meet face-to-face with homeless individuals of diverse backgrounds and disabilities, including physical, mental, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, etc.; able to develop rapport, provide information, and refer with sensitivity to cultural issues.

▪ Possess excellent time management skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision.

▪ Bilingual Spanish a plus.

Other Requirements – May be met at time of hiring with 5CHC.

▪ Employment Eligibility Verification.

▪ Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, clean driving record and auto insurance.

▪ Current tuberculosis test.

▪ Successful completion of background screening.

▪ CPR/First Aid Certification.

Essential Functions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. In the course of performing the job, this position typically spends time sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking, driving, carrying (20 lbs), lifting (20lbs), operating a computer keyboard, firm/strong grasping, and repetitive hand control. Makes and receives telephone calls. Subject to outside environmental conditions.

Compensation
This position is full time. Salary is commensurate with experience and salary history. Currently the Coalition does not provide a health benefit package.

How to apply
To apply, please send resume with cover letter directly to janna.nichols@5chc.org. This position is open until filled.

Contact Information