Job Title: Transitional Housing Advocate

Department: Mission Impact

Reports To: Director of Transitional Housing and Program Quality

FLSA Status: Salary/Exempt

Reviewed By: Director of People and Culture

Approved By and Date: 06/2026

WHO WE ARE: We offer compassionate support and safe housing choices for survivors of domestic violence and their children. We specialize in fresh starts, and survivors lead the way in creating their own paths forward.

The Transitional Housing Advocate represents the core values and mission of the organization and is responsible for advocating for survivors of interpersonal abuse by providing mobile, flexible, holistic, and trauma-informed case management, access to flexible funding resources, supportive services, and appropriate community referrals designed to foster overall well-being and housing stability. As a vital part of the Advocacy Team, Advocate works with all team members to ensure a warm environment is maintained, while ensuring resources are provided to all survivors.

REVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Ensures all program services are delivered according to a voluntary service, hope-centered and trauma-informed care model, are in compliance with all funding source guidelines, empower all program participants to achieve goals, and to assist them in improving well-being. All services are to be provided in the spirit of Coburn Place’s guiding mission, vision, and values.
2. Implements wellbeing services by providing advocacy, holistic and trauma-informed case management, crisis intervention, triage resources, safety planning, personal and legal advocacy, and life-skill workshops and resources to any program participant in the transitional housing program.
3. Supports survivors in achieving client-chosen goals regarding immediate and long-term safety, emotional and social well-being, long-term self-sufficiency, and safe and sustainable permanent housing by connecting them to supportive services at Coburn Place and relevant resources within the community.
4. Participates in a rotating on-call schedule to provide crisis intervention support to callers and program participants. During work hours, keeps location finder activated on company provided cell phone for safety purposes.
5. Plan, implement and facilitate Coburn Academy and Coburn Thrives programming, workshops and educational sessions for survivors.
6. Maintains and markets, with teammates, a full menu of relevant and meaningful supportive services available through Coburn Place and within the community to anyone who might desire services.
7. Ensures all required programming data and outcomes, as well as client file documentation (including electronic client database) is completed accurately and in a timely manner according to standards. Works with the team to ensure that all data is collected and tracked appropriately.
8. Ensures all program participants receive a comprehensive orientation to the program in a way that is individualized, hope-centered, survivor-paced, and strength-based while still meeting program and eligibility compliance.
9. Acts as a mandatory reporter and engages with the Department of Child Services in the event of any suspected child abuse or neglect.
10. Identifies opportunities for volunteer and community partnership resources and communicates these prospects to the Development Department. Actively engages program volunteers by providing adequate supervision and job-related training. Maintains knowledge and awareness of volunteer policies and procedures.
11. Promotes an open and supportive flow of communication within the department and with other departments.
12. Works with other direct service staff to ensure that the program is working cohesively to provide seamless and holistic supportive services to families served by Coburn Place.

COMPETENCIES:

• Conflict Mediation: Uses trauma-informed mediation and de-escalation skills to support constructive problem-solving, resolve concerns, and maintain a safe, respectful environment for survivors, staff, and community partners.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains accurate, timely, and complete documentation, data entry, and follow-up to meet program, funding, and compliance requirements.
• Oral and Written Communication: Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally with survivors, teammates, volunteers, funders, and community partners through verbal updates, written documentation, reports, and referrals.
• Housing Navigation and Barrier Resolution: Applies knowledge of residential and low-income housing systems to help survivors identify housing options, address barriers to obtaining and maintaining housing, and connect with appropriate stabilization resources.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing participant needs, program priorities, and crisis situations while maintaining a survivor-centered, flexible, and collaborative approach.

TYPICAL INTERACTIONS:

• 60% with survivor residents
• 25% with other Transitional Housing staff
• 15% with Coburn Place staff (across all departments)

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of Coburn Place. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A. /B.S.) in psychology, social work or other related field; and two plus year’s related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Previous advocacy/case management work in domestic violence intervention, response

and/or prevention in a non-for-profit environment is preferred.

• Previous experience working with individuals experiencing housing instability and knowledge of housing stabilization resources is preferred.
• A valid Indiana driver’s license and a satisfactory MVR are required for this position.
• A clear DCS history, and clear criminal and sex offender background checks are required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate thinks and acts strategically, anticipates and addresses barriers, and considers how actions and decisions impact individuals and the organization. Highly organized and uses transparent tools and systems to monitor performance of complex goals. Must possess a clear driving record. Must clear national, state, and local law enforcement criminal and sexual offender background checks and DCS history background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

ADA DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive list of all functions and duties performed for this position. Factors such as regular attendance on the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function.

Coburn Place Culture of Care:

We are proud to create an environment where everyone feels valued every day. We recognize the importance of fairness and honoring each person’s unique journey and experiences. We meet people where they are, respecting our differences and strengths. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and growth as we work together as one connected team. At Coburn place, we believe that everyone deserves a safe home. We also believe that everyone deserves a supportive and welcoming workplace.