Housing and Economic Counselor/Advocate

Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC) seeks a tenacious Housing and Economic Counselor/Advocate to help survivors of domestic and sexual violence build safety, stability and economic independence.

• Assist survivors in securing affordable and safe housing through the full range of subsidized housing programs through our homelessness response services
• Provide specialized supports and financial advocacy to help survivors achieve income and resource maximization, housing stability, preservation of homes and securing new safe homes, career development, continuing education, etc.
• Connect participants with community resources such as legal aid, RAFT, HomeBASE, LIHEAP, SSI, SSDI, PASS program, TAFDC, SNAP, local funds, etc.; (applicants do not need to already know about these programs, EFC provides extensive training. We are looking for a quick learner passionate about making the system work for the people who need it most)
• Provide transitioning services to survivors relocating from shelter to community homes
• Provide individual and group counseling to support survivor recovery
• Develop expertise and strong networks with anti-poverty and housing coalitions and groups
• Work as part of our housing/advocacy team to provide in-house back-up to other EFC staff to explore strategies to avert crisis for their clients
• Contribute to outreach and collaboration efforts, including: liaising with community partners, disseminating program outreach materials, and tabling at community events
• Attend agency meetings and trainings, maintain professional boundaries with individuals receiving EFC services, maintain excellent records in agency database, and adhere to strict guidelines to ensure client confidentiality
• Complete all other duties to further EFC’s mission and to ensure that survivors are safe and are provided with professional, empathetic, affirming services within the context of the agency’s mission and consistent with grant and legal requirements

40 hours per week. Some evening and weekend work for outreach and advocacy activities.

Elizabeth Freeman Center believes in offering all staff competitive salary and benefits, engaged and dedicated colleagues, training and education in best practices, career development opportunities, openness to innovation, and the opportunity and resources to do meaningful, impactful work. This position begins at $22 per hour ($45,760 annually) plus add-on hourly increments for bilingual skills in frequently used languages, special skills and education, and a year-end bonus depending on funding. EFC pays 85% of health insurance premiums and contributes to an FSA. EFC has generous paid leave as well as other benefits.

• Demonstrated commitment to economic justice for survivors, including combatting economic victim blaming and understanding the ways violence contributes to poverty and homelessness
• Fierce advocacy skills
• Demonstrated commitment to providing survivors of domestic and sexual violence with holistic, accessible, trauma-informed, strength-based victim services and advocacy
• Demonstrated commitment to providing affirming, culturally relevant services to marginalized survivors (including survivors who are limited English proficient, LGBTQ, of color, rural, immigrants, and/or living with disabilities)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
• Ability to work well as part of a team, and to work effectively with community groups
• Effective written and spoken communication, and proficient computer skills
• Must successfully pass Criminal Record Check-CORI, be determined appropriate to work with persons under 18, and have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and reliable transportation

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to jobs@elizabethfreemancenter.org. Deadlines are rolling until position has been filled.