Make a Difference and Join Our Team!

We are Hiring a Case Advocate!

To apply, email your resume to Steven@LafayetteFamilyShelter.org.

Position Type: Part-Time, PRN / As Needed
Expected Hours: Average of 10 hours per week
Schedule: Irregular shifts based on program and client needs
Pay: $18.00 - $19.50 per hour
Reports To: Executive Director
Mileage Reimbursement: Reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate for approved client transportation

Position Summary

The Case Advocate supports families experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing crisis response, shelter diversion, intake support, service coordination, and housing-focused advocacy. This position works directly with clients to identify immediate needs, reduce barriers to housing, and connect families with appropriate community-based resources.

The Case Advocate is often one of the first points of contact for families in crisis. The role requires compassion, sound judgment, strong documentation skills, and the ability to respond calmly and practically to urgent situations. The goal is to help families access the least disruptive and most appropriate housing solution possible, including diversion from shelter when safe and appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Crisis Response and Shelter Diversion

  • Respond to families experiencing homelessness or immediate housing instability.

  • Assess whether shelter admission is necessary or whether the family can be safely diverted to another housing solution.

  • Explore natural supports, family supports, temporary safe housing options, mediation opportunities, and community-based resources.

  • Help families identify realistic next steps to avoid shelter entry when possible.

  • Provide compassionate, trauma-informed support to clients in crisis.

Intake and Shelter Admission

  • Complete shelter intake when diversion is not possible and space is available.

  • Gather required client information, documentation, releases, and program forms.

  • Explain shelter expectations, available services, and next steps to families entering shelter.

  • Coordinate with shelter staff to support a smooth entry into the program.

Client Advocacy and Service Coordination

  • Assess client needs and connect families to appropriate community resources.

  • Support clients in addressing primary barriers to housing, including:

    • Childcare

    • Employment

    • Housing applications and housing search

    • Transportation

    • Identification documents

    • Benefits and basic needs

    • School and child-related supports

  • Coordinate with community partners, including housing providers, employment services, childcare providers, schools, healthcare providers, and other human service agencies.

  • Provide practical support that helps families move toward housing stability.

Transportation Support

  • Provide approved transportation to clients when needed to support housing, employment, childcare, appointments, or other case-related goals.

  • Maintain accurate mileage records.

  • Follow agency expectations regarding client transportation, safety, boundaries, and documentation.

  • Mileage will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage reimbursement rate.

Documentation and HMIS

  • Document all client interactions, services, referrals, transportation, case notes, and outcomes in HMIS and any other required agency systems.

  • Ensure documentation is accurate, timely, objective, and professional.

  • Maintain client confidentiality and follow all applicable privacy requirements.

  • Support data quality and compliance with agency and funder requirements.

General Program Support

  • Communicate client needs, concerns, incidents, and progress to the Executive Director and other appropriate staff.

  • Participate in staff communication, meetings, or training as needed.

  • Assist with crisis situations, shelter coverage, or client support needs as assigned.

  • Maintain professional boundaries with clients, volunteers, partners, and staff.

  • Represent Greater Lafayette Family Shelter in a professional and mission-focused manner.

Required Qualifications

  • Experience working with individuals or families in crisis, housing instability, poverty, child welfare, behavioral health, recovery, domestic violence, or another human services setting preferred.

  • No degree required.

  • Ability to work irregular, part-time, PRN shifts as needed.

  • Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

  • Ability to complete timely and accurate documentation.

  • Reliable transportation and ability to provide approved client transportation.

  • Valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and acceptable driving record required if transporting clients.

  • Basic computer skills and ability to learn HMIS and other documentation systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Lived experience with homelessness, housing instability, recovery, or related systems preferred but not required.

  • Prior experience working with community-based human service agencies.

  • Familiarity with local housing, childcare, employment, benefits, or crisis-response resources.

  • Experience with HMIS or similar client documentation systems.

  • Bilingual ability is helpful but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will be able to:

  • Build trust quickly with families experiencing crisis.

  • Balance compassion with accountability and clear expectations.

  • Identify practical solutions to housing-related barriers.

  • Work independently with limited supervision.

  • Use good judgment when responding to urgent or sensitive situations.

  • Collaborate effectively with community partners.

  • Document services accurately and objectively.

  • Approach clients with dignity, respect, and a belief that housing stability is possible.

Work Environment

This position may include work at the shelter, in the community, in client homes or temporary housing settings, at partner agencies, or while transporting clients. The schedule is irregular and based on program need, client need, and staff availability. Hours are expected to average approximately 10 hours per week but may vary.

Physical Requirements

This position may require sitting, standing, walking, driving, using a computer, carrying light supplies, and assisting with basic shelter or client support tasks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Greater Lafayette Family Shelter is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Individuals with lived experience of homelessness, housing instability, recovery, or other relevant systems are encouraged to apply.

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