Housing Resource Volunteer

Families First of Monroe County

Housing Resource Volunteer

Program Description:

Families First of Monroe County is a nonprofit, charitable organization serving residents struggling with life and financial challenges in Monroe County, Wisconsin. Families First provides supportive services including a Safe and Stable Housing program. The program provides case management and limited financial support for household who may be at high risk of losing their stable housing and entering into a literally homeless situation.

Volunteer Position Description:

Families First is seeking a dedicated volunteer to support households in obtaining safe and stable housing. Under the direction of the Families First Director and Case Manager the Housing Resource volunteer will support households by:

1. Cooperatively searching for housing via known resources including newspaper, online resources and community contacts.
2. Support the stability planning goals identified by the household and case manager with regards to new housing affordability.
3. Support critical thinking and interpersonal skill develop in areas of land lord/ tenant communication, application completion and task management related to housing search and obtainment.
4. In coordination with Families First Director and Case Manager, facilitate landlord, Families First and household communication and scheduling per program procedures.
5. Serve as an advocate for households facing barriers to obtaining stable housing.
6. Assist the Families First Director and Case Manager in maintaining accurate case notes, communication logs and community resource materials.

Desired Skills and Requirements:

1. Familiarity with Monroe County communities and rental housing market.
2. Basic familiarity with Landlord/ Tenant rights, lease agreement and housing habitability requirements.
3. Background in working with individuals and households facing barriers to housing stability including, low income, disability, limited formal education, previous experiences of homelessness or domestic violence.
4. Possesses interpersonal skills necessary to professionally provide support for client successes as well as skills necessary to address adversity and support resiliency.
5. A commitment to maintaining client privacy and confidentiality in all aspects of communication.

Position Scope:

1. The position will maintain limited availability of 3-5 hours weekly, as program household needs exist.
2. This position will primarily work directly in the Families First office in Tomah, Wisconsin. Limited community meetings may be beneficial in coordination of household housing support.
3. This position will report to the Families First Director and work in collaboration with the Families First Case Manager.

Training provided:

1. Families First of Monroe County/ Safe and Stable Housing Orientation.
2. Families First Privacy and Confidentiality Training.
3. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) Training.
4. Trauma Informed Care Training.

Contact Ben Hein with any questions at 608-374-4141 or exec.familiesfirst@gmail.com