Competency and Best Practices
Required for Certified Homelessness Advocate
CHA Practice Standards
Professional Homelessness Advocates have two primary resources that inform their thinking and decision-making and guide their advocacy practice. First, the Code of Ethics for Certified Homelessness Advocates lists the eight succinct provisions and accompanying interpretive statements that establish the ethical framework for homelessness advocates across all roles, levels, and settings. Second is the pioneering hardwork and diligence of the HACB’s Executive Director Danya Mitchell , has inspired and guided our independent efforts.
Attribution
The Homelessness Advocacy Certification Board (HACB) recognizes the value of these Competencies and Best Practices as guiding principles for professional behavior in the field of homelessness advocacy, as well as for developing a certification assessment process.
A diverse task group of homelessness advocacy practitioners and educators developed the first iteration of these recommendations, drawing on many sources and their own professional experiences.
Introduction
Recognizing that no homelessness advocate could feasibly offer every service needed by individuals experiencing homelessness, competency lists have been organized into two distinct categories:
- Core functions and skills: These are essential abilities that every homelessness advocate must possess and be capable of performing.
- Specialized skills: While an advocate may not necessarily have expertise in every area required by their clients, they must still be able to identify and understand these specialized needs. This enables them to refer their clients to the appropriate professionals or resources when necessary.
The Domains of Homelessness Advocacy
- Scope of Practice and Transparency
- Empowerment, Autonomy, Rights, and Equity
- Communication and Interpersonal Relationships
- Professionalism, Professional Development, and Practice
1. Scope of Practice and Transparency:
- Clearly defining the advocate’s role and limitations in addressing homelessness issues
- Transparent communication with clients regarding available services, potential conflicts of interest, and fees associated with advocacy services
2. Empowerment, Autonomy, Rights, and Equity:
- Empowering individuals experiencing homelessness to make informed decisions about their lives and accessing resources
- Advocating for the rights of homeless individuals, including equitable access to housing, healthcare, and social services
- Promoting autonomy and self-determination while respecting the diverse backgrounds and identities of homeless individuals
3. Communication and Interpersonal Relationships:
- Establishing empathetic and non-judgmental communication with homeless individuals
- Building trust and rapport to facilitate effective advocacy and support
- Collaborating with other stakeholders, such as shelters, outreach programs, and government agencies, to coordinate services and resources for homeless individuals
4. Professionalism, Professional Development, and Practice:
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and education in homelessness advocacy
- Adherence to ethical standards and best practices in advocating for homeless individuals
- Maintaining professionalism and integrity in all interactions with clients and stakeholders
5. Ethical Standards:
- Upholding ethical principles in all aspects of homelessness advocacy
- Respecting the confidentiality and privacy of homeless individuals
- Avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring that advocacy efforts prioritize the best interests of homeless clients