Program Advocate

SUMMARY

Support all activities of the North County Emergency Shelter Program during assigned shift, including, but not limited to, ongoing engagement with the guests, crisis management, modeling appropriate guest/staff interactions, consistency in program implementation, basic cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the safety of guests/staff, and efficient fulfillment of assigned shift responsibilities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work cooperatively with other shelter staff to ensure a safe, respectful, and comfortable atmosphere within the program environment.
• Complete all tasks in support of effective program operation as assigned by the shelter management team.
• Provide support in meal preparation and services as assigned.
• Take an active participatory role in directly relating to clients throughout the course of the shift in a respectful and dignified manner.
• Ensure the cleanliness and safety of the shelter including light cleaning duties.
• Conduct routine room and hallway checks throughout the shift.
• Partake in the referral and intake process. This includes answering calls and returning calls related to accessing the shelter and its waitlist, and completing screening intakes when beds become available.
• Assist in making and monitoring referrals as assigned.
• Collaborate with case managers and onsite security team to ensure guests needs are met.
• Maintain appropriate logs and records as required by program operating protocols.
• Effectively communicate the activities from each shift so that there is continuity in providing services throughout each day.
• Ensure compliance with federal. State, and local laws as well as funding requirements.
• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Attend & participate in team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience required.
• Team oriented.
• Sensitive to homeless population
• Ability to interact with individuals at all levels including guests, staff and external services providers
• Reliable transportation.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

• Directly reports to the Shelter Manager.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs

WORKING CONDITIONS

As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Program Advocate will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace