Resident Advocate

Resident Advocate

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Resident Advocate Security Monitor is responsible for providing services including assisting clients with follow-up with crisis intervention, basic house clean-up and maintenance, conflict resolution, and ensures safety and security to participants/tenants. The schedule for this position will fluctuate from time-to-time on a weekly basis. The following represents typical job functions:

• Duties And Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of participants and guests by providing on-site participant supervision

• SHELTER ENTRANCE MONITORING: The front door to the shelter is the only permitted entrance and exit for participants, employees, and partners. Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, participants, visitors, guests and other people to guard and maintain security of premises.

• BAG & PERSON SCREENING: Monitors search all participants’ person and belongings being brought into the shelter each time a participant enters. This is a critical step in ensuring the safety and security of everyone. It is important to treat every participant with equal dignity and professionalism every time they are screened.

• Hourly patrol of premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates, etc. walking the facility inside and out and making reports as needed.

• SHELTER SAFETY:

• While patrolling observe shelter to ensure safe operations; report and correct any spills, unsafe working conditions, or defective equipment.

• Know location of fire exits, be prepared to assist participants in case of any emergency.

• Monitor participants and assist staff when conducting room checks; maintain records of client compliance of program rules, report to staff and assist as needed.

• Respond to emergency situations as appropriate

• Notify emergency services personnel, such as law enforcement, fire department, and paramedics in case of emergencies

• Resolve participant issues as needed using de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to help participants work through conflict

• ASSET PROTECTION:

• As a non-profit agency, HOTV must utilize all limited resources effectively and protect from theft loss or damage to the shelter’s assets. Report all suspicious events to direct supervisor.

• Responsible to complete written reports and incidents logs of daily activities and irregularities, such as: unusual occurrences, equipment or property damage, theft, and presence of unauthorized persons.

• ACT AS A ROLE MODEL FOR PARTICIPANTS AT ALL TIMES. Learn, understand and practice the professionalism expected – Put clients’/participants’ needs first.

• CLIENT/PARTICIPANT SUPPORT:

• Answer telephones and take messages for clients and staff, monitor doors, and greet visitors.

• Assist shelter staff during provision of services to clients/participants, including meal preparation/serving, monitor and record client self-administration of prescribed medication, set-up for classes, meetings, recreation, and other program events.

• Attend and participate in team meetings, trainings, case conference, etc.

• Establish and/or maintain good rapport and working arrangements with co-workers, including the management team and other staff.

• Create and maintain a shelter environment that is safe

• Uphold all HOTV and LAHSA rules, regulations, and policies

• Other duties that may arise to support the program mission and goals.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Driver License (required)

• US work authorization (required)

• High School or equivalent (required)

• Guard Card (required)

Qualifications

• Understand and support the mission statement of Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission

• High school diploma or GED

• 1-2 years' experience working with the homeless or similar population

• Must possess solid proficiency of Microsoft Office Suite

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must possess basic grammar and spelling skills

• Possess the necessary initiative, adaptability, and responsibility to work with minimum supervision

• Must possess excellent problem-solving skills

• Ability to interact with others professionally

• Knowledge of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma Informed principles

• Experience working with a diverse population, with sensitivity to differences in culture, religion, sexual orientation, race, age, and physical and mental illness

• Valid CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire

• Must be TB-cleared prior to hiring

• A criminal background check is required

• LiveScan is required

• A drug-test is required

• Local travel may be required

• A Valid CA driver's license is required

Other Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis

• Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead

• Ability to work in proximity with service animals and emotional support animals

• Ability to operate a computer, fax, and telephone

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

• Some night and weekend hours required

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Employee is required to: Walk and climb stairs; stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis; Grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead; Handle, finger, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; Be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; Repeat various motions with the wrists, hands, and fingers; Be able to perform visual activities for (including, but not limited to) administrative and clerical tasks; Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Communicate, receive and exchange ideas, information by means of the spoken and written word; Drive vehicle in and around Los Angeles County; Be able to enter various buildings that may require climbing stairs. Be periodically subjected to outside environmental conditions. Employee may work in proximity to service animals and emotional support animals; Use a desktop and/or laptop computer; copy, postage, and fax machines. Complete all required forms in personal writing.

Work Environment:

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using alcohol and drugs, and who may not be attentive to basic personal hygiene, health, and safety practices. The employee may experience several unpleasant sensory demands associated with the clients use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal hygiene. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in an office setting. Sometimes work may become stressful when working under pressure.

EEO:

HOTV (Hope of the Valley) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HOTV complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, placement, promotion, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

I have read and fully understand the description of the position I have accepted. I also acknowledge that the description of this position will evolve and change to reflect the organization’s dynamic needs. Therefore, I understand and accept that this position may be altered, including requirements and responsibilities, which will render me disqualified for this position and further employment in this position.