Resident Advocate

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Resident Advocate is responsible for providing services including assisting clients with follow-up with housing plans, 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:

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  Ensuring the security and safety of the shelter and its residents, and handling crisis situations.
• Performing necessary shelter operations, including client intake and exit paperwork, maintaining a Daily Activity Report, etc.
• Maintaining the cleanliness of the shelter by doing housework and creating and encouraging scheduled client chores.
• Answering phone calls, answering emails and accepting donations during work hours. (desktop office phone and computer pc).
• Attend staff meetings and conduct house meetings if necessary.
• Provide support services to all participants including client behavior-related issues.
• Assist fellow staff with program issues – e.g. relaying program messages, resource referral, etc.
• Assist in conflict resolution with the objective of modeling and encouraging positive methods of problem solving, respectful communication and self-restraint.
• Complete hourly rounds of the whole property.
• Responsible for explaining all expectations and guidelines to participants.
• Meet with participants as needed to address any immediate needs (e.g. crisis intervention, substance abuse, medical, mental health, clothing, etc.).
• Make service/resource referrals for participants as needed.
• Assist with the completion of program reports as needed – e.g. assist with compiling client goal data.
• Work closely with donors and volunteers

• Other duties as assigned by the Shelter Manager.

EXPERIENCE:
Position requires a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in related field, preferably with homeless or low-income individuals and/or families.

1. Commitment to serving the needs of homeless families.

2. Ability to interact in a supportive and professional manner with a diverse population.

3. Ability to handle multiple tasks.

4. Ability to maintain agency standards of confidentiality and professionalism.

5. Ability to frequently lift up to 25 lbs. and occasionally up to 50 lbs.

6. Must have a valid California driver’s license.

**Background, drug-test and TB test is a MUST**

• 
  Advocacy
• Knowledge of local social service resources/providers
• Ability to manage multiple cases efficiently and effectively
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Conflict resolution
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in written and oral communication
• Bilingual: Spanish/English a plus
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to type at least 40wpm

Good organizational skills and ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks and projects
EDUCATION:
Associates Degree in social work or other social science field. Experience may substitute for education.
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Payroll Status: Hourly
Work Schedule: TBD
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; Handle, finger, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; Communicate, receive and exchange ideas, information by means of the spoken and written word; Be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; Repeat various motions with the wrists, hands and fingers; Be able to have visual activity for (including, but not limited to) administrative and clerical tasks; Drive personal or company vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and periodically transport clients; Be able to enter various buildings that may require climbing stairs. Be subjected to outside environmental conditions. Use a personal and/or laptop computer; copy, postage and fax machines. Complete all required forms in personal writing. Follow safety rules, policies and procedures at all times.