Advocate - Village

Job Title: Advocate

Department: Human Services

Reports To: Shelter Director

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: Full Time; Part Time, PRN

Summary

The role of the Advocate in the homeless shelter environment is to work in partnership with an assigned Case Manager in order to assure measurable positive outcomes for their jointly assigned resident caseload. As the day to day contact, the Advocate encourages their assigned residents to follow their case plan (Pathway) and acts as an on-going support system for these residents. The Advocate ensures that the resident has all supplies and resources they require and is there to answer questions and intervene when issues arise. The Advocate also performs routine shelter operation tasks such as serving meals, issuing supplies and working with the Facility Operations Manager to maintain safety and security of the facility. The Advocate attends weekly interdisciplinary staffing meetings and works in conjunction with the Case Manger to supply input for these meetings. The Advocate and Case Manager will communicate on a daily basis either in person or via e-mail (dependent on shift). This position requires a mature and professional individual with excellent interpersonal skills, highly developed customer service skills and the ability to deal with individuals in a crisis situation. The Advocate interacts with clients in a supportive way that fosters both mental and physical health, mutual respect, clear communication and always with the goal in mind for a successful program completion at the Sulzbacher Center.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Works in conjunction with assigned Case Manager to ensure residents on their joint caseload are following their case plan (Pathway)

• Works on a daily basis with these assigned residents to ensure that they have all necessary supplies and resources needed

• Attends and participates in bi-weekly inter-disciplinary meetings to staff residents and provides input to the Case Manager prior to the meetings pertinent to that resident

• Intervenes when issues arise concerning the assigned residents

• Communicates daily with the Case Manager partner to give updates on the residents’ progress

• Works in cooperation with the Case Manager to handle resident mail, appointments, etc.

• Works collaboratively with other members of the team to plan training, educational and recreational activities for the residents

• Works with the Facility Operations Manager to ensure the safety and security of the facility and all staff and residents

• Intake new guests into the shelter and orient them to the Center and its services

• Coordinate the placement of the residents at the facility, including issuing linens, lockers, beds, toiletries and other essential supplies

• Coordinate and monitor the guests in their assigned chores as well as volunteer work

• Maintain the Guest Intake Program and ensure its accuracy on a daily basis

• Working in conjunction with the Case Manager, educate assigned residents about obtaining the services provided by the center and surrounding agencies

• Oversee and assist in the serving of meals

• Maintain a high level of communication inter- and intra-departmentally through the voicemail system, team, department, and all-staff meetings

• Acts as an ambassador to all visitors

• Represent the Center to the public, our guests and volunteers in a positive, customer-service oriented way through the staffing of the front and Pavilion desks

• All other duties as assigned

Resident, Guest and Internal Customer Focus

The Advocate is sensitive to emotional, spiritual and practical needs of resident, families, guests and staff members in all interactions. Provides positive feedback and comments about the quality of work and effort that have been offered by residents, families and coworkers. Adjusts priorities and schedules to meet specific customer needs. Reports and/or corrects problems related to safety, cleanliness and comfort of resident and work areas. Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques are followed. Understands own role facility safety plans and procedures related to fire, weather and other disasters is demonstrated. Always strives to ensure best possible outcome for each resident.

Education and/or Experience

• Maturity and professionalism as expressed through excellent interpersonal and customer service skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required, A.A. degree preferred

• Mental Health, Security or Medical background a plus

• Valid Florida driver’s license and good driving record

• If driving a company vehicle on work-related business, must be 21 years of age and will require an acceptable annual Motor Vehicle Record check

• Ability to pass a Level II Background Screening

• CPR Certification within 90 days of hire

• Ability to establish cooperative and respectful working relationships with residents, co-workers, volunteers and visitors to the center

• Supports and clearly communicates the mission statement of the center

Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions

• Physically able to work in a fast-paced multitasked environment

• Able to work various shifts including nights and weekends to serve the needs of the shelter