Advocate (Part-time) - Bridge Shelter - CCSWW

Overview

Part-time position starting at $21.53/hr (D.O.E)

Hours

Swing shift: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pmProgram Description

The Bridge Shelter Program provides 24/7 enhanced shelter and related services for adults experiencing homelessness. Referrals to the program come from King County Coordinated Entry. Participants are typically people who have been indentified as high needs adults who are eligible for supportive permanent housing. Many clients have chronic and acute mental illness, active addition issues, and /or trauma. This is low-barrier, harm reduction program. Advocates are responsible for providing direct service to the participants, assisting with the goal of moving participants quickly into permament housing and fostering a team enviornment among shelter staff and volunteers. 

Responsibilities

Direct service to people who are homeless

• Provide crisis intervention and advocacy to participants.
• Coordinate with other social service agency workers (case managers, social workers, medical professionals) to provide for clients' immediate needs.
• Model interpersonal and living skills for clients.
• Enforce building and program rules, including bar policy.
• Maintain and safe and comfortable shelter environment, including physical set-up and light janitorial duties, when necessary. 
• Work as a team with other colleagues on shift and be able to work independently without direct supervision. 

Client intake, assessment and advocacy  

• Register new clients including evaluation and assessment of client needs.
• Review and record in log book to ensure program consistency.
• Maintain client records, updating information on an ongoing basis.
• Explain and enforce policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate residents count throughout shifts.
• Engage outside professionals (Mental Health Professionals, Medics, Police) when appropriate.

Concierge Duties

• Manage front desk and building security, including welcoming clients, visitors, and donors, monitoring security cameras and lobby, enforcing building and program rules, and sanitizing client belongings.
• Perform routine walk through of the entire buidling to engage with clients and ensure safety.
• Process messages and maintain accurate client tracking records, including the bar list.
• Answer phones and provide information to callers about the program.
• Assist outside vendor with serving meals that are prepared off-site and delivered to the building.
• Assist participants as they move into or out of the building as needed.

Supervision of Volunteers

• Supervise volunteers on shift
• Work with off-site volunteers providing advice and support as needed.

Administrative and General Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings, workshops, retreats, and in-service classes as provided.
• Maintain accurate record of hours worked and turn in timesheets on schedule.
• Contribute to and support a positive, team-oriented work environment; participate with other staff members in group decision-making process. 
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the program.
• Inform supervisors of facilities and client-related issues.  
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Job Conditions

This position requires the employee to work in an environment where there may be exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious material. Other exposures could inclide cleaning supplies, chemicals involved in pest control, paint and other materials used in building maintenance. Working conditions may include interruptions with angry persons, and exposure to computer CRTs.

Physical and Mental Acuity Demands

The requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to hear telephone rings, phone conversation, doorbells, emergency alarms and face-to-face conversation.
• Able to speak clearly in person and on the telephone.
• Able to hand write legibly.
• Vision that enables person to read normal size print and handwritten notes; and distance and peripheral vision than enables person to monitor large space and identify concerns that require staff response.
• Mobility/dexterity of hands/arms to enable keying into locked areas as well as using a computer and other office equipment.
• Able to sit for sustained periods of time.
• Able to walk the entire building and ascend and descend stairs quickly to move from one floor to another in order to respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to lift, move and/or carry up to 40 pounds.
• Able to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment in performing job duties.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• 6 months of experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
• Experience or knowledge of mental illness and addictions.
• Knowledge and experience with crisis intervention.
• Committment to harm reduction program model.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Committed to developing and safekeeping a workplace that values and supports a positive team orientated work environment.
• Support and uphold the mission, beliefs and values of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services.
• Support and contribute to a creative, collaborative and respectful environment that promotes teamwork.
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi-cultural situations.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and adhere to Agency driver responsibilities. 

Preferred Qualifications

• College level classes toward degree in Social Service.
• Previous work experience in programs that work with high needs participants.
• CPR/First Aid training.

Note to Internal Candidates: HR reviews internal compensation and determines any increase based on their experience and also agency internal equity factors.