Advocate: Day Shift

Africatown Community Land Trust•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT) seeks an Advocate to provide front-line customer service and support to guests of the Benu Community Home, a 24/7 enhanced transitional housing and supportive-services program for self-identifying males experiencing homelessness. Guests may have physical disabilities, mental illness, chemical dependency, or trauma-related needs. The program uses a low-barrier model. The Advocate works as part of a team and also performs duties independently without direct supervision. The role includes crisis intervention and advocacy; helping guests develop interpersonal and living skills; enforcing building and program rules; maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable environment; welcoming guests and visitors; monitoring the building; maintaining guest records; answering phones; and assisting with meals, laundry, room transitions, events, and programming. The Advocate participates in team meetings and required training, supports temporary employees or volunteers on shift, and reports facilities or guest-related issues to supervisors. The position’s schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship. Work conditions may involve exposure to blood, bodily fluids, infectious materials, cleaning supplies, pest-control chemicals, paint, and other building-maintenance materials, as well as interruptions and interactions with angry persons. Africatown Community Land Trust works to acquire, develop, and steward land in Greater Seattle to empower and preserve the Black community, with a vision of vibrant and thriving Black communities through land ownership.

Requirements

At least one year of experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
Experience or knowledge of mental illness and addictions.
Knowledge and experience with crisis intervention.
Commitment to a harm-reduction program model.
Ability to work within ACLT’s mission, goals, and objectives.
Commitment to developing and safeguarding a culturally diverse workplace.
Reliable phone or voicemail service for contact during scheduled and on-call hours.
Ability to foster respect, teamwork, and excellence in the work environment.
Complete CPR/First Aid and Trauma-Informed Care training within the first 90 days of employment.
Successfully pass a background check conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance.
Ability to hear telephone rings, conversations, doorbells, emergency alarms, and face-to-face conversation; speak clearly in person and by telephone; and handwrite legibly.
Vision sufficient to read normal-sized print and handwritten notes, monitor a large space, and identify concerns requiring staff response.
Hand and arm mobility and dexterity sufficient to use keys, computers, and other office equipment.
Ability to sit for sustained periods, walk throughout the building, and quickly ascend and descend stairs to respond to emergencies.
Ability to lift, move, or carry up to 40 pounds.
Ability to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment.
Authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

College-level coursework toward a degree in social services, psychology, or a related field.
Previous work experience in programs serving vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

Provide crisis intervention and advocacy to guests.
Model interpersonal and living skills for guests.
Enforce building and program rules, including exit and return policies.
Help maintain a safe, comfortable, and clean Community Home environment, including removing garbage and assisting with room preparation as guests enter or exit the program.
Conduct weekly room scans to ensure safety and cleanliness standards are met.
Work cooperatively with shift colleagues and independently when needed.
Maintain accurate records, including time records and guest tracking logs such as curfew logs, bed maps, meal trackers, and chore lists.
Welcome guests and visitors, monitor the lobby, and sanitize guest belongings.
Conduct routine building walk-throughs to engage with guests and ensure safety.
Answer phones and provide callers with information about the program or intake process.
Assist with preparing and serving meals and cleaning up after meals as needed.
Assist guests as they move into or out of the building.
Assist with guest and program laundry as needed.
Maintain cleanliness and order at the front desk and lobby.
Assist with event planning, set-up, facilitation, and tear-down as needed.
Provide guidance and support to temporary employees or volunteers on shift.
Assist with enrichment classes and other programming.
Participate in team, guest-house, and all-staff meetings, as well as required training, workshops, retreats, and in-service classes.
Inform supervisors of facilities and guest-related issues.
Contribute to a positive, team-oriented workplace and participate in group decision-making.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.