Truckee Navigation Center - Lead Community Care Associate

Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada•Truckee, CA

1d•$27 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

As a Community Care Associate, you are the heartbeat of our navigation center, the first smile at intake, the calm presence during crisis, and the consistent anchor in participants' daily journey toward stability. This role transcends traditional "support staff" duties by positioning you as an essential architect of community, safety, and hope within our facility. You'll create and maintain an environment where dignity thrives alongside structure, where participants feel seen as whole people rather than problems to solve. Your work embodies our core values moment by moment: Love through patient redirection and compassionate boundary-setting; Flexibility by jumping in wherever needed while maintaining program integrity; and Passion that transforms routine tasks into opportunities for connection and encouragement. From de-escalating tensions with trauma-informed approaches to celebrating small daily victories, from maintaining a clean and welcoming space to being that reliable presence during someone's darkest hour—you are often the difference between a participant feeling warehoused or feeling worthy. You'll collaborate seamlessly with Whole Person Care Coordinators and leadership, recognizing that every interaction, every meal served, every conflict resolved, contributes to someone's larger journey toward wholeness. This isn't just maintaining a facility; it's cultivating a sanctuary where transformation becomes possible.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, sociology, or a related field is highly desired but not required or two (2) years of experience working with the homeless population and experience in a lead or peer mentoring role is preferred.
Working knowledge of all evidence-based practices in ending homelessness is required.
The Community Care Associate – Lead must have a working knowledge of property management, fair housing laws, and credit statements.
This position requires demonstrated ability in record keeping, good written and verbal communication skills, disabilities or mental illness, substance abuse and recovery, low income, and the general homeless population.
This position requires CPR and First Aid training within ninety (90) days of employment, recertification as necessary, and T.B. testing annually.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to meet the organization's insurance carrier guidelines are required.
You must undergo a criminal background check.
Teamwork skills
Ability to de-escalate crises and assist participants and staff in emergencies
Oral and written communication skills
Sound judgement and decision-making skills, particularly in high-stress situations
Ability to provide peer leadership without formal supervisory authority
Computer skills
Ability to assist other people compassionately while maintaining professionalism
Organizational skills
Lift and move up to 40 pounds
Physically able to safely maneuver the weight distribution of a participant in an emergency
Repetitive movements such as mopping, and vacuuming
Ability to climb stairs regularly
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
Kneel occasionally

Nice To Haves

CAC/CADC or experience working in alcohol/drug recovery programs preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the shift lead, providing guidance and real-time support to Community Care Associates
Ensure consistent application of program standards, safety protocols, and documentation requirements across shifts
Coordinate shift activities, prioritize tasks, and maintain program flow
Act as primary point of contact for operational issues during assigned shifts and escalate matters to management as appropriate
Support onboarding of new staff through shadowing, peer mentoring, and modeling of best practices
Provide coaching and feedback to team members on trauma-informed approaches, de-escalation techniques, and professional boundaries
Identify training needs and operational improvements based on day-to-day program activities and communicate these to management
Assist the Whole Person Care Coordinator with participant engagement, follow-ups, and service coordination
Help participants prepare for case management appointments, housing applications, and benefits appointments
Support basic documentation, data entry, and progress tracking as assigned
Reinforce housing plans, goals, and action steps with participants during daily interactions
Communicate observations about participant progress, challenges, and needs to case management staff
Assist with scheduling, appointment reminders, and coordination with partner service providers
Help maintain accurate participant files and program data systems
Ongoing source of engagement, information sharing, and problem-solving for participants using trauma-informed, strength-based, compassionate, and professional approaches.
Explain program requirements and regulations to new participants and ensure compliance.
Continually reorients participants to rules, rights, and responsibilities.
Coordinate meal preparation/service, room assignments, and other daily routines.
Provide shift coverage and always maintain navigation center security and safety, indoors and outdoors.
Provide emergency assistance to participants and co-workers as necessary within the scope of CPR and First Aid training.
Perform housekeeping and other maintenance tasks as needed, i.e., change light bulbs, plunge toilet, clean up accidents/messes, etc.
Prepare for new participants, including sanitizing beds and sleeping areas.
Cleaning and sanitizing all common areas, including restrooms and laundry, and staff areas, both indoors and outside.
Assures toiletry and cleaning supplies are stocked and secured.
Address any behavior issues that create disharmony, criminal, or otherwise non-productive behavior.
De-escalate crisis before it develops and respond to the situation in an appropriate manner. Provide emergency assistance to participants and co-workers as necessary.
Takes pertinent participant issues to the Whole Person Care team.
Role model positive and professional behavior, including appearance, and communication with others.
Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.
Ensure quality and completeness of documentation by all staff on shift
Maintain daily reports to provide statistical information.
Complete all shift logs, observation logs, and incident reports.
Document and notify management of participant concerns, potential workflow problems, and/or any exceptions to policies that can affect program security or safety.
Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and accomplish program objectives.
Assist in department orientation and training of new employees as requested to assure quality work outcomes.
Identify ongoing training for new and existing staff and report needs to management.
Serve as part of the program development team by providing information and support for developing quality operations.
Maintain an above-average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure a safe work environment for participants and all personnel.
Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid.