Participant Advocate (Luzerne)

SELF•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

Self, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has been providing services to people for over twenty (20) years. We offer a broad range of essential housing, social service, drug and alcohol treatment, vocational and employment programs, all designed to help individuals achieve self-sufficient and productive lifestyles. We provide these services to more than 7,000 individuals within the Philadelphia area Our mission is to motivate, empower, and inspire individuals to live their best lives. With compassion at its core, our approach uses best practices and evidence based programming to pave the way for personal and community transformation. Position Summary: The Participant Advocate provides our participants with supportive assistance to maintain a safe, welcoming and clean environment. Past Participant Advocate experience is strongly desired. Two years’ experience working in human services, preferably in a residential facility with individuals who may have challenges in the following areas: homeless, substance abuse and mental health or an acceptable combination of equivalent skills and experience. SHIFT: 7a -3p, 3p-11p, & 11p-7a STATUS: On-Call and Full-Time – (Non-Exempt) REPORTS TO: Participant Advocate Supervisor, Assistant Program Director and Program Director

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent with a combination of acceptable training and experience in human services including but not limited to homelessness, substance abuse and mental health.
Must be able to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend and lift supplies that weigh between 25-50 lbs.
Must be able visually observe, hear, understand, and interpret participant behavior.
Must be able to provide constructive feedback to shift leader or designee in order to improve services within the facility.
Must be competent in computer use including Microsoft applications and internet.
Criminal background and clearance will be required.
Must participate in all mandatory team meetings, department meetings and training as required.
Must have some flexibility with emergency requests, changes in work schedule or assignment.
Must be well organized, detail-oriented, tasks-driven and able to work independently and set daily priorities by maintaining a weekly as well as a monthly schedule.
Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills and willingness to assist whenever needed.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the supervision of the participants in the following areas: conduct, personal hygiene, chores and compliance with the facility Rules and Regulations.
Responsible for facility checks before assuming responsibility and noting deficiencies during the shift.
Responsible for complying with the privacy standards as it relates to the collection, maintenance and use of participant protected personal information.
Responsible for providing a brief orientation to the participants on site.
Responsible for monitoring participant activities including but not limited to body search with metal detector upon entrance to the facility, searches of participants sleeping quarters and storage locker/bags, and containers.
Responsible for keeping an accurate participant census.
Responsible for the completion of quality written shift, incident, and weekly reports as well as intakes, MISIL’s, medication logs and other pertinent paperwork in a timely manner.
Responsible for the supervision of participant evening sign-in log (the OSH MISIL form).
Responsible for the supervision of dispensing participant’s prescribed medications.
Responsible for the collection and distribution of clean bed linen, towels, clothes when necessary, and toiletries as dictated by need and availability.
Responsible for monitoring program participants.
Responsible for checking and securing fire doors and escape exits, tour building and secure every 30-60 minutes during shift and document as required.
Responsible for maintaining order and cleanliness inside and outside the facility.
Responsible to beware of and convey participant communications to Assistant Program Director or Program Manager so that preventive measures can be taken to maintain the health, safety and security of the participants, staff and facility.
Responsible for sharing observations and recommendations regarding the facility, participants and staff relations to identify and solve problems and to ensure staff functions as a unified team.
Responsible of informing Assistant Program Director or Program Director of any unusual incidents and complete appropriate documentation.
Responsible to perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.