Participant Advocate (Outley House)

SELF•Philadelphia, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Participant Advocate provides supportive assistance to maintain a safe, welcoming, 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: homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health, or an acceptable combination of equivalent skills and experience.

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.

Nice To Haves

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: homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health, or an acceptable combination of equivalent skills and experience.

Responsibilities

Provide supervision of the participants in the following areas: conduct, personal hygiene, chores, and compliance with the facility's Rules and Regulations.
Complete facility checks before assuming responsibility and noting deficiencies during the shift.
Complying with the privacy standards as they relate to the collection, maintenance, and use of participant-protected personal information.
Responsible for providing a brief orientation to the participants on-site.
Monitor 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.
Keep an accurate participant census.
Complete quality written shift, incident, and weekly reports as well as intakes, MISILs, medication logs, and other pertinent paperwork in a timely manner.
Responsible for the supervision of the participant evening sign-in log (the OSH MISIL form).
Responsible for the supervision of dispensing participants’ 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 checking and securing fire doors and escape exits, touring the building and securing it every 60 minutes during the shift, and documenting as required.
Responsible for maintaining order and cleanliness inside and outside the facility.
Report issues to the 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 for informing the Assistant Program Director or Program Director of any unusual incidents and completing appropriate documentation.
Responsible for performing other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required.