Program Advocate (City of Alameda Drop in Center) FT

Ruby's Place•Castro Valley, CA

5d•$26 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Advocate serves as a frontline staff member responsible for supporting the daily operations of the Drop In Center (Day Center, Night Shelter, Safe Park program). while ensuring a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for program participants. Advocates provide direct support to individuals accessing services, monitor program spaces, assist with participant needs, and help maintain the overall flow of program activities. This role requires consistent interaction with individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Advocates play an important role in creating a trauma-informed environment, responding to participant concerns, supporting de-escalation when needed, and connecting participants to available services such as case management and housing navigation. The Program Advocate works closely with the Site Coordinator and other program staff to ensure program guidelines are followed and that participants receive supportive, respectful engagement throughout their time at the program.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques.
CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
In possession of a valid CA driver's license, proof of insurance, and be approved by RP insurance as a driver in order to drive agency vehicles. If a staff member cannot be approved by RP insurance as a driver, employment might not be able to continue. Instances where staff cannot be approved to drive will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine if employment can continue in their role without driving agency vehicles. Items considered include but are not limited to: the shift the staff member holds and the frequency/necessity of driving during that shift, the amount of time before the staff member may be approved to drive by the insurance carrier, the availability of other staff on site to drive agency vehicles as program needs require, etc.
Able to complete all required background checks. Additional requirements may be deemed necessary, including fingerprinting (Live Scan), completion of all Community Care Licensing (CCL) documents, and ability to meet CCL licensing requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or in social service programs preferred.
Experience working in shelters, day centers, or outreach programs.

Responsibilities

Provide direct support to participants accessing services at the Drop In Center.
Greet participants, assist with check-in and orientation, and help them understand program guidelines and available services.
Respond to participant needs and provide basic information about available resources and supports.
Maintain a respectful and welcoming environment for all participants.
Monitor program areas to ensure participant safety and adherence to program expectations.
Conduct regular site checks and support the maintenance of a calm and organized program environment.
Respond to conflicts or concerns among participants using appropriate de-escalation techniques.
Report safety concerns or incidents to the Site Coordinator or Program Manager.
Assist with daily program activities including set-up, service coordination, and participant flow.
Support the opening and closing procedures of the Drop In Center as assigned.
Help ensure program spaces remain clean, organized, and ready for participant use.
Maintain shift logs and document participant interactions, concerns, and incidents according to program procedures.
Communicate relevant updates or concerns to the Site Coordinator and program team.
Support documentation processes that contribute to program reporting and operations.
Encourage participants to engage with available services including case management, housing navigation, and supportive resources.
Provide referrals and information to participants regarding available services within the program or through community partners.
Support participants in accessing services in a respectful and supportive manner.
Complete functional timesheets by assigned due dates in compliance with time allocations.
Actively participate in reflective supervision sessions.
Create and maintain documentation of processes and procedures related to job duties.
Other duties as assigned.