Program Advocate (Alameda Day Center) FT Overnight

Ruby's Place•Alameda, CA

15h•$26 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Ruby's Place dba Restorative Pathways (RP) is an innovative nonprofit committed to ending domestic violence, human trafficking, and violent crime through hope, advocacy and connection. Their services include emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental subsidies, mental health services, substance recovery, and wrap-around services, all of which are trauma-sensitive, client-centered, low barrier, and provided at no cost. RP is led by survivors and focuses on reflection, innovation, and connection, aiming to cultivate a workplace that values the voices of those most impacted by violence. 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), ensuring a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for program participants. This role involves direct support to individuals accessing services, monitoring program spaces, assisting with participant needs, and maintaining the overall flow of program activities. The position requires consistent interaction with individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability, creating a trauma-informed environment, responding to participant concerns, supporting de-escalation, and connecting participants to services like case management and housing navigation. The Program Advocate collaborates closely with the Site Coordinator and other program staff to ensure adherence to program guidelines and supportive engagement with participants.

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.
Experience working in shelters, day centers, or outreach programs.
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.
Able to complete all required background checks.
Completion of all Community Care Licensing (CCL) documents.
Ability to meet CCL licensing requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or in social service programs preferred.

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.