Program Advocate, Relief

SOUTH MIDDLESEX OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL • Leominster, MA

1d • $0 - $17

About The Position

The Program Advocate, Relief provides a safe, caring, and efficient environment for individuals served at SMOC’s residential programs. This position does not have standard hours or regular shifts; the employee is available on an on-call basis to cover regular staff and unexpected absences. The role includes front desk, client intake, security, dorm supervision, communication, and other program support duties. A successful background check is required.

Requirements

• Ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of people with low income.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs.
• Ability to bend at the waist and squat.
• Some shifts may require being awake during the night.
• Successful background check.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Experience working with people with substance abuse issues and mental illness.
• Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

• Work at the front desk as the first point of contact for guests and visitors, greeting them and answering questions professionally and courteously.
• Answer phones.
• Maintain appropriate logs and files for each shift.
• Initiate intake procedures for new clients, including administering alcohol and drug tests and completing intake forms.
• Maintain basic premises security, including securing designated areas, entry and exits, and bed census.
• Communicate information brought to the front desk to co-workers and management, including recording Center activities in the log book.
• Inform clients of Center rules and their rights and responsibilities.
• Enter intake information into the computer system, depending on the shift.
• Ensure compliance with program, department, agency, and funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies and procedures.
• Attend staff meetings and team meetings as requested.
• Supervise dorms, orient new clients, maintain security, enforce rules, and ensure everyone's safety.
• Perform light cleaning as necessary and assigned.
• Ensure safety during the night and supervise morning cleanup, if applicable.
• Engage clients by understanding and addressing their needs, whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee, and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Attend assigned training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full-time employees can accrue up to three weeks of vacation and two weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year.
• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D and long-term disability for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive medical plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA employer cost-sharing program, dental plans with orthodontic coverage, and EyeMed vision insurance for full-time employees.
• 403(B) retirement plan with company match starting on day one for full-time and part-time employees.
• Voluntary term and whole life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness coverage, hospital indemnity, and short-term disability.
• Flexible spending accounts, dependent care accounts, employee assistance program, and tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED