Resident Advocate (Sunday-Thursday Overnight)

Insight Housing•Berkeley, CA

About The Position

The Resident Advocate provides direct supportive services and supervision to individuals experiencing homelessness at Dwight Way, a temporary women’s shelter. Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the role supports residents as they build income and skills and seek permanent housing. Services include participant intake and orientation, assistance with activities of daily living, HMIS data entry, assessment of housing barriers, help completing documents, and referrals to community services such as substance abuse treatment, housing navigation, mental health services, benefits advocacy, and veterans’ services. The position also helps maintain shelter operations, participant records, safety, cleanliness, and effective communication across staff shifts.

Requirements

High school education preferred.
Ability to complete CPR and First Aid training.
Commitment to serving people experiencing homelessness, alcohol or drug dependency, and mental health issues, using a trauma-informed approach.
Ability to interact supportively and professionally with staff and participants from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
Ability to provide good customer service, communicate effectively, and remain calm in stressful situations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work with minimal supervision, multitask, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and meet deadlines.
Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance.
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule, work shifts on short notice, and work overtime when required for on-call staff.
Must be able to receive and maintain criminal records clearance.
Must be able to obtain TB clearance.
Physical ability to regularly use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms; frequently stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk, hear, and see clearly; occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch; and lift or move up to 50 pounds when required.

Nice To Haves

Prior direct support experience with people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, or other social issues; lived experience is valuable and strongly preferred.
Prior customer service experience in any industry will be considered.
Knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Experience with a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Good interpersonal and crisis intervention skills, a flexible, can-do attitude, and ability to work under high pressure.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain clear, effective communication with program participants, listen actively and empathetically, and help ensure their needs are met.
Supervise program participants and shelter property at all times.
Provide emotional support, counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy as needed.
Provide information and referrals to community resources.
Manage participant intake, including accepting Coordinated Entry System referrals, managing emergency one-night beds, enrolling participants in Alameda County HMIS, and conducting orientations that include reviewing the Shelter Handbook.
Create participant intake packets and charts.
Update the North County HUB spreadsheet and shelter sign-in sheets daily.
Provide supportive services such as preparing and serving meals, stripping beds, cleaning and organizing, doing laundry, updating the housing board, restocking cleaning supplies, and storing food according to health and safety guidelines.
Assist participants with activities of daily living, including bathing and hygiene practices, room cleanliness, and chores.
Explain program and facility rules and procedures and consistently ensure participants follow them.
Complete and file paperwork, statistics, and other requested information accurately and on time.
Review and update the staff log and participant communication log each shift according to established procedures.
Provide accurate and complete handoffs of program and participant information to incoming staff.
Participate in program planning and policy development for participants.
Help promote a safe, healthy, and clean work environment consistent with agency health and safety practices.
Attend and participate in assigned meetings and trainings.
Submit timesheets accurately and on time.
Work within Insight Housing’s Code of Conduct and perform other assigned tasks.