Full-Time Residential Advocate

Volunteers of America Colorado•Durango, CO

3d•$20 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need transform their lives. Through more than 50 distinct human service programs, Volunteers of America changes the lives of more than 140,000 vulnerable Coloradans each year. VOA services include housing and emergency shelters, hunger and nutrition services, and many other community support programs. Our work touches the mind, body, heart, and ultimately the spirit of those we serve. VOA integrates compassion with highly effective programs that build and strengthen communities. VOAC recognizes the unique needs of the older adult who needs a wheelchair ramp to stay at home safely, and the preschooler whose family needs additional resources. VOAC supports veteran’s efforts to exit homelessness as well as provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence. Wherever VOAC goes, it combines relationship-building, volunteers and quality services to lift and support our neighbor’s efforts to become self-sufficient and reach their full potential. The Residential Advocate provides for the protection of the physical and emotional well-being of the Shelter residents. Responsible for providing residents with crisis intervention services and supervising volunteers on a regular basis.

Requirements

Models core culture attributes of VOACO that include “AIRS” (Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Service).
Models and pursues with vigor VOAC’s three strategical critical virtues of HHS (Hungry, Humble, People Smart).
Demonstrates servant-leadership and models open communication.
Commits to providing a nourishing, truthful, approachable, joyful and healthy environment.
Demonstrates compassion for helping those that are the most vulnerable in our community.
Demonstrates knowledge of or a strong willingness to learn about poverty, human service government programs, VOAC solutions and services, homelessness, aging, veterans, at-risk youth and helping those most vulnerable in our society.
Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in a related area.
One year of human service experience.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience working with at-risk populations (i.e. people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and/or survivors of domestic violence)
Training in de-escalation techniques/conflict mediation
CPR/ AED Certification

Responsibilities

Provides for the protection of both the emotional and physical well-being of residents within program guidelines.
Participates in general client and house maintenance such as supplying linen and personal items, implementing the client chore schedule, performing bed checks, enforcing curfew and other rules, checking chore completion, setting and checking alarms, and checking building for complete clearance during fire drills.
Provides individual counseling on a weekly basis with clients, assists the client with the identification of goals and implementing a plan.
Responsible for primary intake interviews with new clients, completing necessary documentation and determining if client is appropriate for admission.
Answers crisis line and the emergency hotline.
Responsible for awareness of agencies as possible referral resources for crisis callers and residents.
Maintains records associated with this duty.
Attends staff meetings weekly, in-service training as required and meets periodically with the Program Manager for input and exchange of information.
Observes clients’ daily behavior and documents observations in case notes. Also responsible for daily shift notes and notes on any group sessions conducted.
Ensures maintenance of the facility as a comfortable and orderly environment and provides direct crisis intervention services with clients.
Responsible for conducting house and group session meetings as assigned.
Responsible for providing supervision and training of new employees and volunteers as assigned.
Able to give educational presentations to community groups, attend professional meetings when requested and conduct on-site tours.
Maintains shift log and other paperwork as required.
Performs job responsibilities in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics.
Ensures guest voice is incorporated into programmatic evaluation and improvement.
Participate in on-call rotation in conjunction with other Advocates, Senior Managers and Senior Director.
Performs all other duties as assigned.