Residential Advocate (20 hrs/wk)

Way Finders•Springfield, MA

2d•$19 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

Way Finders is seeking a part-time Residential Advocate to support families entering and living in a shelter. The role provides reception, resident support, assistance with after-hours intakes and rehousing-related activities, and responsive support during emergencies. The position is fully onsite in Springfield, Massachusetts, and is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to midnight and Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., totaling 20 hours per week. The wage starts between $19.25 and $20.00 per hour, based on equivalent qualifications. Applicants must submit a resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. CORI/SORI screening applies.

Requirements

One year of equivalent frontline human-services experience or experience in a related role; a combination of experience and a high school diploma or equivalent may substitute.
Fundamental computer and Microsoft Office skills, with the ability to learn new technologies.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including empathy and patience.
Ability to respond to crises in a sometimes high-stress environment and use sound decision-making.
Ability to self-motivate and remain professional while working independently.
Ability to earn and maintain CPR certification as required by the program; training is provided.
Ability to navigate multiple flights of stairs in a home environment.
CORI/SORI screening.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with the homeless population is preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills are appreciated but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide positive customer service and initial reception to families entering or currently living in the shelter.
Assist the case manager with after-hours intakes and assigned activities related to rehousing plans, including assessing immediate needs and completing paperwork thoroughly and respectfully.
Provide professional backup during emergencies and call case managers, management, or external services such as ambulance or police when appropriate.
Stay informed about basic community resources, share them with clients as appropriate, and make referrals as directed by case managers.
Update the staff communication log each shift with details that affect or may affect the program, families, or clients.
Monitor cameras and doors to admit participants; receive and distribute packages and mail; and receive visitors, ensuring they sign in with identification.
Respond to and report serious incidents, including promptly notifying the manager or on-call supervisor and completing required documentation.
Assign and monitor weekly housekeeping tasks, conduct unit inspections, issue non-compliance warnings as necessary, and complete unit turnovers as assigned.
Assist with problems or issues that arise during the shift.
Observe, follow, and enforce shelter rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Respond to residents’ needs and requests promptly and provide ongoing individual participant support as needed, in accordance with shelter rules.
Proactively manage program-supply inventory to keep items stocked.
Maintain a clean and safe physical environment, including dusting, organizing, sweeping, mopping, and removing trash and debris.
Attend staff and individual professional development meetings and complete required training within designated timeframes.
Report maintenance needs in accordance with related procedures.