Full-Time Residential Advocate

Volunteers of America Colorado•Durango, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Advocate protects the physical and emotional well-being of residents at the Southwest Safehouse. The role provides crisis intervention, conducts intake interviews, offers weekly individual counseling, and supports residents in identifying goals and implementing plans. The Advocate also responds to crisis and emergency hotlines, identifies referral resources, documents resident observations and services, and helps maintain a safe, comfortable, and orderly facility. The position includes supervising and training volunteers and new employees as assigned, leading house and group meetings, participating in staff meetings and training, and representing the program through community presentations, professional meetings, and facility tours. The Advocate incorporates guest feedback into program evaluation and improvement, participates in an on-call rotation, and performs other assigned duties in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics. This is a full-time position scheduled Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The employee is required to sleep on-site from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the designated block shift. Starting pay is $20.30–$22.02 per hour, and the position is eligible for a $1,000 hiring bonus paid in two installments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related area.
One year of human service experience.
Ability to perform routine lifting and cleaning and to walk up and down stairs.
Ability to sleep on-site from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the designated block shift.
Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to health or safety.
Demonstrates Accountability, Integrity, Respect, and Service, and models the organization’s Hungry, Humble, People Smart virtues.
Demonstrates servant leadership and open communication.
Demonstrates compassion for vulnerable community members and willingness to learn about poverty, human service programs, homelessness, aging, veterans, at-risk youth, and related services.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience working with at-risk populations, including people experiencing homelessness, veterans, or survivors of domestic violence.
Training in de-escalation techniques or conflict mediation.
CPR/AED certification.

Responsibilities

Protect residents’ physical and emotional well-being within program guidelines.
Support general client and house maintenance, including supplying linens and personal items, implementing chore schedules, performing bed checks, enforcing curfew and house rules, checking chore completion, setting and checking alarms, and confirming building clearance during fire drills.
Provide weekly individual counseling, help clients identify goals, and assist them in implementing plans.
Conduct primary intake interviews, complete required documentation, and determine whether prospective clients are appropriate for admission.
Answer crisis and emergency hotlines and maintain awareness of referral agencies for callers and residents.
Maintain records, case notes, daily shift notes, group-session notes, shift logs, and other required paperwork.
Observe clients’ daily behavior and document observations.
Maintain the facility as a comfortable and orderly environment and provide direct crisis intervention services.
Conduct house meetings and group sessions as assigned.
Supervise and train new employees and volunteers as assigned.
Provide educational presentations to community groups, attend professional meetings when requested, and conduct on-site tours.
Attend weekly staff meetings, complete required in-service training, and meet periodically with the Program Manager to exchange information and provide input.
Incorporate guest feedback into program evaluation and improvement.
Participate in an on-call rotation with other Advocates, Senior Managers, and the Senior Director.
Perform duties in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics and carry out other duties as assigned.