Residential Advocate (20 hrs/wk)

Way Finders•Springfield, MA

7d•$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, and operational assistance in a shelter setting, including after-hours intake support and help with rehousing-plan activities. 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. The position is 20 hours per week and pays $19.25–$20.00 per hour, based on equivalent qualifications. Applicants must submit a resume; applications are accepted until the position is filled. CORI/SORI screening is required.

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 when 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 and currently living in the shelter.
Assist the case manager with after-hours intakes and assigned rehousing-plan activities, including assessing immediate needs and completing paperwork thoroughly, patiently, and respectfully.
Provide professional backup during emergencies and call case managers, management, or external assistance such as ambulance or police when necessary.
Stay informed about basic community resources and share them with clients; make referrals as directed by case managers.
Update the staff communication log during each shift with pertinent information affecting the program, families, or clients.
Monitor cameras and doors, admit participants, receive and distribute packages and mail, and receive visitors while 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 needed, and complete assigned unit turnovers.
Assist in resolving problems or issues that arise during the shift.
Observe, follow, and enforce shelter rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Respond to residents’ needs and requests in a timely manner and provide ongoing individual participant support as needed.
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 according to established procedures.