Residential Advocate (PT; 20 hrs/wk)

Job Details

Job Location: Springfield, MA 01103Position Type: Part-timeSalary Range: $17.50 - $18.50 Hourly

Department:  Housing Support Services     Work Arrangement:  Onsite                    

Residential Advocate (PT; 20 hrs/wk)

Way Finders is a Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!

At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a part-time Residential Advocate. The Residential Advocate is a great role for anyone who has worked in human or social services and finds meaning in assisting and advocating for others in a shelter setting.

Benefits include:  Paid time-off | 15+ prorated holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic!

Wage starts between $17.50 and $18.50 per hour based on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  CORI/SORI.

The candidate will work fully onsite.  Saturdays & Sundays, 4 pm - midnight; Tuesdays 6 - 10 pm.

Responsibilities include:
•    Provide exceptional, positive customer service and initial reception to families entering, and currently living, in shelter
•    Assist case manager with after-hours intakes and activities related to rehousing plans as assigned, completing paperwork in a thorough, patient, and respectful manner, including assessing for immediate needs
•    Provide process-driven, professional backup during emergency incidents, including appropriately calling for assistance from case managers, management, and external sources (ambulance, police) as necessary
•    Stay updated on basic resources in the community and share with clients as appropriate; make referrals to other agencies as directed by case managers
•    Update staff communication log during each shift, to include pertinent details that affect, or may affect, the program, families, or clients
•    Monitor and review cameras and doors to allow participants into the building; receive all packages and mail and distribute into mailboxes in a timely and accurate manner; receive visitors, ensuring sign-in with identification
•    Respond to and report on all serious incidents, including but not limited to immediate communication to manager and/or on-call supervisor, and the completion of all proper documentation
•    Assign and monitor weekly housekeeping tasks; conduct unit inspections, issuing non-compliance warnings as necessary; complete unit turnovers as assigned and needed to welcome new families
•    Assist in the resolution of problems or issues that arise during shift
•    Observe, follow, and enforce all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the shelter
•    Respond to the needs and requests of residents in a timely fashion in accordance with rules and provide ongoing individual participant support as needed
•    Proactively manage inventory of program supplies to ensure items remain fully stocked
•    Maintain clean and safe physical environment, including but not limited to dusting, organizing, sweeping, mopping, and trash/debris removal
•    Attend staff and individual professional development meetings; complete all assigned trainings as required within the designated timeframe
•    Report maintenance needs, following related procedures

Requirements include:
•    1 year of equivalent experience in human services frontline work, or a related role; a combination of experience plus a high school diploma (or equivalent) may be a substitute
•    Preference for experience working with the homeless population
•    Fundamental computer and Microsoft Office skills, with the ability to learn new technologies
•    Excellent interpersonal skills, including empathy