Resident Advocate Full Time

Summary

Position Summary:  Provides a safe, secure and supportive residential environment for all clients and guests. Monitors daily activity throughout shelter to ensure client safety in facility.

Two full time shifts are available:  Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm  OR  3pm-11pm

Key Responsibilities: 
•Provides and emotional support to  residential client and demonstrates sensitivity and supports those in crisis and is non-judgmental and tactful in words and actions; crisis response and intervention. 
•Collaborates with case manager(s) on service updates or needs for clients via documentation, email and/or verbal communication.
•Communicates with supervisor and designated staff regarding pertinent client issues.
•Intervenes in crisis situations, using approved methods promoting the safety of all residents.
•Monitors security cameras and follow appropriate procedures to ensure client and building safety
•Assists with special events and activities scheduled shift.
•Participates in system data collection in an accurate, complete, and timely manner and completes data entry into Client’s First in a timely manner.
•Conducts intakes with new clients to include reviewing shelter policies, tours of the facility, completing intake paperwork and providing needed personal supplies.
•Monitors supplies such as bedding, towels, pillows, etc.; prepares rooms for new clients.
•Monitors resident advocate desk and assists clients with basic needs such as distributing medication, toiletries, etc.
•Provides light household task (i.e. spot cleaning rooms, washing shelter linens, spot cleaning common areas of shelter)
•Transports clients in company vehicle to and from appointments, meetings or hospital.
•Monitors the facility for safety and cleanliness.  Takes appropriate action to maintain cleanliness of shelter, as needed. 
• Assists clients with basic life skills activities including:  healthy habits, clean living skills, organization, daily planning, time management, etc.
•Provides back up coverage to hotline phone calls assesses level of client risk and as well as providing mental and emotional state of mind by active listening, comforting words and positive problem solving
•Conducts client exit interviews, when necessary.
•Monitors interns and volunteers and supports and guides them when necessary.
•Performs basic administrative tasks, including filing, incident reports summaries, and other
duties, not listed here, deemed necessary for the well-being of the agency.

Other Duties: Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work, sociology or similar with 6 months of experience working in a residential facility, shelter, or similar environment OR an Associate’s Degree and any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 

Licenses and Certifications: Valid Texas Driver’s License and clear driving record

Knowledge and Skills and Abilities:
•Knowledge of domestic violence and client trauma.
•Skilled in Microsoft Office applications.
•Skilled in verbal de-escalation and crisis management.
•Ability to maintain a clear and valid Texas driver’s license.
•Ability to communicate in both written and verbal formats to meet position responsibilities.
•Ability to be sensitive to the language, economic and cultural needs of clients.
•Ability to safely drive a company vehicle to off–site locations and attend off-site meetings and events.
•Maintains professional boundaries with clients at all times.
•Protects client confidentiality.
•Ability to work overtime when necessary to cover shifts

Mental and Physical Abilities: Duties are usually performed seated with occasional periods of standing or walking. Limited physical effort is required associated with lifting and carrying objects (less than 25 lbs).

Working Conditions: Work may be performed, but is not limited to an office environment. Ability to work some weekends, evenings and overnight hours.

Essential Functions: This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.