Advocate (On-Call) - Junction Point - Seattle, United States - CCSWW

Description

Overview

On-call position at $21.53/hr. (D.O.E)

Program/Position Description

Junction Point provides safe and dignified 24/7 enhanced shelter and supportive services for at least 45 people age 50 and older experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to provide a hospitable and low barrier shelter with a harm reduction model. This is to be done in the spirit of the ministry of presence, which fosters attention to the individual and respect for each person's unique situation. This shelter is for a population of older people who are vulnerable to the weather, street predators, and illness. These people may be high needs, have serious physical disabilities, chronic and acute mental illness, active chemical dependency and trauma. Junction Point Shelter emphasizes moving people into permanent housing through case management. CCS is committed to making our services, our agencies and our communities free of the divisive and dehumanizing ravages of racism. We strive for anti-racist programming and practices by supporting racial equity and justice in our daily work.

Responsibilities

Direct service to people who are homeless

• Provide crisis intervention and advocacy to participants.
• Coordinate with other social service agency workers (case managers, social workers, medical professionals) to provide for clients' immediate needs.
• Model interpersonal and living skills for clients.
• Enforce building and program rules, including bar policy.
• Maintain a safe and comfortable enhanced shelter environment, including removal of garbage from individual cubicles when necessary, routine garbage removal from the common areas and other janitorial assistance as assigned.
• Assist janitorial and maintenance staff as needed.
• Work as a team with other colleagues on shift and be able to work independently without direct supervision.

Client intake, assessment and advocacy

• Register new clients including evaluation and assessment of client needs.
• Review and record notes and information into databases that are relevant to other staff members and/or help insure program consistency.
• Maintain client records, updating information on an ongoing basis.
• Explain and enforce policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate client count throughout shifts.
• Dispense personal belongings and supplies to Shelter Residents
• Complete frequent scheduled modular unit and grounds checks throughout shifts.
• Engage outside professionals (Mental Health Professionals, Medics, Police) when appropriate.

Concierge Duties

• Manage front desk and building security, including welcoming clients, visitors and donors, receive in-kind donations, sorting and distributing mail, monitoring security cameras and lobby, enforcing building and program rules, and sanitizing client belongings.
• Perform routine walk through of the entire facility to engage with clients and ensure safety.
• Process messages and maintain accurate client tracking records, including the bar list.
• Answer phones and provide information to callers about services offered at the shelter and other locations.
• Lead activities and/or groups
• Assist with serving meals and preparing meals, snacks and beverages.
• Assist in hosting events for the shelter guests and public.
• Assist participants as they move into or out of the shelter as needed.

Supervision of Volunteers

• Supervise volunteers on shift
• Work with off-site volunteers providing advice and support as needed.

Administrative and General Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings, workshops, retreats, and in-service classes as provided.
• Maintain accurate record of hours worked and turn in timesheets on schedule.
• Contribute to and support a positive, team-oriented work environment; participate with other staff members in group decision-making process.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the program.
• Assist with client and program laundry as needed.
• Inform supervisors of facilities and client-related issues.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Job Conditions

This position requires the employee to work in an environment where there may be exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious material. Other exposures could include cleaning supplies, bedbugs, chemicals involved in pest control, paint and other materials used in building maintenance, building temperature fluctuations, dust, noise, and odors. Working conditions include interruptions, crisis response, and regular interactions with individuals who are dealing with issues of chemical dependency and/or mental illness, or are experiencing anger or frustration.

Physical and Mental Acuity Requirements

The requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to hear telephone rings, phone conversation and face-to-face conversation, door bells and emergency alarms.
• Able to speak clearly in person and on the telephone.
• Able to hand write legibly.
• Vision that enables person to read normal size print and handwritten notes; and distance and peripheral vision than enables person to monitor living spaces and identify concerns that require staff response.
• Able to sit for sustained periods of time.
• Able to walk the entire building and ascend and descend stairs quickly to move from one floor to another in order to respond to emergency situations.
• Mobility/dexterity of hands/arms to enable keying into a unit or other locked area as well as using computers and other office equipment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 20 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
• Regularly able to perform duties as assigned.
• Able to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment in performing job duties.

Qualifications

• One year experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
• Experience or knowledge of mental illness and addictions.
• Knowledge and experience with crisis intervention.
• Commitment to harm reduction program model.
• Ability to work within the mission, goals, and objectives of Catholic Housing Services/Catholic Community Services.
• Ability to commit to developing and safekeeping a workplace that values and supports a culturally diverse work environment.
• Must have a reliable phone or voice mail service at all times in which to be reached.
• Ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, teamwork, and excellence.
• Support and uphold the mission, beliefs and values of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services.
• Support and contribute to a creative, collaborative and respectful environment that promotes teamwork.
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi-cultural situations.
• Criminal history background checks are required prior to employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• College level classes toward degree in Social Service.
• Previous work experience in programs that work with high needs participants.
• CPR/First Aid training.

Note to Internal Candidates: HR reviews internal compensation and determines any increase based on their experience and also agency internal equity factors.