Participant Advocate III

at  Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa

POSITION SUMMARY

The Participant Advocate (PA) III is responsible for providing operational support and oversight at a shelter location during an assigned shift that may include day, swing, or graveyard. The Participant Advocate III is an elevated shelter staff position that has demonstrated responsibility and mastered competency working with individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness. As a supervisor position, the Participant Advocate III possess a working knowledge of Catholic Charities’ policy, procedure, and operational/quality improvement processes. The Participant Advocate III ensures that all interactions with participants are housing focused. The position facilitates safe operations of on-site communal programming and other day-to-day shelter activities. This position responds to participant requests, explains and facilitates shelter expectations, and shares information and referrals as appropriate for obtaining housing. The Participant Advocate III participates in agency and countywide data tracking efforts including data entry into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Under the direction of a Site Supervisor, Shelters or Program Manager, the Participant Advocate III oversees special shelter projects and assigned work assignments. The Participant Advocate III supervises the work of Participant Advocate I’s and Participant Advocate II’s. This position may help register and screen incoming clients, complete required forms, and monitor communal health and safety. The Participant Advocate III’s knowledge and understanding of relevant resources is housing focused, trauma informed, and oriented toward individual/family resilience.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• High School Diploma, one to two years’ successful work as a Participant Advocate II or verified successful equal work experience, one year of demonstrated competency organizing and supporting program operations with an ability to implement systems, required. Associates Degree in a social service or related field or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or supervising other staff and volunteers.
• Must become certified in CPR and First Aid within six months of transfer to this position or hiring date.
• Food Handlers certification must be obtained within thirty days months of transfer to this position or hiring date.
• Understanding of causes of homelessness, experience working within social services and familiarity with community resources. Knowledge of Housing First principles and methods preferred.
• Have working knowledge of relevant community resources.
• Computer literacy required including experience with Microsoft 365 Suite.
• Strong written and verbal communication; organization, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, cooperative, friendly, proactive, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with clients and other employees to ensure a positive and constructive environment within the program or department and throughout the Agency.
• Ability to work under pressure with a positive, solution-oriented approach.
• Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of Catholic Charities and its clients.
• Valid driver license and at least state required minimum of automobile insurance, clear DMV driving record and ability to provide own transportation. Must be willing and able to travel between agency sites.
• Must pass DOJ background clearance (fingerprinting) in accordance with the Diocese of Santa Rosa’s policies prior to start of employment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required.

JOB ANALYSIS/JOB DESCRIPTION PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Never (N)
Occasionally (O) = Up to 3 Hours per Day
Frequently (F) = Up to 6 Hours per Day
Constantly (C) = Up to 8 Hours per Day

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa is an Equal Opportunity Employer, seeking the best and brightest. Our organization does not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance. We support, educate, create opportunities for, and ensure the wellbeing of our staff for the betterment of those most in need.
CCDSR participates in E-Verify, an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate Housing First ideals in on-going housing-focused conversations with participants. Research local housing opportunities and share with participants in coordination with case management.
• Learn and utilize harm reduction and motivational interviewing concepts and strategies.
• Work an assigned shelter shift (day, swing, graveyard) performing necessary duties under minimal supervision.
• Assist with conflict resolution, encouraging positive methods of problem-solving, respectful communication and self-restraint; discern when to disengage and when to request for assistance from others.
• Assist with supervision of community volunteers and shelter participants; ensure that volunteers and shelter participants meet all agency and program requirements.
• Learn and maintain an in-depth knowledge of agency and partner resources, build relationships with staff of partner agencies to facilitate communication and referrals, use referral processes and train volunteers to use them. Research and apply best practices both from local and national agencies and networks.
• Cleaning and sanitation duties as required, occasional work with biohazards.
• Maintain documentation and enter and track all necessary information for communicating with co-workers. Support shelter facility on data quality and contract compliance.
• Complete program intake and exit paperwork, accurately, timely, and with minimal errors, input information accurately and timely into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Prepare monthly reports on program data and client summaries as assigned.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service trainings. Support other shelter staff in accessing and utilizing agency tools and trainings. Facilitate workshops or coordinates shelter housing-related activity.
• Implement policies and procedures in line with accreditation standards. Ensure that work meets and supports accreditation standards, policies and procedures; keep program handbook updated and accurate.
• Supervise Participant Advocate I’s and Participant Advocate II’s or equivalent. Supervision of staff may include time and attendance management, disciplinary actions, and performance management.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• May assist in food preparation for client meals.
• Work with Diocese of Santa Rosa and local parishes as appropriate and requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.