Title:                    Resident Advocate
 
Program:             CES Families
 
Reports to:          Program Coordinator
 
Coordinated Entry System provides comprehensive services designed to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness within SPA 1 of Los Angeles County. Participants may be mentally ill, have intellectual developmental disabilities, substance abuse issues, and chronic medical/physical disabilities, exiting institutions and are homeless.

The Resident Advocate is responsible for providing on-site support and advocacy to participants in the site-based Crisis Housing program. The Resident Advocate provides light case management and assists program residents with daily living needs.  The Resident Advocate oversees participant activities, approaches participants using a trauma informed lens and motivational interviewing techniques, and ensures a safe environment for the residents of the facility.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist resident participants with connections to community supportive services
• Prepare food and supplies list for cottages and assist with weekly or bi-monthly shopping, as needed
• Update assigned Housing Navigator with participant progress and/or participant needs
• Provide site orientation and educate participants on the site rules
• Complete weekly, monthly and quarterly reports as requested by lead agency management and/or supervisor
• Make documented referrals to other services as needed
• Participate in participant case review meetings with assigned Housing Navigator as requested
• Serve as the liaison between families residing in site-based Crisis Housing and other departments of the CES team and Regional Coordinated Entry System
• Support participants in Crisis / Bridge Housing through advocacy, mediation, crisis intervention, management.
• Document all participant interaction or relative information within 24 hours into the HMIS or Apricot system and ensure all reporting and HMIS/Apricot data entry is accurate.
• Assist in the initial intake assessment as needed.
• Assist in the housing stability development plan for participants in crisis housing
• In coordination with the Crisis Housing Coordinator, help participants understand Crisis Housing guidelines and associated services
• Ensure participants are complying with program guidelines and procedures.
• Provide ongoing services status updates for participants in crisis housing.
• Communicate crisis housing barriers to Bridge Coordinator and Housing Navigators to address participant concerns
• Prepare cottages for new families
• Complete regular assessments of cottage conditions and request repairs and/or resident upkeep as necessary
• Maintains order and assists in keeping all assigned areas clean and free of spills, trash and safety hazards.
• Checks daily activities and chores as assigned to participants.
• Responsible for day-to-day contact with participants.
• Provide assistance such as, document access and preparation, connection to mainstream benefits and employment/training opportunities, access to basic necessities.
• Track participants’ length of stay in crisis housing and submit extension requests on behalf of participants in crisis housing, as needed.
• Assist with prioritizing the needs of participants in crisis housing.
• Participate in regular internal Case Conferences, CES Care Coordination and team meetings.
• Facilitate life skills groups for participants in Crisis Housing.
• Provide immediate and professional response to any security /safety emergency or disturbance within or immediately outside facility.
• Maintain participants hard copy files accurately and in accordance with program standards and is audit ready at all times
• Conduct daily/weekly cottage inspections to ensure that participants are complying with program and site guidelines. 
• Coordinate TB testing for all newly enrolled families within 7 days of program entry
• Coordinate TB re-testing for families whose test results are due for renewal
• Compose a daily email to other Crisis Housing staff including updates on participants, daily activities and other pertinent information.
• Distribute and collect housing and job search logs on a weekly basis
• Post chore list in designated cottages each week.
• Conduct a deep clean on cottages once that have been vacated by participants.
• Use effective communication skills such as active and reflective listening to build rapport
• Engage effectively and constructively with the program manager to make program refinements in the best interests of the program
• Participate in staff meetings, individual and group supervision, case conferences and training as required
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures including confidentiality, child abuse reporting, and code of ethics
• Additional tasks, projects and or responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor that are not outlined but which are an important part of the agency’s goals and/or program outcomes 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Clear understanding of the concepts of Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and the Coordinated Entry System
• Knowledge and understanding of policy, systems, and local programs that impact homeless persons and related public funding sources, regulations, requirements, and procedures
• Knowledge of best practice models for assisting homeless people with varying degrees of needs/conditions and have a strong understanding of contractual requirements/compliance and applicable performance measures
• Knowledge of issues facing homeless individuals (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse and resources for undocumented individuals)
• Knowledge of community social service agencies and resources
• Work effectively under conditions of limited supervision, high stress and rapidly changing situations and circumstances
• Ability to handle common problems without supervisor intervention while knowing when supervisor participation is warranted
• Must be able to exercise initiative, independent good judgment, flexibility, discretion, and solid decision making
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to individuals who may be ill, using substances, lack of personal care, in crisis situations and/or potentially hostile situations
• Ability to work with a diverse population and provide culturally competent advocacy
• Actively promote positive, nurturing interactions between participants and employees
• Ability to deescalate aggressive/agitated individuals
• Able to take appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining the safety of all participants
• Must be able to successfully manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, adjust to changing; circumstances, and demonstrate confidence working with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize strong judgement and interpersonal skills to manage sensitive client interactions including with those who may be in distress with acute illness, substance use issues, co-morbidity of behavioral and physical health issues in addition to homelessness
• Project a professional demeanor and a high level of professionalism when dealing with sensitive matters
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral; must communicate professionally and positively with participants, co-workers, management, community partners, employers, landlords, and other service providers
• Promote cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and objective; collaborate with team members, sharing ideas and differences openly; be receptive to new ideas and adapt to change as necessary
• Strict confidentiality must be observed as it relates to client information, agency business, program decisions and all other personal information
• Considers impact of personal and professional choices. Consistently make decisions in keeping with organizational values and Supervisor’s direction
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks
• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner)
• Proficient in use of laptop/desktop computer, Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google drive
• Strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment, while exercising sound judgment
• Ability to work a flexible schedule; including nights, days, weekends and holidays
• Ability to respond to emergencies some evenings and weekends as necessary
• Use of a personal vehicle may be required to travel in and around Antelope Valley and/or Los Angeles County and periodically transport participants
• Maintain professional boundaries and work collaboratively with participants, volunteers and staff
• Accountability – be on time for scheduled shifts
• Be able to read and write English
• Bilingual Preferred but not required

Qualifications & Experience:

• High School Graduate or equivalent
• Minimum one year experience in social services setting; preferably working as an employee or volunteer in providing homeless services;
• Experience in a residential facility setting strongly preferred

Agency Requirements:

• Valid California Driver’s License
• Auto insurance
• Clean Driving Record
• Employment pending drug screening, background check and DMV driving report)

Work Conditions & Physical Demands
The following are work conditions that one may encounter in the course of performing their job duties:

• May be in contact with individuals in crisis
• May experience unpleasant sensory demands associated with an individual’s use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal care
• May experience crisis situations and potentially hostile situations, must be ready to respond quickly and effectively.

An employee is required to:
Walk and climb stairs; Handle, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; extend both arms above the head and/or reach below the waist; Communicate ideas and information verbally and written word; Be able to move oneself quickly and easily from place to place; Repeat various motions with hands, wrists, fingers; Climb on stools, steps and/or ladders; Be subject to outside environmental conditions, including but not limited to: Rain, heat, wind.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. If accommodation(s) are required, employee must inform Human Resources by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform Human Resources at the time it is needed.

Benefits:

Health	Employee Assistance Plan	Paid Sick
Dental	AFLAC	Paid Vacation
Vision	Cafeteria 125 Plan	Personal Days
Acupuncture/Chiropractic	Retirement Plan
Life Insurance	14 Observed Holidays

 
Schedule:
40 hours a week – flex schedule; must be available to work days, weekends, and holidays.
 
Salary Range:
$18.00 – 20.00 per hour

An Equal Opportunity Employer: Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability.
 
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