Job Details

**$1/hr. shift differential between the hours of 6pm and 12am**

The Participant Advocate (PA, swing hours 4pm-12am) is responsible for providing operational support and oversight at homeless shelter locations during an assigned shift that may be day, swing, or graveyard; at the Homeless Services Center (HSC) during assigned shifts; and at the Palms Inn site. The Participant Advocate works with vulnerable populations in an environment that includes individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, behavioral health challenges, and trauma histories. The Participant Advocate provides daily living support and services in accordance with day-to-day, housing related, and individual service needs of participants. The Participant Advocate ensures that all interactions with participants are housing focused, trauma informed, and oriented toward individual/family resilience. The Participant Advocate is dedicated to harm reduction principles and strengths-based trauma-informed programming.

Essential Functions

Service Center & Shelter Operations

1. Provide support in service center operations to achieve an environment of health, safety, respect, and dignity.
2. Maintain an environment that ensures successful service provision and communal interaction.
3. Perform cleaning and sanitation duties as required, including occasional work with biohazards.
4. Conduct regular site and safety walks.
5. Monitor overall site and participant health and safety.
6. Assist clients with needs and provide guidance and direction when necessary.
7. Assist with food and clothing distribution.
8. Assist with opening and closing procedures when necessary.

Client Engagement and Demonstrated Advocacy

1. Focus on a housing first approach with all clients/participants.
2. Show compassion and empathy in client interactions.
3. Serve clients with a trauma-informed approach.
4. Provide dignity and respect without judgment.
5. Maintain professional boundaries with clients and staff.
6. Model behaviors that support healthy living.
7. Respond to participant requests, explain program expectations, and share information and referrals for housing assistance.
8. Utilize harm reduction and motivational interviewing strategies.
9. Assist in conflict resolution, promoting respectful communication and problem-solving; discern when to disengage or seek assistance.

Documentation and Data Entry

1. Assist with screening and enrollment, completing required forms.
2. Review participants' case history, service plans, and documentation regularly.
3. Maintain accurate documentation and communicate effectively with team members.
4. Support data quality and compliance efforts, including data entry into HMIS and DataLink.
5. Complete intake and exit paperwork accurately and timely.

Resource Knowledge

1. Maintain knowledge of agency and community resources.
2. Build relationships with partner agency staff for communication and referrals.
3. Attend staff meetings and trainings.

Learning and Development

1. Complete required certifications and trainings.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth.

Other Responsibilities

1. Assist with food preparation for client meals if needed.
2. Collaborate with the Diocese of Santa Rosa and local parishes as appropriate.
3. Perform other duties as assigned.

Note: Catholic Charities considers this position to be a mandated reporter of child and elder abuse.

Agency Culture

All employees should uphold the following:

• Commitment to the agency's mission, vision, and values.
• Strive for excellence and continuous improvement.
• Focus on outcomes and results.
• Embrace innovation and possibility.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; 1-2 years' experience as a caregiver or similar role preferred.
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within six months.
• Understanding of homelessness causes, social services, and community resources; Housing First knowledge preferred.
• Computer skills, including Microsoft 365.
• Strong communication, organization, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, cooperative and proactive attitude.
• Ability to work under pressure positively.
• Valid driver's license, insurance, clean driving record, and willingness to travel.
• Pass DOJ background check prior to employment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and perform physical tasks including lifting up to 20 pounds. Vision and hearing capabilities required. Accommodations available for disabilities.

Work Environment

Work involves noise, client interactions, and use of office equipment. Reasonable accommodations provided.

Employee signature below indicates understanding of duties and requirements.

Employee Signature: _______________________________________________