Lead Housing Advocate CR

East Oakland Community Project Job Description

Title: Crossroads Day Shift Lead Housing Advocate (HA)

Department: Crossroads Resident Shelter

Reports to: Resident Shelter Manager

FLSA : $22.00 per hour, Non-Exempt

Directly Leads: Up to 4 Housing Advocates at any given time

SUMMARY

The Lead Housing Advocate leads and ensures that that day shift duties are carried out daily while upholding EOCP's mission. Resident crisis and critical incidents are handled and in a respectful, strength-based manner using Motivational Interviewing and a Harm Reduction approach. This position ensures building safety by following EOCP personnel and protocols and procedures.

The Lead HA provides leadership, training and guidance to the Housing Advocate staff (full-time and on call staff) during their assigned shift to ensure that Crossroads residents have quality experience during their stay that adheres to EOCP's vision, mission and core standards.

The Lead HA works directly under the supervision of the Shelter Manager and maintains a close working relationship with the Crossroads Case Management and Facilities teams. This position oversees all aspects of shelter operations during their assigned shift. Lead HA will oversee the work of full time and on-call HA staff during their assigned shift.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Service Delivery/Coordination

- Supervise resident activities and respond to their questions and concerns using Motivational Interviewing and a Harm Reduction approach

- Introducing program requirements to new residents, ensuring resident buy-in and assure compliance of these requirements in the long-run

- Provide "awake coverage and always ensure ground security, checking items upon entry

- Ensure rooms are clean and clients adhere to shelter policies and procedures. Work closely with HA staff to assist residents

- Assist staff with the interpretation of the Housing Advocate Manual. Consult the HA manual regularly for accurate information on Crossroads protocols and procedures

- Ensure all shift logs, incident reports, shift notes and written violations are completed and reported to the appropriate staff members

- Ensure that all intakes are completed accurately and turned in

- Assist Shelter Manager to maintain staffing levels when notified of staff absences/lateness

- Work with Shelter Manager to address resident concerns, potential workflow problems and any issues that impact program safety

- Maintain order and communication/enforce agency rules and policies.

- Ensure t h e _ registration o f client s an d documentation o f service s provided durin g shift are

carried out in accordance with established procedures.

- Ensure adequate logging of visitors, activities /concerns during shift.

- Coordinate assessment and referral of clients from shift staff to Case Manager Staff or to outside services.

- Brief staff regarding significant occurrences, potential problems and client needs via accurate documentation.

- Coordinate program activities and services that occur during shift.

- Support bed assignments, smoke breaks, and other daily routines

- Provide emergency assistance to residents and HA staff as necessary

- Provide crisis management in a comprehensive and respectful manner and complete required documentation

- Other duties as assigned

Safety

- Ensure that staff report, via email, all facility repairs to Facilities Management/Shelter Manager daily,

- Ensure that all intakes are completed accurately and turned in

- Leads in emergencies, ensures safety of residents and staff. Reports emergency incidents to Program Director and Shelter Manager. Maintain a working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure a safe work environment for clients and all personnel

- Maintain order and communication/enforce agency rules and policies.

- Assist with weekly training and development of program staff

- Document and follow-up on incident reports

- Ensure facility walkthroughs are preformed, and rounds are made in the facility to be in compliance with EOCP Safety standards.

- Communicate all safety concerns to the appropriate parties in a timely manner

- Preforms safety background checks on all new residents and updates red file logs

Supervision

- Coordinate and ensure all staff breaks are taken

- Promote the well-being of staff by checking in regularly and troubleshooting any triggers/challenges that lead to burnout/frustration

- Ensure staff is posted on the dorm floors when dorms are open

- Provide "awake" shift coverage and always ensure grounds security

- Ensure chores and rounds are completed. Works closely with HA staff to assist residents in properly completing daily chore assignments

- Model positive, professional behavior includes appearance and communication to Crossroads residents, HA and other EOCP staff. Lead by example

- Assist Shelter Manager to maintain staffing levels when notified of staff absences/lateness

- Leads in emergencies, ensures safety of residents and staff. Reports emergency incidents to Housing Advocate Manager and Shelter Manager. Maintain a working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure a safe work environment for clients and all personnel

- Maintain order and communication/enforce agency rules and policies.

- Contribute to creating HA work schedul e

- Communicate with the Shelter Manager in a timely fashion regarding staff performance issues and assist with carrying out performance action plans.

- Assume on-call supervisor responsibilities as scheduled.

- Review incident reports to ensure compliance with Crossroads policy and procedures

- Assist with orientation and training of new staff. (I.e. chores, bed, sheet, etc.)

- Model positive client interactions using a motivational interviewing harm reduction approach.

- Actively participate in staff meetings and in-service training.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

The qualifications for this position include:

- Three years of experience assisting homeless or low-income people

- Must have the ability to exercise good judgment, coach and provide support to other staff members.

- Must be sensitive to the needs of homeless individuals and families with multiple issues and be able to work with a diverse population.

- Experience working with computers and successful utilization of Microsoft word and excel.

- Demonstrated knowledge to successfully access and navigate internet and operate office equipment

- Must be neat and organized, professional and have good verbal communication skills (ability to speak extremely clearly) with residents and staff.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma and five years' experience working with individuals and families with multiple issues. Strong leadership ability is required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: English, any second language a plus, especially Spanish or American Sign Language.