Residential Advocate (20 hrs/wk)

Springfield, MA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Part-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $19.25 - $20.00

Work Schedule

Day Shifts

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

educational assistance

Medical reimbursement account

Dependent Care Account

Retirement Plan

Life insurance

short-term disability insurance

long-term disability insurance

transportation benefits

Employee assistance program

Staff picnic

Job Description

Way Finders is a distinguished nonprofit organization recognized as a Top Workplace for Nonprofits, celebrated for its commitment to the well-being and development of both its employees and the communities it serves. Known as an employer of choice by its staff, Way Finders operates with passion and dedication to uplift the region’s people, places, and systems. This organization is deeply invested in building a thriving region by improving economic mobility and stability for families and individuals while managing a wide array of safe, affordable housing options. Way Finders has grown into a beacon of hope and an advocate for individuals experiencing housing insecurity, and it continues to shape the future by creating supportive environments that foster success and sustainability within communities.

The Residential Advocate role is a vital part-time (20 hours per week) position at Way Finders, tailored for professionals who have experience in human or social services and are motivated by a meaningful, hands-on position supporting vulnerable populations in a shelter setting. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide compassionate assistance and advocacy for families and individuals in need, helping them navigate their housing challenges while ensuring a safe and respectful environment within the shelter. The Residential Advocate is responsible for providing exceptional customer service to shelter residents and visitors, assisting with after-hours intake processes, and supporting case managers in their rehousing efforts. This position requires a patient, thorough, and respectful approach to paperwork and client interactions, alongside the ability to respond swiftly and appropriately to emergencies by coordinating with management and external services like ambulance or police.

An emphasis on community awareness is essential for the Residential Advocate, who must stay informed about local resources and guide clients to appropriate agencies under case manager direction. Additionally, the role involves maintaining security protocols by monitoring access to the shelter, handling mail and packages, and documenting significant incidents affecting the program or residents. The advocate also plays an active role in maintaining order and safety through housekeeping tasks, conducting unit inspections, and managing inventory supplies. Flexibility and professionalism are paramount, as the role operates fully onsite with shifts on weekends and Wednesdays, focusing on supporting the mission and values of Way Finders.

Benefits for the Residential Advocate position include 20 days of accrued paid time off in the first year, 15 or more annual holidays, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options starting from the first day of employment, educational assistance, and various financial aid programs such as Medical and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts. The organization also offers a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, transportation benefits, an Employee Assistance Program, and social opportunities like an annual staff picnic. The hourly wage ranges from $19.25 to $20.00, depending on qualifications, underscoring the organization’s commitment to fair and competitive compensation. Candidates must submit a resume and will undergo CORI/SORI background checks as a condition of employment.

Job Requirements

One year of equivalent experience in human services frontline work, or a related role
Preference for experience working with the homeless population
Fundamental computer and Microsoft Office skills, with ability to learn new technologies
Excellent interpersonal skills, including empathy and patience
Responsive crisis-management ability in a sometimes high-stress environment while employing solid decision-making skills
Ability to self-motivate and remain professional when working independently
Ability to earn and maintain CPR certification as per program requirements (training provided)
Ability to navigate multiple flights of stairs in a home environment
Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills appreciated but not required
CORI/SORI background checks required

Job Qualifications

One year of equivalent experience in human services frontline work, or a related role
Experience working with the homeless population preferred
Fundamental computer and Microsoft Office skills, with the ability to learn new technologies
Excellent interpersonal skills, including empathy and patience
Responsive crisis-management ability in a sometimes high-stress environment while employing solid decision-making skills
Ability to self-motivate and remain professional when working independently
Ability to earn and maintain CPR certification as per program requirements (training provided)
Ability to navigate multiple flights of stairs in a home environment
Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills appreciated but not required

Job Duties

Provide exceptional, positive customer service and initial reception to families entering, and currently living, in shelter
Assist case manager with after-hours intakes and activities related to rehousing plans as assigned, completing paperwork in a thorough, patient, and respectful manner, including assessing for immediate needs
Provide process-driven, professional backup during emergency incidents, including appropriately calling for assistance from case managers, management, and external sources (ambulance, police) as necessary
Stay updated on basic resources in the community and share with clients as appropriate
make referrals to other agencies as directed by case managers
Update staff communication log during each shift, to include pertinent details that affect, or may affect, the program, families, or clients
Monitor and review cameras and doors to allow participants into the building
receive all packages and mail and distribute into mailboxes in a timely and accurate manner
receive visitors, ensuring sign-in with identification
Respond to and report on all serious incidents, including but not limited to immediate communication to manager and/or on-call supervisor, and the completion of all proper documentation
Assign and monitor weekly housekeeping tasks
conduct unit inspections, issuing non-compliance warnings as necessary
complete unit turnovers as assigned and needed to welcome new families
Assist in the resolution of problems or issues that arise during shift
Observe, follow, and enforce all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the shelter
Respond to the needs and requests of residents in a timely fashion in accordance with rules and provide ongoing individual participant support as needed
Proactively manage inventory of program supplies to ensure items remain fully stocked
Maintain clean and safe physical environment, including but not limited to dusting, organizing, sweeping, mopping, and trash/debris removal
Attend staff and individual professional development meetings
complete all assigned trainings as required within the designated timeframe
Report maintenance needs, following related procedures