Residential Advocate (Per Diem)

Springfield, MA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $19.25

Work Schedule

On-call

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

Equal opportunity employer

flexible scheduling

competitive hourly wage

inclusive work environment

Job Description

Way Finders is a leading nonprofit organization recognized as a Top Workplace for Nonprofits, celebrated for its commitment to its employees and the community it serves. Dedicated to making a meaningful impact, Way Finders focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the region by improving the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals through robust advocacy and innovative housing solutions. As an employer of choice, Way Finders offers a supportive work environment where employees are valued and empowered to fulfill the organization’s mission in creating safe, affordable housing and providing critical services to those in need.

The Residential Advocate role at Way Finders is a vital position designed for individuals passionate about human and social services, especially those who find fulfillment in supporting and advocating for people within a shelter setting. This per diem/relief position involves working onsite in a dynamic environment on an on-call basis, covering 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts. The role requires a commitment to at least one shift per month to maintain employment, making it suitable for professionals seeking flexible scheduling options while contributing to a meaningful cause.

As a Residential Advocate, the individual will be responsible for delivering exceptional and compassionate customer service to families entering and residing in shelters. The role emphasizes assisting case managers during after-hours intakes, completing essential paperwork with care and respect, and assessing immediate needs accurately. Residential Advocates also play a critical role in emergency management by providing professional support during incidents and facilitating necessary communications with case managers, management, or external emergency services.

The position demands continuous awareness of local community resources to guide residents effectively and make appropriate referrals. Maintaining clear and timely communication through staff logs is essential to ensure all relevant updates concerning the families or the program are documented and shared. Security duties include monitoring access to the building, managing mail and packages, and ensuring visitor protocols are followed.

Residential Advocates are accountable for responding to serious incidents promptly, completing all documentation properly, and supporting the upkeep of shelter standards through assigning and monitoring housekeeping tasks, conducting unit inspections, and completing unit turnovers. Problem-solving during shifts, enforcing shelter policies, and providing ongoing support to residents in alignment with program rules are integral aspects of the role.

Beyond direct client interactions, the Residential Advocate also manages inventory levels of program supplies, contributes to maintaining a clean and safe physical environment, and actively participates in staff meetings and professional development trainings. Reporting maintenance needs and ensuring adherence to operational procedures are additional responsibilities that sustain the shelter’s functionality.

This role offers a competitive hourly wage of $19.25 and is ideal for compassionate professionals eager to make a tangible difference in their community through effective advocacy and supportive services. Way Finders' commitment to equality, inclusivity, and excellence ensures that the Residential Advocate will work in an environment that respects diverse backgrounds and fosters growth and development.

Job Requirements

One year of equivalent experience in human services frontline work, or a related role
A combination of experience plus a high school diploma (or equivalent) may be a substitute
Preference for experience working with the homeless population
Fundamental computer and Microsoft Office skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Responsive crisis-management ability
Ability to self-motivate and remain professional when working independently
Ability to navigate multiple flights of stairs
Relief/Per Diem employees must be available to work a minimum of one shift per month, attend staff meetings, and meet all training requirements
Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills preferred but not required
CORI/SORI clearance

Job Qualifications

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 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 navigate multiple flights of stairs in a home environment
Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are preferred, but not required
CORI/SORI clearance

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
Relief/Per Diem employees must work a minimum of one shift per month and return manager communications in a timely fashion regardless of availability, in addition to attending required meetings and completing required trainings