The Participant Advocate (PA) I, Respite and Shelter is responsible for providing operational support and oversight at the Nightingale Respite Program and other homeless shelter locations during an assigned shift that may include day, swing, or graveyard. The Participant Advocate I, Respite and Shelter is an elevated shelter staff position that has increased responsibility and demonstrated competency in working with vulnerable populations in a respite environment including individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, behavioral health challenges, and trauma histories. The Participant Advocate I, Respite and Shelter provides daily living support and stand-by-assist services in accordance with day-to-day needs and individual service plans. The Participant Advocate I, Respite and Shelter ensures that all interactions with participants are housing focused. The Participant Advocate I’s knowledge and understanding of relevant resources is housing focused, trauma informed, and oriented toward individual/family resilience. The Participant Advocate I is dedicated to harm reduction principles and strengths-based trauma-informed programming.

Essential Functions

1. Under direct supervision, provide routine participant care in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards.
2. Provide Stand-by-Assist support to participants to prevent injury while they are performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including:

• • Dressing - Minimal assistance;
  • Grooming - Minimal assistance;
  • Mobility/transfer assistance to and from beds, chairs, restrooms, etc.;
  • Performance of other activities as taught by a health professional for a specific patient;
  • Monitoring the physical and mental condition - mobility, physical therapy exercises, communication, nutrition;
  • Reporting changes in the patient’s condition and needs of the health providers working directly with the individual.

1. Establish and maintain a therapeutic/medical care coordination relationship with participants. Maintain professional boundaries in a professional setting with clients/staff.
2. Report changes in the patient’s condition and needs to the participant care team working directly with the individual.
3. Routinely review participants’ case history, service plans, and file documentation to ensure an up-to-date understanding of participant needs.
4. Assist Program Management with participant transportation arrangements to and from appointments.
5. Maintain constant and continuous communication with program leadership and staff.
6. Perform cleaning and sanitation duties as required, occasional work with biohazards.

• • Practice routine biohazard safety protocols in accordance with Cal/OSHA.

1. Demonstrate Housing First ideals in on-going housing-focused conversations with participants. Research local housing opportunities and share with participants in coordination with case management.
2. Assist with screening and enrolling incoming participants, completing required forms, and monitoring communal health and safety.
3. Respond to participant requests, explains and facilitates program expectations, and share information and referrals as appropriate for obtaining housing.
4. Document services provided in addition to participant observations according to departmental standards including data entry of accurate shift log notes and documenting routine shift tasks and participant interaction.
5. Assist participants in obtaining documents, such as ID/driver’s license, social security documentation, and benefit information to ensure document readiness for housing search and navigation.
6. Proficiently upload and manage these documents using the Datalink system, maintaining accurate and organized participant records
7. Maintain documentation and enter and track all necessary information for communicating with co-workers. Support shelter facility on data quality and contract compliance.
8. Participate in agency and countywide data tracking efforts including data entry into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
9. Complete program intake and exit paperwork, accurately, timely, and with minimal errors, input information accurately and timely into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
10. Learn and utilize harm reduction and motivational interviewing concepts and strategies.
11. Work an assigned shelter shift (day, swing, graveyard) performing necessary duties under minimal supervision.
12. Assist with conflict resolution, encouraging positive methods of problem-solving, respectful communication and self-restraint; discern when to disengage and when to request for assistance from others.
13. Learn and maintain an in-depth knowledge of agency and partner resources, build relationships with staff of partner agencies to facilitate communication and referrals.
14. Attend staff meetings and in-service trainings. Support other shelter staff in accessing and utilizing agency tools and trainings. Facilitate workshops or coordinates shelter housing-related activity.
15. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and treatment planning by reporting observations and concerns and by asking questions.
16. Attend and participate in patient groups, case conferences, staff meetings and in-service training programs.
17. Report unusual behavior and any other pertinent patient information to supervisor.
18. Under the direction of a Participant Advocate III, Site Supervisor, Shelters or Program Manager, perform special shelter projects and assigned work assignments.
19. Support the Mission, Vision, and Values of Catholic Charities in the performance of all essential job functions and responsibilities.

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

Other Responsibilities

1. May assist in food preparation for client meals.

1. Work with Diocese of Santa Rosa and local parishes as appropriate and requested.

1. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Agency Culture

It is essential that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the following:

• A commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, and values.
• A commitment to excellence in everything we do.
• A commitment to performance and quality improvement.
• A commitment to outcomes and measured results.
• A commitment to innovation and to what is possible.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required

1. High School diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE) required, previous work experience working or volunteering with individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness or equivalent related work experience, required.
2. Must become certified in CPR and First Aid within six months of transfer to this position or hiring date.
3. Serve Safe Food Handler certification must be obtained within thirty days of transfer to this position or hiring date.
4. Understanding of causes of homelessness, experience working within social services and familiarity with community resources. Knowledge of Housing First principles and methods preferred.
5. Have working knowledge of relevant community resources.
6. Computer literacy required including experience with Microsoft 365 Suite.
7. Strong written and verbal communication; organization, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
8. Excellent interpersonal skills, cooperative, friendly, proactive, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with clients and other employees to ensure a positive and constructive environment within the program or department and throughout the Agency.
9. Ability to work under pressure with a positive, solution-oriented approach.
10. Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of Catholic Charities and its clients.
11. Valid driver license and at least state required minimum of automobile insurance, clear DMV driving record and ability to provide own transportation. Must be willing and able to travel between agency sites.
12. Must pass DOJ background clearance (fingerprinting) in accordance with the Diocese of Santa Rosa’s policies prior to start of employment.
13. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa is an Equal Opportunity Employer, seeking the best and brightest. Our organization does not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance. We support, educate, create opportunities for, and ensure the wellbeing of our staff for the betterment of those most in need.

CCDSR participates in E-Verify, an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility.