Community Assistance Network, Inc. (CAN) was founded in Baltimore County, Maryland in 1965 to eliminate the root causes and consequences of poverty. We presently serve clients in Baltimore County and surrounding jurisdictions and manage multiple programs providing a variety of services. CAN’s mission is to work in partnership with the community to develop, operate, and support programs that reduce vulnerability and promote personal growth, dignity, stability, and self-sufficiency among people in Baltimore County experiencing economic challenges.

The Resident Advocate (RA) supports the residents by maintaining the Shelter Mission, Values and Motto; enforcing all aspects described in the Shelter’s Resident Guidebook including programming, meals, chores, services, etc. The Resident Advocate reports directly to the Shelter Manager.

Under the umbrella of CAN, the Homeless Shelter’s mission is to provide a safe, clean, and supportive community which helps stabilize homeless men, women, and families by promoting self-worth, providing linkages to community resources, and encouraging personal responsibility. The RA is responsible for enforcing the Shelter Resident Guidebook and assisting in providing a safe, clean, and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Welcomes guests and visitors by greeting them, in person or on the telephone, answering or referring to inquiries. Maintains and provides a safe, clean, and supportive community to help stabilize the homeless residents by promoting self-worth, providing linkages to community resources, and encouraging personal responsibility.

Completes daily intake of clients. Makes referrals for clients in crisis. Promotes and explains CAN’s services and assists clients in solving their crisis.

Maintains supply of all documents for program i.e., reports, brochures, fliers. Maintains security by following procedures, monitoring logbook.

Maintains telecommunication system by following manufacturer's instructions for house phone and console operation.

Maintains safe and clean reception area and facility by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. Maintains continuity among work teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.

Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Ensures an overall smooth operating facility.

Contributes to the decision-making process regarding any disciplinary issues. Ensures and supervises residents in completing their assigned chores, attending classes, meetings, appointments, and/or other required services.

Contributes to maintaining a clean shelter environment by stocking the lavatories, stripping beds upon clients exiting and preparing totes and beds for new resident intakes.

Monitors and supervises the residents including the resident’s rooms, lobby, dining room, shelter trailer, patio, shelter grounds.

Completes Staff Shift Check List and records shift documentation onto the Staff Logbook prior to end of work shift.

Supervises volunteers on shift. Attend staff meetings as scheduled. Other duties as assigned.

Is this opportunity right for you? The ideal candidate will have the following personal competencies and characteristics:

Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to coordinate and implement programs as related.

Knowledge of community services. Telephone skills, Microsoft Office skills helpful.

Effective listening, professionalism, effective communication skills (verbally & non-verbally), customer (client)-focus, informing others, handles pressure, phone skills, and supply management.

Ability to work well under pressure. Strong organizational skills. Must have a valid driver’s license and transportation.

AA Degree in Human Services or Social Work or related field preferred. Two years of human service experience may be substituted for a college degree.

At CAN, we believe every employee should have the resources to be their best. As part of our overall rewards, we offer benefits programs designed to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle including health, dental and vision insurance. We also offer other benefits like paid time off, financial and savings programs, 401k employer matching, and access to our employee assistance program and other discounts.