The Participant Advocate (PA) I is responsible for providing operational support and oversight at a shelter location during an assigned shift that may include day, swing or graveyard. The Participant Advocate I ensure that all interactions with participants are housing focused. The position facilitates safe operations of on-site communal programming and other day-to-day shelter activities. This position responds to participant requests, explains and facilitates shelter expectations, and shares information and referrals as appropriate for obtaining housing. The Participant Advocate I participates in agency and countywide data tracking efforts including data entry into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Under the direction of a Participant Advocate III, Site Supervisor, Shelters or Program Manager, the Participant Advocate I accomplish special shelter projects and assigned work assignments. The Participant Advocate I helps to register and screen incoming clients, completing required forms, and monitoring communal health and safety. The Participant Advocate I’s knowledge and understanding of relevant resources is housing focused, trauma informed, and oriented toward individual/family resilience.

Essential Functions

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. Learn and utilize harm reduction and motivational interviewing concepts and strategies.
3. Work an assigned shelter shift (day, swing, graveyard) performing necessary duties under minimal supervision.
4. 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.
5. Assist with supervision of community volunteers and shelter participants; ensure that volunteers and shelter participants meet all agency and program requirements.
6. Learn and maintain an in-depth knowledge of agency and partner resources, build relationships with staff of partner agencies to facilitate communication and referrals, use referral processes and train volunteers to use them.
7. Cleaning and sanitation duties as required, occasional work with biohazards.
8. Maintain documentation and enter and track all necessary information for communicating with co-workers and management.
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. Attend staff meetings and in-service trainings.

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.
2. Work with Diocese of Santa Rosa and local parishes as appropriate and requested.
3. 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, previous 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. Food Handlers certification must be obtained within thirty days months 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.

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.