Program Advocate (Alameda Day Center) FT

Program Advocate (City of Alameda Drop in Center) FT

In-Person Full-Time (40 hours per week) Position in Alameda, CA (Non-Exempt)

Who We Are

Ruby's Place dba Restorative Pathways (RP) is an innovative nonprofit committed to ending domestic violence, human trafficking, and violent crime through hope, advocacy and connection. Our services include emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental subsidies, mental health services, substance recovery, and wrap-around services. All our services are trauma-sensitive and client-centered and are provided at no cost to our clients. All programs are low barrier.

RP is led by survivors with a focus on reflection, innovation, and connection. We believe in fostering relationships, both in our direct service work and throughout our internal work culture. We aim to cultivate a workplace that appreciates and emphasizes the voices of those most impacted by violence. We recognize these voices are vital to interrupting the cycle of violence and transforming lives towards safety, unity, and trust.

Who You Are

You have a strong commitment to preventing interpersonal violence as well as an understanding of, and sensitivity to, serving diverse populations. You have excellent interpersonal skills and strong techniques for relationship building. You believe people should determine their own path towards healing, and have an orientation towards survivor-centered services.

You are a go-getter who enjoys fast paced environments. You enjoy working both collaboratively and independently. You are adept at time management and highly organized with a proven ability to ensure you can meet deadlines, plan, organize and execute. You are comfortable working as part of a team and are an accountable collaborator. You excel at organizing, prioritizing, and following through on multiple time-sensitive projects. You are flexible, creative, and take initiative in handling emergencies.

What qualifications are required for this position?

You Are Also:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or in social service programs preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

• In possession of a valid CA driver's license, proof of insurance, and be approved by RP insurance as a driver in order to drive agency vehicles. If a staff member cannot be approved by RP insurance as a driver, employment might not be able to continue. Instances where staff cannot be approved to drive will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine if employment can continue in their role without driving agency vehicles. Items considered include but are not limited to: the shift the staff member holds and the frequency/necessity of driving during that shift, the amount of time before the staff member may be approved to drive by the insurance carrier, the availability of other staff on site to drive agency vehicles as program needs require, etc.
• Able to complete all required background checks. Additional requirements may be deemed necessary, including fingerprinting (Live Scan), completion of all Community Care Licensing (CCL) documents, and ability to meet CCL licensing requirements.

What You Will Do

The Program Advocate serves as a frontline staff member responsible for supporting the daily operations of the Drop In Center (Day Center, Night Shelter, Safe Park program). while ensuring a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for program participants. Advocates provide direct support to individuals accessing services, monitor program spaces, assist with participant needs, and help maintain the overall flow of program activities.

This role requires consistent interaction with individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Advocates play an important role in creating a trauma-informed environment, responding to participant concerns, supporting de-escalation when needed, and connecting participants to available services such as case management and housing navigation. The Program Advocate works closely with the Site Coordinator and other program staff to ensure program guidelines are followed and that participants receive supportive, respectful engagement throughout their time at the program.

Responsibilities include

Direct Participant Support

• Provide direct support to participants accessing services at the Drop In Center.
• Greet participants, assist with check-in and orientation, and help them understand program guidelines and available services.
• Respond to participant needs and provide basic information about available resources and supports.
• Maintain a respectful and welcoming environment for all participants.

Program Monitoring and Safety

• Monitor program areas to ensure participant safety and adherence to program expectations.
• Conduct regular site checks and support the maintenance of a calm and organized program environment.
• Respond to conflicts or concerns among participants using appropriate de-escalation techniques.
• Report safety concerns or incidents to the Site Coordinator or Program Manager.

Program Operations Support

• Assist with daily program activities including set-up, service coordination, and participant flow.
• Support the opening and closing procedures of the Drop In Center as assigned.
• Help ensure program spaces remain clean, organized, and ready for participant use.

Documentation and Communication

• Maintain shift logs and document participant interactions, concerns, and incidents according to program procedures.
• Communicate relevant updates or concerns to the Site Coordinator and program team.
• Support documentation processes that contribute to program reporting and operations.

Participant Engagement and Referrals

• Encourage participants to engage with available services including case management, housing navigation, and supportive resources.
• Provide referrals and information to participants regarding available services within the program or through community partners.
• Support participants in accessing services in a respectful and supportive manner.

• Complete functional timesheets by assigned due dates in compliance with time allocations.
• Actively participate in reflective supervision sessions.
• Create and maintain documentation of processes and procedures related to job duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position requires working directly in program spaces serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Advocates may work day, evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts depending on program needs. The role requires the ability to remain attentive to participant needs while maintaining program safety and operational flow. You must be able to stand for long periods of time and perform physical activities, including lifting up to 25 pounds. You will be subject to frequent interruptions and must be able to multitask and handle stress.

Local travel in the greater Bay Area may be required.

Applying

The pay scale for this role is $26 per hour (non-exempt). The benefits that come with working at RP at full-time hours include medical, dental, and vision plans, a life insurance policy, significant vacation, sick time, restorative care time, and immediate vesting in our 403(b) with a generous match. Applicants must be located in the greater Bay Area.

Preference will be given to internal applicants.

If all this sounds like a good fit for you, please submit your resume and, instead of a traditional cover letter, respond to the following prompts:

• Why do you want to work for RP and why are you a good fit for this role? (200 words max)
• Using the qualifications listed above (under Who You Are section), please list the top 5 qualification(s) that you feel you currently excel in and 2 qualifications you feel you will need to work toward proficiency. Please provide a brief explanation for each (a few sentences).
• Briefly describe your experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness or in a shelter or service-based program.