Program Advocate, Family Emergency Shelter

Summary: As a member of the Family Shelter staff team, provide coverage on weekend days/eves. Responsible for overall functioning of the shelter during shift.    Monitor the adherence of the shelter rules and routines by residents; ensure security and safety of the shelter.

Why Work for SMOC?

• Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
• Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for the safety and security of the shelter.
• Respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Monitor chores, curfews and household rules and routines.
• Set limits, de-escalate disruptive situations and give warnings as needed.
• Written communication in the logs at the end of each shift.
• Offer support to residents.
• Attend all staff meetings, group trainings and supervisions as needed.
• Accept donations and oversee volunteer activities.
• Uphold confidentiality.
• Answer telephone and door. 
• Manage clothing and household donations
• Maintain housekeeping supplies
• Communicate with maintenance team
• Complete minor housekeeping as needed. Clean and prepare rooms for new families.
• Complete daily staff log notes
• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Communicate effectively with clients and staff
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.  
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED.
• Sensitivity to low-income families of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently.
• Bilingual strongly preferred.
• Good oral and written communications skills.
• Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 

Organizational Relationship:

• Directly reports to Program Director. 
• Indirectly reports to Component Director.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to ascend and descend stairs.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.

Organizational Relationship:

• Directly reports to Program Director. 
• Indirectly reports to Component Director. 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to ascend and descend stairs.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.

Working Conditions:

As part of the responsibilities of this position, Program Specialist, Family Shelter Support, you will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.  A successful background check is required.