POSITION: Resident AdvocateDIVISION: Programs - Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)WHY JOIN US:You believe that every person deserves a place to call home. You see that homelessness is a systemic issue and want to be a part ofthe solution. You are ready to utilize your talent, experience, and creativity towards purpose-driven work. You want to work alongside industry leaders to learn, implement, and pioneer best practices.LA Family Housing is a leading non-profit agency in Homeless Services and Real Estate Development. With 40 years of experience and 13,000+ lives changed each year, we know what it takes to end homelessness. We take tremendous pride in the emergence of our staff as national leaders in innovation, best practices, and policy within housing production and homeless services. Join the fight to end homelessness and make a difference in people's lives at LA Family Housing!THE POSITION:The Resident Advocate is responsible for being an after-hours presence at LA Family Housing's Permanent Supportive Housing sites and providing crisis intervention when needed to residents during select hours. This position works with a tenant population that is formerly homeless and has high rates of health, mental health, and substance-related issues therefore, the Resident Advocate must be familiar with and have experience with this population.WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Be a welcoming presence onsite for tenants to engage with, by answering questions and providing information to tenants during select evening and weekend hours
- Coordinate with onsite service staff in regard to tenants that need after-hours monitoring, follow-up, or assistance
- Support with after-hours programing, tours and participant events
- Identify tenants displaying severe mental health symptoms and promptly contact the Psychiatric Medical Response Team (PMRT) if their behavior is harmful to themselves or others
- Gain an understanding of each tenant's unique personal and medical needs to provide the best possible support and establish relationship. Use a harm reduction and trauma-informed care approach to assist tenants
- Serve as a mediator in conflicts and attempt to de-escalate anxious or aggressive tenants
- Monitor cameras and respond to participant health and safety concerns in a timely manner.
- In the event of an emergency such as a health or mental health crisis, fire, or presence of unauthorized persons, contact emergency services (e.g., police, fire departments, PMRT) and notify the appropriate individuals and/or after-hours maintenance
- Maintain daily reports, documenting any incidents in the HMIS/Champ database system, and reporting to the Property Management and Service team
- Be familiar with the building lease term agreement and house rules
- Attend regular monthly team meetings/trainings and PSH department meetings as scheduled
- Provide support with after-hours programming, tours, and participant events
- Have schedule and site location flexibility (multiple sites) and be available to attend monthly meetings every second Thursday from 4-6pm
- Travel is a regular duty for this position and is required 50% of the time. Use of personal vehicle required
- Must have the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays at multiple sites
- Additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor
WHAT YOUR'RE SKILLED AT:
- Fluency in both Spanish and English is an advantage
- Ability to provide crisis intervention services
- Strong advocacy and case management skills
- Proficiency in written and verbal communication
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to follow through on tasks
- Effective problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrate empathy and maintain a non-judgmental attitude while interacting with individuals who have recently experienced homelessness
- Display a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals with mental health and physical health needs
WHAT YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED:
- Experience in dealing with substance abuse, mental health, and crisis intervention desired
WHAT WE OFFER:Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, 529 Education Savings Plan, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Legal Access Plan, Employee Appreciation Program, Company Sponsored Employee Events, Staff Development, 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule, Paid Sick, Vacation and 13 Observed Holidays, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligibility and more!PHYSICAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENTThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Potential physical demands include but are not limited to: walking, climbing stairs, handling, finger/grasp/feel objects and equipment, reaching, communicating, being mobile, repetitive motions, visual activity, driving, and entering buildings. If an accommodation is needed, please inform the Human Resources Department.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYLAFH is committed and proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.FAIR CHANCE ACTLA Family Housing will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if LA Family Housing is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing's Fair Chance Act webpage.