Job description

Job Announcement

JOB TITLE: Advocacy Counselor #2 - Full-time
FLSA: Non-Exempt
DATE: July 5, 2022
SUPERVISED BY: Manager of Temporary Housing Facility
DAYS WORKED: 3 weekdays and weekends
HOURS WORKED: Saturday and Sunday 8am-8pm and three weekdays 11am-7pm or 1pm to 9pm
SALARY: TBD

Job Summary:

Actively works with individual clients to provide case management, counseling and support. Assists with the day-to-day operation of the shelter and provides ongoing support and guidance to PLASE clients to facilitate the smooth running of the facility and ensure the client becomes stable physically, mentally and emotionally; performs other job related duties as assigned. The ideal candidate will be available on weekends on occasion. This should be discussed at time of interview.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Counsels clients and provides ongoing support and guidance;
2. Assists clients access needed resources and agencies in the community;
3. Assists clients learn acceptable behaviors and ways of functioning appropriately through modeling, counseling and behavior modification;
4. Assists with the day-to-day operation of the shelter; dispenses linens; oversees and/or prepares meals; monitors medications; ensures all appointments are kept; unlocks all rooms; performs general cleaning;

5. Conducts new client intake;
6. Orients new residents to their surroundings;
7. Maintains miscellaneous records, as required by agency and funders.
8. Liaisons with social service agencies on behalf of PLASE;
9. Communicates with other staff about client needs or any other relevant issues;
10. Provides clients with support in emergency or crisis situations;
11. Attends continuing education courses, workshops and seminars; and
12. Works as collaborative part of team effort on unit;
13. Creates Helping Contracts/Service Agreements with and for clients, focusing on meeting individuals’ goals, addressing issues around their homelessness, disability, and connections to the community; implements these contracts in constructive ways with and for the residents;

14. Participates in, and/or creates useful socialization, volunteer and/or learning activities with and for residents;

15. Seeks out and incorporates into work response one activity annually to address the larger causes of homelessness and poverty;

16. Provides case management services and active linkages and referrals;
17. Provides assessment of residents’ needs, goals;
18. Provides a Helper-Client relationship and support building, client engagement;
19. Develops and implements service plans;
20. Provides advocacy services on behalf of residents (including creating, obtaining and negotiating needed services/resources;
21. Maintains other records, as required by agency and funders;
22. Conducts in-take on clients at admission and completion of Central Client Intake;
23. Inputs all client data and information into client databases, as required; and
24. Performs other job related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

1. Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Project PLASE’s policies and procedures;
2. Ability to act as a representative of Project PLASE to the public;
3. Ability to effectively communicate and empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds especially those with special needs;
4. Ability to create and maintain trust and respect when working with clients;
5. Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals;
6. Ability to persuade individuals and gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas;
7. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts;
8. Ability to maintain accurate records;
9. Ability to use sound judgment and remain calm in crisis or emergency situations.
10. Possess a working knowledge of HMIS, Careware, and Apricot databases, possibly to include running reports, or the ability and desire to learn;
11. Possess a working knowledge of MS Office;
12. Ability to touch type.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

1. Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
2. Certified Peer Recovery Specialist preferred but not required.
3. Minimum of two years of college with a concentration in human service, social work, addictions or other related fields.
4. Two or more years related experience;
5. Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience; and
6. Preference of valid Maryland Driver’s License.

LICENSES and CERTIFICATIONS

• Preferred to have a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in the State of Maryland

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires light physical effort in the handling of light materials or boxes in non-strenuous work positions of up to 30 pounds and/or continual standing or walking 60+% of the time.

May be required to operate a motor vehicle (van) and handle laboratory equipment and specimens.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, residences, or vehicles, e.g. use of safe workplace practices, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and safely operating a motor vehicle.

May be exposed to aggressive human behavior.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function of this job.

Interested individuals may see our posting on Indeed.com

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
All clients, visitors and staff are required to wear masks. Employees are required to be COVID vaccinated or be tested weekly at their own expense. Hand sanitizer is provided and use encouraged. Shields are present at/on desks.

Application Question(s):

• Two years of college course work in human services, social work, or addictions treatment are required. Or the applicant must have four years of experience in one or more of these fields. Do you meet either this education or experience requirement?
• A cover letter is required. Please provide a cover letter.

Experience:

• MS Excel: 1 year (Required)
• database usage: 1 year (Required)
• human services case management: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

jjbodyshop.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, jjbodyshop.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, jjbodyshop.com is the ideal place to find your next job.