The San Diego Rescue Mission is built on beliefs that speak to the heart. We believe this is more than a job, that it’s a calling to love our neighbors and those in need the way that Jesus would. In our programs, we create a holistic approach to recovery and rehabilitation while ensuring that our building is a safe haven for men, women and children who have experienced homelessness. To serve as a resourceful Advocate in supporting our students/guests toward achieving success while employing a trauma informed approach to care.

Advocates serve the Mission as a whole, and as a member of their specific Program team and reports to their Associate Directors in Mission Academy. NVH Advocates will report to Program Director. This position is a non-exempt position that provides support, advocacy, leadership, resourcing, documentation, and encouragement in partnering with clients toward successful Program completion or transition.

To maintain student/guest case notes and other documentation as needed and appropriate

To provide spiritual leadership and guidance for Mission students/guests

To represent our Mission, Vision, and Values and continue to grow professionally and spiritually

Essential Responsibilities

To serve as a resourceful Advocate in supporting our students/guests toward achieving success while employing a trauma informed approach to care

Responsible for carrying a student/guest case load ranging from 17-25 students/guests

Meets regularly with students/guests to provide support, assess Program progress, and troubleshoot barriers toward overall wellness and successful Program completion

Demonstrates a measurable understanding and implementation of trauma informed practices and Motivational Interviewing techniques while interacting with students/guests in the delivery of services

Collaboratively facilitates establishing student/guest goals for their time at the Mission

Assists students/guests in identifying and determining measurable steps to meet student/guest goals and expected Program outcomes:

(e.g., Mission Academy Outcomes: 1. Encounter God 2. Experience recovery 3. Engage Job Training & Placement 4. Establish Housing 5. Enlist Support Network)

Refers students/guests to appropriate internal and external resources (mental health, housing, legal, etc.)

Provides services focused on enhancing the student’s/guest’s ability to independently problem solve, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self-coordinate own care

To maintain student/guest case notes and other documentation as needed and appropriate

• Maintains minimum established standard of client notes, reports, and other necessary documentation as trained and required
• Secures supplementary information such as employment, medical, educational, or other records

• Distributes passes as appropriate and according to Program guidelines
• Collaboratively and sensitively guides clients to stay within Program limits and expectations

To provide spiritual leadership and guidance for Mission students/guests

• Serves as primary spiritual touch point for students/guests with regard to: resourcing, counseling, referring, praying, guiding toward greater wholeness as part of the established Partnership Plan
• Connects students/guests that express willingness and desire to an appropriate faith community as part of establishing a community support network
• Assesses student’s/guest’s desire (ongoing) to participate in Discipleship Program and takes appropriate steps to connect to a discipler

To represent our Mission, Vision, and Values and continue to grow professionally and spiritually

• Embody a Mission-wide perspective beyond the specific program you serve
• Remain mindful of the organization’s Mission and Vision as a filter for all we do
• Embody the Mission’s organizational values: Faith, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence
• Intentionally participate in spiritual disciplines and practices that continue to grow your relationship with Christ
• Willingly engage to resolve conflicts with co-workers, students/guests, and community partners as necessary

Education: Minimum Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Development, Ministry or related field from an accredited institution (or commensurate experience). MSW preferred.

Experience: Preferred 2 years full-time work experience with individuals experiencing homelessness, various addiction challenges, mental illness and/or dually diagnosed is preferred. Nonprofit experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities: Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook); typing (min 35 wpm); coordinate and/or direct a variety of complex tasks and assignments simultaneously and successfully; exercise good judgment and make sensible decisions; attentive to detail; prioritize effectively; effective oral and written communication skills; eagerness to learn and be trained; work both independently and as part of a team; provide information to public by answering questions and requests; regular, timely attendance.