Job Description

Advocate: Graveyard Shift

Benu Community Home has a rewarding opportunity to be part of change in the Black Community through empowerment and service work in our Advocate position. The Advocate role is the front-line support and resource from community members at our new Benu Community Home. This role is critical to the success of the Benu Community Home. We are seeking candidates passionate about positive change and committed to ACLT's mission, vision, values and have passion for achieving outcomes that are impactful. Join us in creating a legacy!

Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT) was formed to acquire, steward and develop land assets that are necessary for the Black/African diaspora community to grow and thrive in place in the Central District as well as support other individuals and organizations in retention and development of land.

The Africatown Community Land Trust board is comprised of real estate professionals, business executives, entrepreneurs, business professionals and long-time community members from the Central District.

The Benu Community Home is Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT) new year-round low-barrier transitional housing program and supportive services for self-identifying males experiencing houselessness. Founded in October 2021, Benu Community Home is part of ACLT's growth plan to build vibrant and thriving Black Communities and co-design culturally responsive programs and services with community members to meet the needs of community members.

Mission

To acquire, develop, and steward land in Greater Seattle to empower & preserve the Black Community.

Vision

Vibrant and thriving black communities through land ownership.

About the Position

The Advocate position reports to the Advocate Supervisor and works on-site at the Benu Community Home. This position greets community members into the space and assist with getting the immediate needs supported and completing the intake process prior to case manager support. This position will work swing or graveyard and positively engages with community member residence daily.

Typical Duties Include

• Coordinate with other social service partners internally and externally, as needed to meet the needs of community members residing at Benu Community Home
• Model interpersonal and living skills community members residing at Benu Community Home
• Assist with meal prep, cleaning, laundry, errands, transportation, and other supportive needs for community members residing at Benu Community Home
• Learn and support safety and compliance guidelines for employees and community members
• Provide crisis intervention and advocacy to participants
• Maintain a safe and comfortable living & meeting environment, performing janitorial duties and removal of garbage from individual units and common areas
• Work as a team with other colleagues on shift and be able to work independently without direct supervision

Client Intake, Assessment, and Advocacy

• Admit new community members via the intake evaluation and assessment process
• Review and record notes and information in HMIS and other required databases
• Contribute to maintaining client records, updating information on an ongoing basis
• Review policies and procedures with community member residents as needed
• Maintain accurate community member residents count throughout work shift
• Complete frequent scheduled floor checks throughout work shifts
• Engage outside professionals (Mental Health Professionals, Medics, etc.)
• Assist with coordinating errands, medical appointments, etc.

Front Lobby Concierge Duties

• Manage front desk and building security, including welcoming new community members/guests, visitors, and donors, monitoring security cameras and lobby, ensuring building and program rules, and sanitizing client belongings
• Perform routine walk-through of the entire building to engage with clients and ensure safety
• Process messages and maintain accurate client tracking records, including the bar list
• Answer phones and assist with reception duties as needed
• Assist outside vendor with serving meals that are prepared off-site and delivered to the building
• Assist participants as they move into or out of the building

Supervision of Volunteers

• Supervise volunteers on shift
• Work with off-site volunteers providing advice and support
• Administrative and General Responsibilities
• Attend staff meetings, workshops, retreats, and in-service classes as provided.
• Maintain accurate record of hours worked and turn in timesheets on schedule.
• Contribute to and support a positive, team-oriented work environment; participate with other staff members in group decision-making process.
• Assist with client and program laundry as needed
• Maintain cleanliness and order at the front desk and lobby area.
• Inform supervisors of facilities and client-related issues.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Working Environment

This position requires the employee to work in an environment where there may be exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious material. Other exposures could include cleaning supplies, chemicals involved in pest control, paint, and other materials used in building maintenance. Working conditions may include interruptions, interactions with persons who have experienced trauma, short-tempered, and exposure to computer CRTs.

Physical and Mental Acuity Demands

• Able to hear telephone rings, phone conversations, doorbells, emergency alarms, and face-to-face conversation
• Able to speak clearly in person and on the telephone
• Able to write legibly
• Vision that enables a person to read normal size print and handwritten notes; and distance and peripheral vision that enables a person to monitor large spaces and identify concerns that require staff response
• Mobility/dexterity of hands/arms to enable keying into locked areas as well as using a computer and other office equipment
• Able to sit for sustained periods
• Able to walk the entire building and ascend and descend stairs quickly to move from one floor to another in order to respond to emergencies
• Ability to lift, move, and/or carry up to 40 pounds
• Able to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment in performing job duties

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience working with people experiencing houselessness
• High School Completion or equivalent
• Foundational knowledge and/or experience working with people with mental health issues and/or substance use disorder
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and intersectionality with systems of oppression - specifically racism
• Knowledge and experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Knowledge of harm reduction program model
• Ability to work within the mission, goals, and objectives of Benu Community Home
• Ability to commit to developing and safekeeping a workplace that values and supports a culturally responsive learning and growth environment
• Ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, teamwork, and excellence.

Desired Qualifications

1. College-level classes toward a degree in Social Service.
2. Previous work experience in programs that work with high-needs participants.
3. CPR/First Aid training

To Be Considered

1. Attach one PDF with a:
   • Cover letter (Letter of interest) detailing how you qualify for the position and why you are interested in working at Africatown Community Land Trust
   • Resume that details your professional experience related to the position.

Africatown Community Land Trust

Job Tags

Work experience placement, Work at office, Immediate start, Work from home, Shift work, Night shift,

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