Way Finders 1780 Main Street SPRINGFIELD, MA 01103 Company Description: Everyone deserves a home. Way Finders confronts homelessness head on in communities throughout western Massachusetts, including Hampden and Hampshire counties. We have developed targeted services that help people lift themselves up and out of homelessness with a focus on Housing, Real Estate, Employment Support and Community Services. Salary Range: Location: 15.50 - $17.67 per hour Per Hour SPRINGFIELD MA Job Type: Category: Part Time Human Services Education Level: Work Experience: Associate Degree Preference: Nice to have Up to One Year Preference: Nice to have Skills/Certifications/Licences: Description: Residential Advocate Part-time; 16 hours/week; Sat & Sun 4pm -midnight Are you interested in work that makes a difference in the lives of others? Way Finders is a mission-oriented nonprofit organization that offers a fast-paced, professional work environment focused on achievement. We employ individuals with a strong commitment to excellence, a collaborative nature, and the desire to make a difference. Way Finders currently has an opening for a part-time Residential Advocate. This is a great role for anyone who has worked in human or social services, or has experience in advocacy, who wants to join a dynamic, diverse organization with growth opportunities. At Way Finders, we light pathways and open doors to homes and communities where people thrive. The largest nonprofit housing provider in Western Massachusetts, Way Finders also specializes in housing counseling, financial and first-time homebuyer education, employment training, neighborhood revitalization, and a variety of other services throughout the region. The need for Way Finders’ programs and services is great and continues to grow each year. Whether a person is experiencing a housing crisis, in need of rental assistance, or ready to purchase a first home, our Housing Centers provide a welcoming, accessible space for counseling, assistance, training and placement, and ongoing support. During our last fiscal year, Way Finders services impacted 52,000 men, women, and children in the region. Stable housing is the platform upon which we work with our clients to help them to meet their own goals and to thrive. As families thrive, so do the communities in which they live. The candidate will work fully onsite. Essential Functions/Responsibilities -Conduct initial intake interviews to admit families to the shelter as necessary -Provide crisis counseling and follow-up interviews; screen clients for immediate medical, legal, and/or psychiatric needs, assisting Program Specialists and Case Managers with re-housing plans and making referrals to other agencies as appropriate -Maintain clear, timely, and thorough written documentation in communication logs and participant files -Manage daily schedule to facilitate resident participation and the upkeep of community and housekeeping responsibilities; supervise recreational, educational, and cultural activities; respond to the needs, requests, and issues of residents in a timely fashion and in accordance with agency policy -Facilitate workshops and groups in a manner that is organized and welcoming -Oversee supply levels of food and household items with forethought, informing Program Manager of needs in a timely manner -Maintain the facility and property (including, but not limited to, dusting, organizing, laundry, loading/unloading inventory, shoveling, sweeping, mopping); report needed repairs, replacements, and building maintenance in a proactive manner -Assess and report serious incidents according to procedures Hiring Requirements/Preferences -Associate degree in human services; commensurate experience may be substituted for a degree -1 year of experience in counseling or working with the homeless population; similar or related experience may be substituted -Experience with Microsoft Office applications, and comfort learning new technologies -Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to serve diverse populations -Responsive crisis-management ability in a sometimes high-stress environment while employing solid decision-making skills -Must be able to navigate multiple flights of stairs -Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills preferred but not required -CORI/SORI Wage between $15.50 - $17.67 per hour depending on qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. CORI/SORI. Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse staff in order to reflect our community and those we serve. Qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals. Requirements: