Program Advocate, Relief

On-Call Program Advocate, Relief

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide a safe, caring and efficient environment for individuals served at SMOC's residential programs. This position is not assigned standard hours or regular shifts, but will be available on an "on-call" basis to provide coverage for regular staff absences and unexpected absences.

Why Work for SMOC?

• Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
• Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Working at the Front Desk as the point of first contact for all guests and visitors, greeting and answering questions in a professional and courteous manner.
• Answering phones.
• Maintain appropriate logs and files for each shift.
• Initiating intake procedures with new clients, including administering alcohol and drug tests as well as completing intake forms
• Ensuring basic security of the premises including securing designated areas, entry and exits, and bed census.
• Ensuring that information brought to the Front Desk is communicated to co-workers and management including writing in log book activities in the Center.
• Informing clients of Center rules as well as the clients' rights and responsibilities.
• Entering intake information into the computer system (depending upon the shift).
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
• Attending staff meetings.
• Supervising the dorms, including orienting new clients, maintaining security, enforcing rules and ensuring the safety of all.
• Light cleaning, as necessary and assigned.
• Assuring the safety of all during the night and supervising the morning clean up, if applicable.
• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Attend & participate in team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED, preferred
• CPR and First Aid Certified, preferred
• Ability to work independently
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of those with low income
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations
• Experience working with those with substance abuse issues and mental illness preferred
• Basic computer skills
• Attend trainings, as assigned
• Bilingual ability highly desired

Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to Program Manager.

Physical Requirement:

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs.
• Ability to bend at the waist and squat.
• Some shifts may require the ability to be awake during the night

Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Program Advocate, Relief will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.