Residential Advocate (Tracy EHP) FT

Residential Advocate (Tracy EHP) FT

In-Person Full-Time (40 hours per week) Position in Tracy, CA (Non-Exempt) 

Who We Are

Ruby's Place dba Restorative Pathways (RP) is an innovative nonprofit committed to ending domestic violence, human trafficking, and violent crime through hope, advocacy and connection. Our services include emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental subsidies, mental health services, substance recovery, and wrap-around services. All our services are trauma-sensitive and client-centered and are provided at no cost to our clients. All programs are low barrier.  

RP is led by survivors with a focus on reflection, innovation, and connection.  We believe in fostering relationships, both in our direct service work and throughout our internal work culture. We aim to cultivate a workplace that appreciates and emphasizes the voices of those most impacted by violence. We recognize these voices are vital to interrupting the cycle of violence and transforming lives towards safety, unity, and trust.

Who You Are

You have a strong commitment to preventing interpersonal violence as well as an understanding of, and sensitivity to, serving diverse populations. You have excellent interpersonal skills and strong techniques for relationship building. You believe people should determine their own path towards healing, and have an orientation towards survivor-centered services.

You are a go-getter who enjoys fast paced environments. You enjoy working both collaboratively and independently. You are adept at time management and highly organized with a proven ability to ensure you can meet deadlines, plan, organize and execute. You are comfortable working as part of a team and are an accountable collaborator. You excel at organizing, prioritizing, and following through on multiple time-sensitive projects. You are flexible, creative, and take initiative in handling emergencies. 

What qualifications are required for this position?

You Are Also:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Minimum of one year of experience working in shelter programs, residential settings, or with individuals experiencing homelessness preferred.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress or crisis situations.

Ability to follow direction and work effectively within a team environment.

Experience working in congregate shelter settings.

Knowledge of trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques.

CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

In possession of a valid CA driver's license, proof of insurance, and be approved by RP insurance as a driver in order to drive agency vehicles.  If a staff member cannot be approved by RP insurance as a driver, employment might not be able to continue.  Instances where staff cannot be approved to drive will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine if employment can continue in their role without driving agency vehicles.  Items considered include but are not limited to: the shift the staff member holds and the frequency/necessity of driving during that shift, the amount of time before the staff member may be approved to drive by the insurance carrier, the availability of other staff on site to drive agency vehicles as program needs require, etc.

Able to complete all required background checks. Additional requirements may be deemed necessary, including fingerprinting (Live Scan), completion of all Community Care Licensing (CCL) documents, and ability to meet CCL licensing requirements.

What You Will Do

The Residential Advocate is a frontline, direct care staff responsible for supporting the daily operations of a 150-bed congregate shelter and ensuring a safe, structured, and respectful environment for all participants. This role provides direct engagement with individuals accessing shelter services, supports participant needs, monitors program spaces, and helps maintain the overall flow and safety of the program.

Residential Advocates play a critical role in implementing program expectations, supporting participant engagement, and responding to day-to-day situations within the shelter. Working under the direction of the Program Coordinator, this position helps ensure shelter operations run smoothly and that participants are connected to available services and supports.

Responsibilities include

Direct Participant Support

Provide direct support to participants residing in the shelter, ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment.

Assist participants with understanding program expectations, schedules, and available services.

Respond to participant needs and provide basic information and referrals to appropriate services.

Support participant engagement in daily activities, programming, and services.

Program Monitoring and Safety

Monitor shelter spaces to ensure safety, structure, and adherence to program guidelines.

Conduct regular rounds of the facility, including sleeping areas, common spaces, and surrounding areas as assigned.

Observe and report safety concerns, unusual activity, or maintenance issues.

Support a calm and organized environment during all shifts.

Operations Support

Assist with daily shelter operations including participant check-in, bed assignments, and program flow.

Support meal service coordination and ensure participants follow schedules and program expectations.

Conflict Resolution and Crisis Response

Respond to participant conflicts, concerns, or behavioral challenges using de-escalation techniques.

Support maintaining a safe and respectful environment by addressing issues promptly and professionally.

Notify the Program Coordinator of incidents or situations requiring escalation.

Documentation and Communication

Complete shift logs, incident reports, and required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

Communicate important updates, concerns, and incidents to the Program Coordinator and incoming staff.

Maintain clear and consistent communication across shifts.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Work collaboratively with Program Coordinators, case managers, and other staff to support participant needs.

Participate in team meetings and contribute to maintaining a consistent approach to program operations.

Support a team-oriented environment focused on accountability and quality service delivery.

Complete functional timesheets by assigned due dates in compliance with time allocations.

Actively participate in reflective supervision sessions.

Create and maintain documentation of processes and procedures related to job duties.

Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position requires working on-site in a 150-bed congregate shelter. Residential Advocates must be able to remain attentive, responsive, and engaged throughout their shift while supporting a safe and structured environment. You must be able to stand for long periods of time and perform physical activities, including lifting up to 25 pounds. You will be subject to frequent interruptions and must be able to multitask and handle stress.

Local travel may be required.

Applying

The pay scale for this role is $21 per hour (non-exempt).  The benefits that come with working at RP at full-time hours include medical, dental, and vision plans, a life insurance policy, significant vacation, sick time, restorative care time, and immediate vesting in our 403(b) with a generous match. 

Preference will be given to internal applicants. 

If all this sounds like a good fit for you, please submit your resume and, instead of a traditional cover letter, respond to the following prompts:

Why do you want to work for RP and why are you a good fit for this role? (200 words max)

Using the qualifications listed above (under Who You Are section), please list the top 5 qualification(s) that you feel you currently excel in and 2 qualifications you feel you will need to work toward proficiency. Please provide a brief explanation for each (a few sentences).

What experience do you have working directly with individuals in a shelter or residential setting, and how do you support a safe and respectful environment?