Community Resource Advocate - SRCC Maple

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

This position connects people experiencing homelessness to campus amenities and essential resources, including restrooms, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, and supportive services. Using a trauma-informed, participant-centered approach, this role helps individuals navigate and access healthcare, mental health services, substance use treatment, housing resources, and other community supports. This position works closely with co-located partners and community providers to coordinate services, reduce barriers to care, and support stability and recovery in a low-barrier service environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensure participants can access campus amenities and connect to community resources that support stability, recovery, and well-being.

2. Provide trauma-informed, participant-centered care that prioritizes choice, autonomy, and empowerment.

3. Assist participants in navigating healthcare, housing opportunities, legal aid, and social services, including referrals to substance use treatment, harm reduction, and recovery resources.

4. Build trust through active listening, advocacy, and peer-led support while fostering a collaborative, non-judgmental environment.

5. Conduct participant assessments through the Coordinated Entry System (CES) to identify supportive service needs.

6. Document participant engagement, services, and referrals in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and ensure compliance with program reporting requirements.

7. Connect participants to peer-led services such as overdose prevention education and recovery groups.

8. Support Community Wellness Advocates with crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and de-escalation.

9. Strengthen service delivery through outreach, training, and collaboration with community partners, co-located providers, and external agencies.

10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in public health, social services, or a related field, OR two years of experience in outreach, harm reduction, crisis intervention, or peer support, OR lived/living experience with homelessness, incarceration, or substance use.

2. Experience working with people experiencing homelessness and navigating healthcare, housing, substance use treatment, or mental health services.

3. Knowledge of recovery-oriented services, mental health treatment, harm reduction approaches, and community resources relevant to the Skid Row community.

4. Ability to build trust with participants, provide advocacy and service navigation, and respond appropriately during crisis situations.

5. Understanding of HMIS and the Coordinated Entry System (CES).

6. Valid driver’s license and ability to transport participants using agency vehicles preferred.

Language and Communication Skills

1. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

2. Strong communication skills with participants, guests, staff, and community partners.

3. Clear and legible writing for documentation.

4. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, and data entry systems.

Other Requirements

1. Current CPR and First Aid certifications required or ability to obtain after hire.

2. Ability to work primarily outdoors in a courtyard environment and in varying weather conditions.

3. Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner with minimal supervision.

4. Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work demands.

5. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.

6. A valid government-issued picture ID.

Company DescriptionSocial Model Recovery Systems (a non-profit 501(c)3 California corporation) provides direct treatment services (at 11 locations in Los Angeles County) for those whose lives have become unmanageable due to alcohol and other drug use and/or whose mental health issues are interfering with leading productive lives. Thousands of individuals have found help in our programs since 1987. We know that ultimately recovery is a personal choice, but we here at Social Model Recovery Systems are here to assist you in your steps to a healthier lifestyle.

Social Model Recovery Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

Social Model Recovery Systems (a non-profit 501(c)3 California corporation) provides direct treatment services (at 11 locations in Los Angeles County) for those whose lives have become unmanageable due to alcohol and other drug use and/or whose mental health issues are interfering with leading productive lives. Thousands of individuals have found help in our programs since 1987. We know that ultimately recovery is a personal choice, but we here at Social Model Recovery Systems are here to assist you in your steps to a healthier lifestyle.\r\n\r\nSocial Model Recovery Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer.