Participant Advocate (Winter Initiative)

SELF; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

SELF in Philadelphia, PA seeks a Part-Time or Full-Time Participant Advocate to provide supportive assistance and maintain a safe, welcoming residential environment. Experience in human services, homelessness or mental health is desirable, with ability to supervise participants and perform routine facility tasks.

The role includes medication dispensing, incident reporting, and ensuring privacy and security.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; experience in human services preferred.
• Must stand, walk, sit, bend, and lift 25-50 lbs.
• Must observe, hear, understand and interpret participant behavior.
• Criminal background clearance required.
• Competent in computer use including Microsoft applications and internet.

Responsibilities

• Supervise participants in conduct, hygiene, chores, and rule compliance.
• Perform facility checks and document deficiencies during shifts.
• Protect participant privacy and handle participant information securely.
• Provide on-site orientation to participants.
• Monitor participant activities and conduct searches as needed.
• Maintain an accurate participant census and timely paperwork (logs, intakes, MISILs, medications).
• Supervise participant sign-in and manage MISIL form documentation.
• Dispense medications as prescribed.
• Distribute linens, towels, clothing, and toiletries as needed.
• Check and secure fire doors, patrol building, and document security every 60 minutes.
• Maintain cleanliness and order inside and outside the facility.
• Report safety/health concerns to Program Manager for preventive action.
• Share observations to improve staff coordination and facility operations.
• Inform supervisors of unusual incidents and complete related documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Observation & reporting

Computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Philadelphia, PA 19130
SHIFT: 3p-11p or 11p-7a
STATUS: PT or FT Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
REPORTS TO: Participant Advocate Supervisor, Program Director, and Assistant Program Director

Position Summary

The Participant Advocate provides supportive assistance to maintain a safe, welcoming, clean environment. Past Participant Advocate experience is strongly desired. Two years’ experience working in human services, preferably in a residential facility with individuals who may have challenges in the following areas: homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health, or an acceptable combination of equivalent skills and experience.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide supervision of the participants in the following areas: conduct, personal hygiene, chores, and compliance with the facility's Rules and Regulations.
• Complete facility checks before assuming responsibility and noting deficiencies during the shift.
• Comply with privacy standards as they relate to the collection, maintenance, and use of participant‑protected personal information.
• Provide a brief orientation to the participants on‑site.
• Monitor participant activities, including but not limited to body search with metal detector upon entrance to the facility, searches of participants' sleeping quarters and storage locker/bags, and containers.
• Keep an accurate participant census.
• Complete quality written shift, incident, and weekly reports as well as intakes, MISILs, medication logs, and other pertinent paperwork in a timely manner.
• Supervise the participant evening sign‑in log (the OSH MISIL form).
• Dispense participants’ prescribed medications.
• Collect and distribute clean bed linen, towels, clothes when necessary, and toiletries as dictated by need and availability.
• Check and secure fire doors and escape exits, tour the building and secure it every 60 minutes during the shift, and document as required.
• Maintain order and cleanliness inside and outside the facility.
• Report issues to the Program Manager so that preventive measures can be taken to maintain the health, safety, and security of the participants, staff, and facility.
• Share observations and recommendations regarding the facility, participants, and staff relations to identify and solve problems and to ensure staff functions as a unified team.
• Inform the Assistant Program Director or Program Director of any unusual incidents and complete appropriate documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent with a combination of acceptable training and experience in human services, including but not limited to homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health.
• Must be able to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, and lift supplies that weigh between 25‑50 lbs.
• Must be able to observe, hear, understand, and interpret participant behavior.
• Must be able to provide constructive feedback to the shift leader or designee to improve services within the facility.
• Must be competent in computer use, including Microsoft applications and the internet.
• Criminal background and clearance will be required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Participate in all mandatory team meetings, department meetings, and training as required.
• Have some flexibility with emergency requests, changes in work schedule, or assignments.
• Be well organized, detail‑oriented, task‑driven, and able to work independently and set daily priorities by maintaining a weekly as well as a monthly schedule.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills and be willing to assist whenever needed.

SELF is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and/or disability status.