Client Ambassador 11-145-SC/Placentia

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

Under direction of the Operations Coordinator, the Ambassador is responsible for helping transform the lives of our homeless guests by ensuring the well-being and safety of our guests, performing light maintenance and housekeeping, assist with intake process and front desk responsibilities. There are three shifts including some with weekend time. Exact duties vary by shift. The Ambassador must fully embrace the ministry and mission of The Salvation Army, accept its Christian principles and values, and protect and enhance the image of The Salvation Army to the public. As well as, perform other assigned duties as directed.

Essential Functions

Well-being of Guests

• Using a trauma informed care approach to help our guests transform their lives
• Use conflict resolution and de-escalation communication strategies with guests displaying disruptive behavior.
• Assist in serving food to guests.
• Refer guests to Case Managers as needed.

Security of Guests and Facility

• Patrol buildings and grounds hourly to ensure safety of all guests. Check all doors, gates and perimeter.
• Notify Guests if their actions don't meet facility guidelines.

Assist in Light Housekeeping and Maintenance

• Change and launder bedding and towels.
• Sweep and mop guest rooms and dining hall as needed; empty trash.
• Clean Restrooms and Laundry Room as needed and keep restrooms supplied.
• Help maintain grounds for safety and cleanliness.

Front Desk

• Provide welcoming environment by monitoring desk, answering shelter phone and perform intake duties of assigned shift.
• Complete required data entry on Salvation Army software.

Driving

• Drive guests to various resources and appointments throughout Orange County
• Help guests move into permanent housing or housing appointments as needed
• Assist in maintaining vehicles with cleaning and routine maintenance as needed.
• Maintain mileage record in each vehicle.
• Submit gas receipts and maintenance records.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Core Competencies

• Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution - Identify & resolve problems and/or conflict in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully and develop solutions.
• Customer Service - Manage difficult and/or emotional clients, residents, staff, and/or guests; diplomatically address their needs to ensure mutually satisfying outcomes.
• Teamwork - Balance team and individual responsibilities; Build a positive team spirit, morale, and group commitment to established goals, core values and objectives.
• Adaptability-being able to change plans and adjust to changes in the work environment.
• Decision-making- using critical thinking, good business sense and organizational values to make decisions involving varying levels of risk and ambiguity when working with clients and their team

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Graduate or GED with 1year work experience.
• Minimum 1 year sobriety along with consistent participation/attendance in a Support Group.
• Experience in or basic knowledge of mental health, homelessness and/or addictions fields preferred.
• Criminal background check is required.
• MVR (motor vehicle record) check if necessary.
• Basic literacy and computer skills.
• CPR and First Aid certification must be obtained in one month of start date.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in carrying out assignments independently.
• Good time management skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Strong sense of workplace ethics and understanding of confidentiality protocols.
• Ability to answer telephone, greet visitors, and interact with clients and other staff members in a courteous, professional, respectful manner.
• Ability to effectively use office equipment (fax and copies).
• Proactively identify vehicular maintenance