Community Life Advisor

About Us

Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay. We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit serving families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a commitment to making a significant difference.

What We Offer

• Salary: $17.00 per hour
• Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, with family coverage available for purchase
• Preventative care 100% covered (free) on all plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for full-time and part-time employees: 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually
• Option to participate in a 401K plan with employer match
• $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries
• Employee Assistance Program
• Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Training and career development opportunities
• Discounted membership at the YMCA

Responsibilities

• Provide support and assistance to residential clients, ensuring a safe and healthy environment as residents work towards self-sufficiency
• Address residential issues professionally and immediately
• Participate as a member of the therapeutic team in coordination with staff counselors and case managers
• Ensure safety and security of families, adhering to established policies and procedures
• Collaborate with the case management team regarding family progress
• Offer support and encouragement to clients to achieve their goals and reach self-sufficiency
• Document progress updates in electronic platforms for the CLA team
• Monitor the Residential hall for security, making required rounds
• Manage visitors according to policy, ensuring no unauthorized access
• Call police or other emergency services as appropriate
• Inform on-call staff of any emergency
• Take prompt action on resident safety or health issues
• Conduct weekly room inspections
• Administer drug tests as directed
• Provide access to client’s medications
• Communicate progress, status, and critical issues to staff on other shifts using established protocols
• Assist with CLA responsibilities on a rotating basis (e.g., monitoring the front desk, stocking and managing the supply room, monitoring the dining room)
• Meet personal goals and contribute to team and organizational goals and KPIs
• Attend continuing education events and seminars as required
• Support the team in other tasks as assigned
• Participate in staff and group meetings
• Assist with Metropolitan Ministries’ holiday efforts, Bridge Builders, and other fundraising events when needed
• Provide guidance for residential issues as they arise
• Ensure services are consistent with the mission, vision, guiding values, and program philosophy of Metropolitan Ministries
• Intervene in crisis situations with clients to proactively resolve issues
• Act as a representative of Metropolitan Ministries after hours, communicating with and welcoming volunteers, donors, visitors, and meal site partners
• Set a positive tone and example as the “face of the ministries” after hours

Requirements

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED completed
• Training and/or experience as a behavioral health tech or frontline staff with homeless populations preferred
• Individuals who have been homeless themselves are encouraged to apply

Skills

• Heart for ministry and comfort working with poor and homeless families and individuals
• Understanding of poverty, high degree of maturity, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work with low socio-economic and diverse populations facing crisis situations in a professional and diplomatic manner
• Maturity and sensitivity to issues of faith, culture, and other sources of diversity
• Ability to deescalate clients on the edge of verbal or physical violence
• Ability to work as part of a team within a multi-disciplinary framework
• Computer literacy with knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, yet accept direction; well-organized and detail-oriented
• Customer service, oral, and written communication skills
• Bilingual is a plus, but not required
• Must be trainable in electronic platforms and have computer skills to support this requirement

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking ability for effective oral communication
• Visual acuity to make observations of facilities
• Physical ability to handle both indoor and outdoor temperatures
• Physical, emotional, and spiritual stamina to handle job-related issues and stress
• Ability to climb stairs and make walk-throughs of the entire residential area

Other

• Must demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States
• Must pass applicable pre-employment background screening procedures
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English