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JOB TITLE: Advocacy Counselor, Actively works with individual clients to provide case management, counseling and support. Assists with the day-to-day operation of the shelter and provides ongoing support and guidance to PLASE clients to facilitate the smooth running of the facility and ensure the client becomes stable physically, mentally and emotionally; performs other job related duties as assigned .Essential Functions:Counsels clients and provides ongoing support and guidance;2. Assists clients access needed resources and agencies in the community; 3. Assists clients learn acceptable behaviors and ways of functioning appropriately through modeling, counseling and behavior modification; 4. Assists with the day-to-day operation of the shelter; dispenses linens; oversees and/or prepares meals; monitors medications; ensures all appointments are kept; unlocks all rooms; performs general cleaning; 5. Conducts new client intake; 6. Orients new residents to their surroundings; 7. Maintains miscellaneous records, as required by agency and funders. 8. Liaisons with social service agencies on behalf of PLASE; 9. Communicates with other staff about client needs or any other relevant issues; 10. Provides clients with support in emergency or crisis situations; 11. Attends continuing education courses, workshops and seminars; and 12. Works as collaborative part of team effort on unit; 13. Creates Helping Contracts/Service Agreements with and for clients, focusing on meeting individuals' goals, addressing issues around their homelessness, disability, and connections to the community; implements these contracts in constructive ways with and for the residents; 14. Participates in, and/or creates useful socialization, volunteer and/or learning activities with and for residents; 15. Seeks out and incorporates into work response one activity annually to address the larger causes of homelessness and poverty; 16. Provides case management services and active linkages and referrals; 17. Provides assessment of residents needs, goals; 18. Provides a Helper-Client relationship and support building, client engagement; 19. Develops and implements service plans; 20. Provides advocacy services on behalf of residents (including creating, obtaining and negotiating needed services/resources; 21. Performs other job related duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Project P.L.A.S.E.'s policies and procedures; 2. Ability to act as a representative of Project P.L.A.S.E. to the public; 3. Ability to effectively communicate and empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds especially those with special needs; 4. Ability to create and maintain trust and respect when working with clients; 5. Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals; 6. Ability to persuade individuals and gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas; 7. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts; 8. Ability to maintain accurate records; and 9. Ability to use sound judgment and remain calm in crisis or emergency situations. 10. Ability to work flexible shifts to include day, evening and nights Education and Experience: 1. Minimum of two years of college with a concentration in human service, social work, Addiction or other related fields. 2. Two or more years related experience; 3. Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience; and 4. Preference of valid Maryland Driver's License. Physical and Environmental Conditions: Work requires light physical effort in the handling of light materials or boxes in non-strenuous work positions of up to 30 pounds and/or continual standing or walking 60+% of the time. May be required to operate a motor vehicle (van) and handle laboratory equipment and specimens.