WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 400 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for Full-Time Community Care Associates at the Truckee Navigation Center. The Truckee Navigation Center provides year-round, 24-hour shelter and essential services to help participants stabilize and secure permanent housing. The 16-bed shelter provides program participants with daily meals, shower and laundry facilities as well as mail services. In addition participants will have access to case management, housing navigation and other on-site partner services such as health care providers, benefits counselors, and employment services. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a Community Care Associate, you are the heartbeat of our navigation center—the first smile at intake, the calm presence during crisis, and the consistent anchor in participants' daily journey toward stability. This role transcends traditional "support staff" duties by positioning you as an essential architect of community, safety, and hope within our facility.

You'll create and maintain an environment where dignity thrives alongside structure, where participants feel seen as whole people rather than problems to solve. Your work embodies our core values moment by moment: Love through patient redirection and compassionate boundary-setting; Flexibility by jumping in wherever needed while maintaining program integrity; and Passion that transforms routine tasks into opportunities for connection and encouragement.

From de-escalating tensions with trauma-informed approaches to celebrating small daily victories, from maintaining a clean and welcoming space to being that reliable presence during someone's darkest hour—you are often the difference between a participant feeling warehoused or feeling worthy. You'll collaborate seamlessly with Whole Person Care Coordinators and leadership, recognizing that every interaction, every meal served, every conflict resolved, contributes to someone's larger journey toward wholeness. This isn't just maintaining a facility; it's cultivating a sanctuary where transformation becomes possible.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the program.

1. Ongoing source of engagement, information sharing, and problem-solving for participants using trauma-informed, strength-based, compassionate, and professional approaches.
2. Explain program requirements and regulations to new participants and ensure compliance.
3. Continually reorients participants to rules, rights, and responsibilities.
4. Coordinate meal preparation/service, room assignments, and other daily routines.
5. Provide shift coverage and always maintain navigation center security and safety, indoors and outdoors.
6. Provide emergency assistance to participants and co-workers as necessary within the scope of CPR and First Aid training.    
7. Perform housekeeping and other maintenance tasks as needed, i.e., change light bulbs, plunge toilet, clean up accidents/messes, etc. 
8. Prepare for new participants, including sanitizing beds and sleeping areas.
9. Cleaning and sanitizing all common areas, including restrooms and laundry, and staff areas, both indoors and outside.
10. Assures toiletry and cleaning supplies are stocked and secured. 
11. Address any behavior issues that create disharmony, criminal, or otherwise non-productive behavior.  
12. De-escalate crisis before it develops and respond to the situation in an appropriate manner. Provide emergency assistance to participants and co-workers as necessary. 
13. Takes pertinent participant issues to the Whole Person Care team.
14. Role model positive and professional behavior, including appearance, and communication with others.
15. Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

B. Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Maintain daily reports to provide statistical information.
2. Complete all shift logs, observation logs, and incident reports. 
3. Document and notify management of participant concerns, potential workflow problems, and/or any exceptions to policies that can affect program security or safety. 
4. Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and accomplish program objectives.

C. Responsible for the assistance of training and development of new staff.

1. Assist in department orientation and training of new employees as requested to assure quality work outcomes.
2. Identify ongoing training for new and existing staff and report needs to management.
3. Serve as part of the program development team by providing information and support for developing quality operations.
4. Maintain an above-average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure a safe work environment for participants and all personnel.

D. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

This position requires demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide services to difficult participants without ethnic or social prejudices while using evidence-based practices to end homelessness. It requires general knowledge of issues and challenges unique to homelessness, substance abuse, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Specific knowledge and experience with, mental illness, addiction and recovery, and dysfunctional family dynamics is preferred. Must have the flexibility to work irregular hours. Must be able to function both independently and in a team environment effectively. Tact, discretion, and resourcefulness are required at all times. This position requires CPR and First Aid training within ninety (90) days of employment, recertification as necessary and T.B. testing annually.  

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills
Ability to de-escalate crises and assist participants and staff in emergencies
Oral and written communication skills
Computer skills
Ability to assist other people compassionately while maintaining professionalism
Organizational skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 40 pounds
Physically able to safely maneuver the weight distribution of a participant in an emergency 
Repetitive movements such as mopping, and vacuuming
Ability to climb stairs regularly
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
Kneel occasionally