Shelter Guest Advocate

Qualifications

Brief Description

• Required: minimum high school diploma or GED.
• Required: 3-plus years of experience in behavioral assessments, client advocacy, social work, providing expedient customer service, and clerical processes.
• Proficient listener, problem solver, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficient computer abilities using Microsoft Office and web-based management systems.
• Creates an environment of social positivity, and a passion to serve people.
• Associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate from a college or vocational school, a plus.
• Maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License and must have a clean driving record.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
• Must be evangelical Christian, living a life dedicated to Christ, and be an instrument of God’s love, grace, hope, and forgiveness to all.
  
  

Employment Status

• Full-time 40 hours per week nonexempt; eligible for paid time off; eligible for benefits
• Evening Shifts Only
• Anticipate Flexible Schedules
  
  

Reports To

• Shelter Advocates Manager
  
  

14.33 per hour

Vacation Level: 2

Requirements

Responsibilities & Duties

Under the leadership of the Shelter Advocates Manager, the Shelter Guests Advocate supports our guests by walking them through the process of transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency. This includes providing information and resources, answering questions, and responding to requests to help ensure 7-day to 90-day shelter guests’ needs are met according to the shelter program services offered at Gospel Rescue Mission.

Shelter Guest Advocate Services

• Warmly greet all guests, including but not limited to visitors, volunteers, vendors, staff, guests, donors, community groups, church groups, and public officials.
• Establish and build healthy Christ-honoring relationships with guests while maintaining professional boundaries, including guest confidentiality
• Pray with, advise, and direct the efforts of guests relating to spiritual, personal, and program needs
• Under the leadership of the Shelter Advocates Manager and the Director of Program, maintain the Shelter Advocate standard of excellence
• Actively participate in the process of raising the standard and developing the Shelter Advocate Services
• Obtain and maintain current and accurate signed Release of Information forms for guests
• Comply with the HIPAA Compliance and Enforcement, Privacy, and Security Rules, and GRM’s Confidentiality Policy
• Maintain thorough and timely guest records in a cloud-based tracking system and document any interactions, concerns, or other pertinent information regarding guests.
• Advocate for guests and collaborate with outside agencies for guest care.
• Assess eligibility, assist New Guest Intakes with enrolling in Housing Search services upon entrance into the program, and develop an individualized plan for each guest.
• Teach basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, typing, basic internet skills, and use of other programs as appropriate.
• Collaborate with internal or external agencies to develop employment preparation skills and job search plans.
• Identify barriers hindering housing opportunities and identify services, support, or referrals to community resources.
• Approve guest passes as appropriate.
• Monitor the progress of the guests’ individualized plan and ensure that goals and objectives are met.
• Assist guests with transportation as needed.
• Provide written correspondence as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and conflict resolution as needed.
• Lead guests in program and accountability processes.
• Check and respond promptly to voice mail and email.
• Participate in group outings and special events.
• Assist with breathalyzer and urinalyses as needed.
• Provide support/coverage in the event of staff absence, as directed.
• Assist and support all volunteers as needed.
• Teach classes.
• In a moderate to fast pace, achieves weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual success goals (and others) as approved and by GRM benchmarks and strategic plan
• De-escalate adverse situations, both physically and emotionally, and appropriately redirect or initiate other measures to control behavior by providing appropriate crisis intervention and conflict resolution as needed.
• Attend professional training and networking opportunities as directed.
• Attend staff meetings or other meetings as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Physical Demands

• This individual will be exposed to individuals who are ill and/or contagious and must take precautions to ensure the health and safety of everyone. Ability to use a phone, computer, printer, copier, and other standard office machinery. Frequent use of Microsoft Office products and web-based software. Requires frequent sitting, standing, and walking; and lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  
  

Mental Demands

• The population we serve is typically in crisis. This can cause emotional stress and compassion fatigue. GRM highly promotes employee self-care.
  
  

It is the policy of Gospel Rescue Mission to complete a background check, drug test and motor vehicle authorization on applicants in the conditional offer stage.

Employees of Gospel Rescue Mission Choose To Participate in our Grace Based Environment by:

• Role modeling Christ-like attributes and values through our personal actions, words, and attitudes.
• Maintaining a safe, transparent, and healing environment that is based on Grace, Truth, and Love, and encourages trust and authenticity without fear.
• Embracing the accountability process, that leads to self-evaluation personally and for guests.
• Teaching and mentoring guests in every opportunity by using Biblical precepts.
• Building healthy, loving, and compassionate relationships with guests, and staff while establishing healthy and safe boundaries.
• Maintaining a personal lifestyle of integrity, honesty, and responsibility.
• Praying with guests, and staff.
• Agreeing in principle and in practice with the statements of Vision, Mission and Values of the Gospel Rescue Mission of Tucson.
  
  

Summary

Gospel Rescue Mission is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit religious organization that provides social service programs to the homeless and working poor populations. Everything we do in this ministry should be centered in the will of God and in honoring the name of Jesus Christ.