Shelter Advocate

                                                             Summary

The shelter advocate ensures a safe, clean, supportive, and affirming environment for single adults, which serves 44 men and 22 women every day. This full-time role involves evening shifts, (from Friday – Tuesday; 4:00 pm – 12:00 am, which includes weekends) and focuses on providing advocacy, resources, crisis management and operational support for guests.

Participant populations may include individuals with chemical abuse issues, criminal histories (drug charges, prostitution, fraud, etc.), and/or mental health issues. The shelter advocate may provide back-up for other advocates during periods of absence or during times of increased workloads. This position plays a vital role in fostering a hospitable and secure environment while coordinating with staff, volunteers and community partners.

                                                                 Responsibilities

Facilitate positive on-site shelter operations:

• Communicate and enforce shelter rules while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
• Greet, screen, and assist guests at shelter entry; oversee paperwork and updates.
• Supervise and provide guidance to interns, volunteers and meal groups.
• Provide an awake presence and primary contact for guest questions. 
• Provide a hospitable environment for guests and volunteers.
• Maintain shelter cleanliness and organization, including, bed storage, unused lockers and donations.
• Manage supplies and complete daily operational tasks.

Provide quality coordination of services:

• Communicate regularly and coordinate services with all team members including the Supervisor.
• Arrive on time for scheduled shifts and meetings.
• Be informed of issues of homelessness and the shelter system.

Provide relevant support and advocacy to assigned guest caseload:

• Meet regularly with guests to determine needs.
• Provide support services including linkage with appropriate community resources, housing, and advocacy.
• Assist and support guests with crisis and conflict management issues.

Complete accurate and thorough documentation and recordkeeping in a timely manner:

• Log clear and concise case notes of daily events.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation, including case notes, statistical data and guest records.
• Participate in reporting for funding sources and site visits.
• Use necessary computer systems, including HMIS, with competence and attention to detail.

Team and Professional Engagement:

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, and participants.
• Attend and participate in all work-related meetings.
• Respectful and appropriate attire and communication are required when interacting with guests, volunteers, staff, and the public to maintain a positive representation of the organization.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Adhere to a standard framework of boundaries in all interactions with guests, volunteers, staff and public.

Commitment to equity and anti-racism:

• Work within and across agency departments to build a culture of equity and antiracism.
• Evolve knowledge and strategy of equity and antiracism on an individual and team level.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and workshops hosted by SHS about diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and other related topics.

                                                                  Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Evening availability and reliable transportation.
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Preferred:

• Experience working with low-income, homeless and diverse populations.
• Experience working with individuals with mental health challenges, chemical dependency or abuse.
• At least 1 year of direct social service experience.

                                           Essential Skills and Attributes

• Patience, flexibility, and decisiveness under pressure.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with the ability to work independently.
• Professional communication with guests, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to deescalate and handle crisis situations with empathy and composure.
• Physical capacity to lift up to 40 lbs. and navigate shelter facilities.