Shelter Advocate

Summary

This is an on-call, overnight position that may work up to 1000 hours per year to meet the coverage needs of the Simpson Overnight Emergency Shelter. The shelter provides a hospitable, safe, secure, clean, supportive, and affirming environment for single adult men or women in need of overnight shelter. This position will also provide advocacy, support, direction, resources and referrals to shelter guests, as needed.

This position works on-site at the Overnight Emergency Shelter. The Overnight Emergency Shelter serves 44 single men and 22 single women each night. Participant populations may include those with chemical abuse issues, criminal histories (drug charges, prostitution, fraud, etc.), and/or mental health issues.

Employee may provide back up for other advocates during periods of absence or during times of increased workloads.

Overnight shifts are between midnight to 8am.

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.