Position Summary:
We are seeking energetic and compassionate Shelter Advocates to join our team. In this vital role, you will serve as a frontline supporter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or crisis, providing safety, guidance, and essential services within our shelter environment. Your proactive approach will help create a secure, welcoming space where clients can begin their journey toward stability. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day by empowering vulnerable populations and fostering a supportive community atmosphere. The Primary responsibilities of all Shelter Staff are to provide reliable, uninterrupted on-site 24/7 coverage of our emergency shelters. Shelter Staff provide crisis intervention, practical support, emotional support, and education; engage in recreational activities; maintain shelter security; model healthy relationships and non-violent conflict resolution to peers, volunteers, and shelter guests; and uphold agency policies and procedures.
Responsibilities:
- Welcome new guests, complete intake paperwork accurately and timely, create and maintain proper guest files accurately and timely and orient new guests to the shelter.
- Work directly with shelter leads, case managers, and guests on their housing plan.
- Perform general administrative functions such as completing daily and guest logs, answering the phone, and responding to in-person inquiries professionally.
- Provide direct supervision and support to shelter residents, always ensuring their safety and well-being
- Ensure security protocols are followed by monitoring entrances/exits, conducting security checks, and maintaining a safe environment for all residents and staff
- Provide support and advocacy to individuals residing in shelters.
- Provide consistent coverage for assigned shifts, working within the shelter team and independently completing all shift tasks.
- Monitor and supervise shelter and guest affairs, assist guests of the shelter with needs and questions and maintain shelter order.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of guest integrations and progress.
- Assist with crisis intervention by de-escalating conflicts, managing behavioral health issues, utilizing conflict management techniques, and including determining when it is necessary to involve other staff, administration, or the authorities.
- Monitor and maintain shelter facilities; identify and resolve health and safety hazards; prepare beds/rooms for new guests; stock food and supplies daily.
- Work with guests to complete chores and keep the shelter clean and organized.
- Facilitate communication between clients, staff, and external agencies to coordinate care and support services effectively
- Attending staff meetings and participating in regular ongoing training when scheduled by the Shelter Lead, Program Manager and Executive Director.
- Maintain relationships with service providers, volunteers, staff, and community members.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Lead, Shelter Program Manager and Executive Director.
Skills/ Qualifications:
- Reliable and dependable in attendance and in performing job-related tasks.
- Ability to get to and from work on a reliable basis.
- Ability to establish and maintain personal and professional boundaries in working with guests.
- Ability to maintain a quality workplace in a diverse, fast-paced, stressful, and changing environment.
- Demonstrates a positive attitude, self-motivation, initiative, organization, and resourcefulness while maintaining a reputation through proven action of being team and guest oriented and willing to assist where/when needed.
- Ability to assess emergency situations and respond effectively.
- Strong data entry and file management skills.
- Strong crisis intervention skills with the ability to manage conflicts calmly and effectively
- Follows through commitments and meets deadlines.
- Willing to be flexible with work schedule.
- General knowledge of human services, both public and private.
- Demonstrates a strong ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision or oversight.
- Demonstrates the ability to be an effective team member.
- Excellent communication skills to interact empathetically with diverse populations and collaborate with team members
- Ability to communicate effectively, including reading, writing, training, and listening.
- Some physical demands such as lifting up to 50 lbs., ability to climb stairs, light housekeeping, and other tasks as needed.
Join us in creating a safe haven where individuals can find support, stability, and hope. Your dedication can transform lives—become a vital part of our mission today!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
