Advocate - Emergency Cold Weather Shelter (On call - Overnight)

North East Kingdom Community Action•St Johnsbury, VT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Advocates at NEKCA build strong relationships with our community and participants to set goals and see positive outcomes for families and individuals. Advocates utilize a strengths-based approach to support individual and household well-being while collaborating with agency and community partners to support service delivery in a human-centered way. This position is an On-Call Overnight Advocate for the Emergency Cold Weather Shelter in the Economic and Community Based Services Department which supports participants in accessing a safe and warm place to sleep on nights below 0 degrees.

Requirements

Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community.
Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
This position is considered a mandated reporter.
Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent)
Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.
Maintain confidentiality.
Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, criminal background and driving records.
This position requires that employees have access to dependable transportation.

Nice To Haves

BA (preferred)
1-2 years of relevant experience preferred

Responsibilities

Perform intake per requirements of NEKCA/grantor.
Determine and verify eligibility for all applicants in accordance with program guidelines
Collect and report all data accurately and timely into GoEngage to meet program deadlines
Assess participants in crisis to determine immediate needs and develop plan for response, including referrals (interagency and external)
Work collaboratively with community partners to address needs of low-income households
Understand and follow all program guidance and policies
Attend and participate in staff, agency and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance.
Responsible for supporting guests at the Shelter.
Must utilize conflict resolution skills to create a welcoming and safe environment for Shelter guests.
Must support in maintaining shelter cleanliness, meal supervision, and daily routines of Shelter guests.
Engage guests in social and skill building activities.
Enter and maintain data into the HMIS database in an accurate and timely manner.
Complete all required trainings and professional development.
Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission.