Advocate - Shelter

North East Kingdom Community Action•St Johnsbury, VT

14h•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 Advocate for the NEK Shelter Program in the Community Based Services Department which supports participants in accessing safe and dignified emergency housing.

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.
Complete all required trainings and professional development.
Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values.
Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change.
Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community.
Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes.
Value diversity and respecting the cultural backgrounds of participants.
Ensure that services are inclusive and culturally sensitive.
Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community.
Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout.
Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct.
Maintain participant confidentiality and ensuring participant safety.
Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers.
Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users.
In person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor.
Be sensitive to participant’s unique situations and challenges.
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.
Represent NEKCA in public and advocating for its mission.