Crisis Housing Shelter Advocate - Full Time 2nd Shift

PILLARS INC•Appleton, WI

42d•$17 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

From homelessness to coming home, Pillars provides shelter, support, and solutions to address the housing needs in our community. Pillars team members have a passion for the mission of the agency and displays agency values: Respect, Collaboration, Empowerment and Grit. The Crisis Housing Advocate may work in any of the Crisis Housing sites – the Adult & Family Shelter, the Adult Shelter or the Resource Center. Crisis Housing Advocates are responsible for maintaining the safety of the building and serve as the first point of contact for clients and volunteers, including walk-ins and phone calls.

Requirements

Relevant experience preferred, such as: A strong understanding of barriers specific to persons experiencing homelessness
Experience working with survivors of domestic violence
Experience working with people facing mental health struggles and/or challenges with addictions
Knowledge of community resources available to individuals and families who are low income and/or experiencing homelessness
This position is expected to work inclusively and respectfully with a diverse community and practice civility in the workplace.
In addition, this position requires strong oral, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills, demonstrated integrity, and the willingness to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
This position requires knowledge of Microsoft office suite and related technologies.
The Crisis Housing Advocate must act in accordance with Pillars’ policies and procedures, complete all required compliance training/continuing education within specified timeframe, and maintain a thorough knowledge of all internal operating procedures, as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

Serves as the point of contact for clients, volunteers, and other building visitors.
Complete the client intake process including interviewing potential clients, completing intake documentation, assessing eligibility for wait list, conducting tours, reviewing expectations and house rules, and educating potential clients on Pillars programs and processes.
Enter each client into HMIS and update files as necessary.
Complete the client exit process for both voluntary and involuntary departures, including conducting exit interviews with departing clients and researching no-shows.
Maintain accurate electronic log sheets for all individuals served, including documenting significant events.
Assist clients in successfully completing daily activities, including distributing medications, and focus on providing resources and education to encourage self-sufficiency.
Collaborate with staff and community partner agencies to provide a comprehensive continuum of care and promoting client independence.
Support the onboarding and training of new team members.
Support the onboarding and training of new volunteer team members. Work with Volunteer Manager to create a positive volunteer experience.
Maintain the security of the building and clients by following safety procedures and educating clients on building policies and rules.
As needed, check clients’ personal bags and living areas to promote a safe and secure environment and call law enforcement when safety is jeopardized.
Ensure the building meets organizational standards for cleanliness and safety, updating the chore list daily and ensuring clients complete assigned chores on time.
Receive, organize, and store donations.
Prepare and serve meals as necessary, assisting with food and supply inventory.
Handle office paperwork tasks, including: Searching CCAP for new warrants or criminal charges for clients. Collecting photo releases when client photos are taken in the shelter or during shelter events. Creating client name tags for bunk assignments. Preparing and printing sign-in books for client entry. Prioritizing and assigning parking spaces for clients.
Follow established intake and exit procedures, including guidelines for background checks and addressing rule violations. Document all related actions according to agency policy.
Attend staff and committee meetings as requested.
Collaborate with other agencies as necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.