Day Shelter Advocate
About The Position
The Homeless Alliance works to rally our community to end homelessness by bringing together organizations to collaborate, identifying and filling gaps in services, streamlining processes, and using research-based strategies and national best practices to get people off the streets. The mid-sized organization has served Oklahoma City for 20 years and is considered a subject matter expert on homelessness. Our company values of collaboration, community, creativity, nimbleness, and compassion guide our work to build a system that is more efficient, rational, and caring. The Day Shelter Advocate role is primarily responsible for advocating for the basic daily needs of the guests and establishing a welcoming first impression for guests, volunteers and visitors. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, general administrative duties, checking guests into the shelter upon arrival, communicating with guests about programs/services, ensuring daily cleaning, and keeping the shelter maintained.
Requirements
- Able to work morning and afternoon shifts, including weekends. Typical shifts are Friday - Sunday or Saturday - Monday, but may have variation.
- Effective people skills, including listening and communication
- Ability to demonstrate empathy and relatability with guests of different backgrounds, including mental health, substance abuse, etc.
- Ability to de-escalate conflicts with shelter guests
- Perform other duties as requested in a professional, courteous and helpful manner
- Able to work flexibly with the different demands of the role
- High School Diploma or GED, required
- Proficient in various computer applications, including MS programs (Word, Excel), email, internet search, and Microsoft 365
Nice To Haves
- Individuals from all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of homelessness, are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Complete all tasks required to open and/or close the shelter
- Act as an advocate for guests, either by request or by seeking out those who need services.
- Develop trustworthy relationships with clients
- Understand the services provided by visiting agencies to the Day Shelter; build effective relationships with the agency representatives that result in positive engagements with guests.
- Bring creativity and initiative to the development of the day shelter and its services
- Help individuals experiencing homelessness access community resources and support
- Engage with guests during meals
- Have reliable transportation, and be willing to transport day shelter guests
- Visit with guests and assess needs
- Serve all day shelter guests by greeting, welcoming and directing them appropriately
- Assist guests in checking into the shelter
- Coordinate with agency representatives (internal and external), police, security staff, volunteers and visitors
- Maintain filing, organization and a clean work area
- Treat all clients, volunteers, guests, and other employees in a courteous and respectful manner at all times.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
