Day Shelter Advocate
About The Position
The Day Shelter Advocate is primarily responsible for advocating for guests’ basic daily needs and creating a welcoming first impression for guests, volunteers, and visitors. The position includes administrative duties, checking guests into the shelter, communicating information about programs and services, ensuring daily cleaning, and maintaining the shelter. The advocate also helps guests access community resources and support, builds trustworthy relationships, and coordinates with visiting agencies and other partners. The role involves regular interaction in public service areas as well as some office-based work. The environment is fast-paced and may be hectic or unpredictable, with potential exposure to emotionally charged situations, strong odors, and varying levels of sanitation. The Homeless Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, including people with lived experience of homelessness.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel, email, internet search, and Microsoft 365.
- Ability to work morning and afternoon shifts, including weekends.
- Effective people skills, including listening and communication.
- Ability to demonstrate empathy and relatability with guests from different backgrounds, including people experiencing mental health or substance abuse challenges.
- Ability to de-escalate conflicts with shelter guests.
- Flexibility to work with the different demands of the role.
- Reliable transportation and willingness to transport day shelter guests.
Responsibilities
- Complete tasks required to open and/or close the shelter.
- Advocate for guests, either by request or by identifying people who need services.
- Develop trustworthy relationships with clients.
- Understand services provided by visiting agencies and build effective relationships with agency representatives to support positive guest engagements.
- Bring creativity and initiative to the development of the day shelter and its services.
- Help people experiencing homelessness access community resources and support.
- Engage with guests during meals.
- Transport day shelter guests as needed.
- Visit with guests and assess their needs.
- Greet, welcome, and appropriately direct all day shelter guests.
- Assist guests with checking into the shelter.
- Coordinate with internal and external agency representatives, police, security staff, volunteers, and visitors.
- Maintain filing, organization, and a clean work area.
- Perform other duties as requested in a professional, courteous, and helpful manner.
- Treat clients, volunteers, guests, and employees courteously and respectfully.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
