Lead NOC Shelter Advocate - FT-2

CHURCHES UNITED FOR THE HOMELESS•Moorhead, MN

15h•Onsite

About The Position

Churches United is seeking a Shelter Advocate in Moorhead, MN. The primary responsibility of this position is to create a safe environment for individuals experiencing homelessness, building trust to encourage and support their connection with Churches United and community services to secure permanent housing. Employees at Churches United enjoy the emotional benefits of working at a nonprofit and receive competitive compensation, often above typical social service agencies. The organization is dedicated to staff's professional and personal success, offering comprehensive compensation, benefits, support, and ongoing professional development. Churches United is a leading provider of shelter and supportive services in the Fargo Moorhead area, with a mission since 1987 to provide shelter, interim housing, and supportive services that help homeless families and individuals achieve stable housing and long-term self-sufficiency. Their service model combines a safe shelter with intensive supportive services promoting dignity and autonomy, operating over 5 sites, including one that shelters single men, women, families, and veterans. The organizational culture is dedicated to serving the community, with a diverse team addressing social issues with passion and creativity, fostering collaboration, innovation, and personal growth through professional development. The organization is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness. Their approach acknowledges that there is no single cause of homelessness or impact of interpersonal violence, and services are available to all impacted by hardships, broadly and comprehensively supporting men, women, and children to build on their strengths. The Shelter Advocate (SA) provides essential 24-hour awake coverage and supervision, responsible for the welfare, safety, comfort, and daily support of shelter guests, and provides crisis intervention to callers. Employees are expected to remain awake during shifts and demonstrate organizational values and sensitivity to diversity.

Requirements

Is dependable -- more reliable than spontaneous
Has the ability to encourage and adhere to the rights and responsibilities of guests in a behavior-based, low barrier environment
Is people-oriented -- enjoys interacting with people and working on group projects
Is detail-oriented -- would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture
Is autonomous/Independent -- enjoys working with little direction
Is innovative -- prefers working in unconventional ways or on tasks that require creativity
Has a high stress tolerance -- thrives in a high-pressure environment
Has the ability to be calming and helpful in difficult situations
Has the ability to provide support and supervision to volunteers
Has basic literacy and computer skills, word processing and internet navigation
Has a strong analysis of how race, ethnicity, culture, language, region, poverty, sexual and gender identity, age, education, opportunities, and resources generationally made available or not, and systemic oppressions impact a person’s mental health.
Can manage and support with qualities of inclusivity, collaboration, continuity, and care out front in your daily interactions and overall leadership style.
Excellent customer service, communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to individual struggles with homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, mental illness, and criminal records.
Knowledge of harm reduction, strength-based, and behavior-based models.
Proficient in Microsoft Office products.

Nice To Haves

Applicable experience preferably in social service setting with people in crisis.

Responsibilities

Ensure a comprehensive initial screening process to determine guest eligibility for program services, providing assessments, intakes, and enrollment where appropriate.
Ensure the safety and security of guests, volunteers, visitors, and staff by communicating guest expectations and conducting internal and external perimeter checks during shift.
Conduct room and personal property inspections during shift.
Follow agency and shelter protocols for reporting incidents.
Conduct new guest orientation to ensure understanding of guest expectations, policies and procedures.
Understand and effectively respond to guest needs.
Participate in regular supervision with Shelter Coordinator by providing regular updates.
Maintain guest files and manage data in accordance with program requirements and NVFS guidelines.
Maintain current level of knowledge on program software and other information on shelter programs.
Work collaboratively with volunteers, contractors, and donors.
Assist guests and cleaning staff maintain cleanliness and good upkeep of shelter and grounds; this includes sweeping, mopping and cleaning the shelter and grounds in the absence of professional cleaning services as needed.