Seasonal Harm Reduction Advocate

City of Fargo, ND • Fargo, ND

356d

About The Position

The Harm Reduction Advocate provides and enhances safe emergency shelter, drop-in services, and intoxication and withdrawal management (WMU). The advocate meets the immediate needs of homeless persons that cannot access other shelter options in the community as well as the needs of the WMU clients. As a direct contact for the guests and clients, the advocate provides a safe and respectful environment while conducting guest intakes, assisting guests with housing, helping make referrals to other agencies and services, and performing a variety of tasks during hours of shelter operation.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Two years experience working in the Human Services Field such as working with low income and homeless populations, substance use, and/or behavioral health programs.
• A valid driver's license is required for incumbents who are assigned to drive a City vehicle.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations and codes relating to social service activities.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, organize, and manage time effectively.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness.
• Experience in crisis prevention and intervention.

Responsibilities

• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
• Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information.
• Responds to Public Health Emergencies.
• Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness.
• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
• Maintains a safe and supervised shelter and WMU environment; facilitates the efficient and effective operation of the shelter and WMU on a day-to-day basis.
• Coordinates shelter guest and WMU client check-in process including bed assignments, bag and property checks, breathalyzer checks, and assessments for safety.
• Completes the intake process with new shelter guests and WMU clients and ensures all needed information has been obtained.
• Provides shelter guests or WMU clients with essentials such as food, fluids, toiletries, etc.
• Assures access to emergency services for guests and clients as necessary.
• Completes all paperwork, maintain and update shelter guest and WMU client files, and clearly communicate with other shelter and WMU staff through written and verbal reports.
• Utilizes the employee communication log to summarize relevant events of each shift.
• Focus on building relationships with shelter guests and WMU clients.
• Utilizes strategies consistent with industry models such as the Harm Reduction model when working with shelter guests.
• Greets volunteers and offer support for their efforts, supervision, and assistance as needed.
• Provides community based services with adequate resources and space to meet with shelter guest or WMU client.
• Assists with maintaining facility compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Benefits

• Essential staff designation as defined by shelter and detox center policy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning about issues regarding homelessness, substance use, and behavioral health.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees