MM Shelter Advocate Float MM-24

CHURCHES UNITED FOR THE HOMELESS•Moorhead, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Churches United is seeking a Shelter Advocate located in Moorhead, MN. The primary responsibility of this position is to create an environment where individuals experiencing homelessness can be safe. By creating trust, this position encourages and supports the homeless individual in connecting with other services at Churches United and in the community to secure permanent housing. As an employee of Churches United, staff enjoy the emotional benefits of working at a nonprofit facility and are committed to paying staff well, often at a level of compensation above a typical social service agency. Churches United is dedicated to improving the lives of guests and the community, and equally dedicated to the professional and personal success of its employees, offering comprehensive compensation and benefits, support, and ongoing professional development. Churches United is one of the largest and most effective providers of shelter and connection to supportive services in the Fargo Moorhead area. Since 1987, its mission has been to provide shelter, interim housing, and supportive services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to rapidly return to stable housing and long-term self-sufficiency. The successful service model combines a safe, clean shelter with intensive supportive services that promote dignity and motivate guests to achieve autonomy. Churches United operates over 5 sites in the FM Area, including one site that provides shelter to single men, women, families, and veterans under one roof. Churches United staff are dedicated to serving the community. The team is diverse in background, outlook, and life experience, addressing important social issues with passion and creativity. A culture of collaboration and innovation provides a thriving and successful environment for all, fostering personal growth through ongoing investment in professional development. The organization is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and helping guests achieve long-term self-sufficiency. Recognizing that there is no single cause of family or youth homelessness, and that interpersonal violence affects people in various ways, Churches United services are available to all impacted by hardships, ensuring they receive the right help to move forward. Services are broad and comprehensive to best support men, women, and children as they build on their unique strengths to create a brighter future. The Shelter Advocate (SA) will provide essential 24-hour awake coverage and supervision of the shelter. This position is responsible for the welfare, safety, and comfort, as well as daily support to the shelter guests. The SA will provide crisis intervention to callers seeking shelter, advice, or referrals. The employee is always expected to stay awake during their shift. All Churches United employees are expected to demonstrate the organizational values and sensitivity to the diversity of the organization’s guest base.

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.