Shelter Advocate Part time Evenings 3p-11p & Every other weekend

CHURCHES UNITED FOR THE HOMELESS•Moorhead, MN

2d•$21 - $21

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, our staff enjoy the emotional benefits of working at a nonprofit facility and are committed to paying our staff well, many times at a level of compensation that is above a typical social service agency. Join Churches United and continue your career with an organization that provides the opportunity to grow. Just as Churches United is dedicated to improving the lives of our guests and our community, we are equally dedicated to your professional and personal success. With a wide range of perks that includes comprehensive compensation and benefits, support, and ongoing professional development, you will find that an opportunity with Churches United is one worth taking. 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 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.