Shelter Advocate

Why Work For Simpson?
Our Mission is to house, support and advocate for people experiencing homelessness. We believe that everybody has the right to safe and affordable housing; we strive to strive to create a collaborative community with the individuals we serve, within Simpson, and with the greater community; and we advocate against the injustices of society that cause homelessness and poverty.
Summary
This is an on-call, as needed position that may work up to 1000 hours per year to meet the coverage needs of the Simpson Overnight Emergency Shelter. The shelter provides a hospitable, safe, secure, clean, supportive, and affirming environment for single adult men or women in need of overnight shelter. This position will also provide advocacy, support, direction, resources and referrals to shelter guests, as needed.
This position works on-site at the Overnight Emergency Shelter. The Overnight Emergency Shelter serves 44 single men and 22 single women each night. Participant populations may include those with chemical abuse issues, criminal histories (drug charges, prostitution, fraud, etc.), and/or mental health issues.
Employee may provide back up for other advocates during periods of absence or during times of increased workloads.
This is an on-call, as-needed position. Applicants with availability in the evenings (i.e. until midnight) on weekends will be prioritized. The shifts are primarily between the hours of 4pm to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays.
Responsibilities
Facilitate positive on-site shelter operations:

• Know, communicate, and uphold shelter rules.
• Read shelter notes and request updates from both staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate paperwork (as appropriate), greet and screen guests at the opening of the shelter.
• Greet, update, and supervise interns, volunteers and meal groups.
• Provide an awake presence overnight when working.
• Provide a hospitable environment for guests and volunteers.
• Assist with shelter maintenance as needed including: clean bedding, storage, and unused lockers, put away donations, clean refrigerator.
• Be available for questions and information for all shelter guests
• Be aware of needed supplies and retrieve from the appropriate location.
• Complete daily duties of shelter staff as required.

Provide quality coordination of services:

• Communicate and coordinate services with all team members.
• Attendance and timeliness for scheduled shifts, weekly team meetings, and other required meetings.
• Ability to assist and support guests with crisis and conflict management issues
• Communicate regularly with Supervisor.
• Be informed of issues of homelessness and the shelter system
• Other duties as assigned.

Provide relevant support and advocacy to assigned guest caseload:

• Meet regularly with guests to determine needs.
• Provide support services including linkage with appropriate community resources, housing, and advocacy.

Complete accurate and thorough documentation and record-keeping in a timely manner:

• Update statistics on computer, if trained to do so.
• Log clear and concise case notes of daily events.
• Maintain accurate records including employee time sheets.
• Maintain individual files, including case notes, signed data privacy, intake and discharge summaries, and Release of Information.
• Compile statistical reports for funding sources and program management including entry into HMIS data systems.
• Participate with funding reports and site visits.

Provide positive representation of SHS through public relations and networking:

• Interpret and promote the program to the community.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, participants and other stakeholders.
• Network with providers of similar services
• Participate in professional meetings, workshops, and staff meetings.
• Professional behavior, dress, and conduct are expected in all aspects of work with guests as well as contact with the volunteers and public.

Demonstrate essential knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Ability to work very well independently, with excellent skills in teamwork and collaboration.
• Ability to be flexible and manage time.
• Ability to communicate effectively, positively and professionally with participants, providers and others.
• Ability to work with individuals from very diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to use necessary computer systems with competence and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform non-traditional tasks while meeting participant needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Adhere to a standard framework of boundaries in all interactions with guests, volunteers, staff and public.

Commitment to racial equity and social justice:

• Work within and across agency departments to build culture of equity and antiracism.
• Evolve knowledge and strategy of equity and antiracism on an individual and team level.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and workshops hosted by SHS about diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and other related topics.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Evening shifts are required.

Desired:

• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish preferred.
• Adequate written and verbal communication skills.
• Patience, flexibility, ability to listen, assertiveness and compassion.
• Ability to be decisive and effective under pressure.
• Ability to maintain composure in crisis situations.
• Knowledge or experience with low-income and homeless populations is preferred.
• Experience working with low-income individuals, diverse populations, and those who are homeless desired.
• Knowledge of mental health, chemical dependency, physical or sexual abuse is desired.
• Minimum of 1-year experience in providing direct social services desired.