Simpson Housing Services Job Description

Position: Men's Shelter Advocate
Status: Part-time
Reports to: Shelter Manager
Direct Reports: None
Pay Range: Starts at $12.50 an hour

Summary:  Provide hospitable, safe, secure, clean, supportive, and affirming environment for single adult men in need of overnight shelter. Provide advocacy, support, direction, resources and referrals to shelter guests, as needed. 

Major Responsibilities/Activities:

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 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 recordkeeping 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 constituents, speak to community organizations or church groups.
• 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 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. 

Scope of Position
This position works on-site at our men’s shelter. The men’s shelter serves 40 single men each night. Each advocate is assigned a small caseload of shelter guests to assist with housing and other needs. This is a part-time position that includes nights, weekends, and overnight hours.

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.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Adequate written and verbal communication skills.
• Patience, flexibility, ability to listen, assertiveness and compassion.
• Ability to be decisive and effective under pressure.
• Overnight shifts and transportation required.
• Ability to maintain composure in crisis situations.
• Knowledge or experience with low-income and homeless populations is preferred.

To apply for this position, forward your resume and cover letter to:

Brian Bozeman
Shelter Manager
Simpson Housing Services
2100 Pillsbury Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404

bbozeman@simpsonhousing.org

Simpson Housing Services is committed to building a diverse workforce.

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