Simpson Housing Services Job Description

Position: Shelter Advocate - Women's Shelter
Status: Full-time
Reports to: Shelter Manager
Pay Range: Starts at $12.50 an hour.

Summary  
The Simpson Women’s Shelter provides a hospitable, safe, secure, clean, supportive, and affirming environment for single adult women in need of overnight shelter. The Women’s Shelter Advocate provides 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

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 women’s shelter. The women’s shelter serves 20 single women each night. This is a 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 (3-11 p.m. shift).
• 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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