Overnight Shelter Advocate Job at Simpson Housing Services (Minneapolis)

Job Description

This is a direct service position working with single adults in a 24-hour shelter setting to ensure that essential needs are met while fostering a safe, clean, and dignified environment. Employees in this role also provide advocacy, support, and guidance to program participants as needed. The work site for this position is our shelter located within Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments. The Shelter program serves 72 single adults each night as well as companion animals as needed. Participant populations may include individuals from diverse backgrounds who have experienced systemic barriers, trauma, or marginalization.

Job Responsibility

Facilitate on-site shelter operations: Communicate with staff and volunteers on-site at the shelter, both verbally and in writing
Greet and support volunteers and meal groups
Provide a hospitable environment that is safe, welcoming, non-judgmental, and affirming
Check participants in and out of shelter beds and roster
Know and understand shelter rules and be ready to communicate, explain, and uphold them
Remain available and attentive to guests’ needs
including answering questions, distributing bedding and supplies, answering phone calls, etc
Complete regular rounds throughout the building to ensure guest safety
Deescalate conflict and provide support to participants when in crisis
Support daily environmental tasks including washing shelter and guest laundry, refilling coffee and water stations, light dishwashing, and organizing donations
Work as part of shelter team to ensure staff presence at front desk, dining area, and shelter floor
Provide quality coordination of services: Participate in weekly team meetings
Stay informed on resources and changes within the shelter system and homeless service system
Maintain a professional demeanor and strong boundaries when interacting with program participants
Support program participants with problem-solving in a positive and non-judgmental manner
Understand principles of harm reduction and function of safe use supplies
Complete basic first aid, AED, and overdose prevention trainings and be ready to act effectively and decisively in crisis situations
Complete accurate and thorough documentation in a timely manner: Understand and adhere to standards of confidentiality and privacy
Update information in client database if trained to do so
Keep organized client files including intake packets, consent forms, and other relevant documents
Understand responsibilities of working with vulnerable adults
Provide positive representation of Simpson Housing Services: Develop positive relationships with program participants, co-workers, volunteers, donors, and other constituents
Interpret and promote the program to constituents
Network with providers of similar services
Participate in professional trainings, workshops, conferences, and community meetings
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries in all interactions
Commit to anti-racism and social justice: Work at the agency, program, and shift level to build a culture of equity and anti-racism
Evolve understanding of racism and its relationship to the causes of homelessness, barriers to exiting homelessness, and bias in service delivery as well as its impact on program participants and staff alike
Participate in meetings, trainings, and workshops hosted by the organization on the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and other related topics

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Adequate written and verbal communication skills
Patience, flexibility, ability to listen, compassion and assertiveness
Ability to be decisive and effective under pressure and maintain composure in crisis situations

Nice to have

Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is a plus
Knowledge or experience with low-income and unhoused populations
Knowledge or experience working with diverse populations who may have a history of mental health, chemical dependency, abuse or trauma
Experience in providing direct social services

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Overnight Shelter Advocate

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