Job Details

Shelter Advocate - Part-Time Days MM-19

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.

Churches United is one of the largest and most effective providers of shelter and connection to the supportive services in the Fargo Moorhead area. As a results-driven organization, since 1987, our mission has been to provide shelter, interim housing and supportive services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to rapidly return to stable housing and long-term self-sufficiency.

There is no single cause of family or youth homelessness, and no single way that interpersonal violence affects people. While most of our guests are impacted by different traumas, Churches United services are available to all who are impacted by hardships to ensure people have the right help to move forward.

Essential Job Duties:

• 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.

This Job Is Ideal for Someone Who:

• 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.

Successful candidates:

• 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.
• Preferred- applicable experience preferably in social service setting with people in crisis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.

Churches United provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Churches United complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Churches United expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Churches United employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Churches United is looking for a qualified candidate who is mission driven, professional and dedicated to being a part of the solution to homelessness.