On-Call Shelter Advocate

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. Employees may be asked to work additional hours or take on increased workloads in situations of unexpected staff absence or shortage.

Responsibilities

Facilitate on-site shelter operations; 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; Complete accurate and thorough documentation in a timely manner; Provide positive representation of Simpson Housing Services; Commit to anti-racism and social justice

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; Ability to hear, speak, read and write in English; Ability to move about the workplace; Ability to lift up to 40 lbs on an occasional basis

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