PRN Shelter Advocate; weekend and overnight

POSITION SUMMARY

The Newhouse Shelter Advocate provides 24-hour shelter coverage, providing a safe, structured, and supportive environment for adult and child residents in shelter. This position will supply advocacy, crisis intervention and emotional support to clients, answer the crisis hotline, provide resource/referrals, residential enrollment interviews, provide basic needs, safety planning, monitor the safety and security of the shelter, ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of the shelter, and carry out scheduled activities for residents.

The Shelter Advocate reports directly to the Advocacy Manager.

Starting Salary: $17/hr +

Fulltime employees (30+ hours weekly) are eligible to receive health and vision benefits, 401(k) (following a qualifying period), and a generous PTO package.

Advocates are expected to demonstrate thoroughness during hotline calls, clearly communicating available services and engaging in safety planning with all callers. Additionally, Advocates are responsible for enrolling individuals into outreach programs as part of initial support efforts. Care of the shelter is a primary responsibility. This includes conducting hourly rounds, keeping the shelter clean through routine pick-ups, and actively engaging residents in the upkeep and care of shared spaces.

All advocates have shared responsibilities which includes oversight of house laundry, stocking basic supplies, inventory management, and the organization of essential supplies.

Advocates are responsible for coordinating all basic needs and supplies to support residents effectively. Distribution of goods must be tracked and accounted for through consistent inventory checks and documentation. Clear communication between shifts is necessary for seamless transitions, continuity of care, and maintaining structure across shifts. To support a positive community environment, advocates will review the Resident Guidebook with residents and uphold expectations with reminders as needed.

Proper documentation is essential. Advocates must clock in and out each shift, assist in room checks, input accurate data including hotline calls and client interactions into the Client Database by the end of each shift. All Advocates must maintain communication across Agency provided means including email.

All actions must align with a culture of dignity and respect, in accordance with our workplace values. Advocates are expected to utilize MANDT skills and follow Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approach in all interactions with residents and each other. When conflict arises—whether among staff or with residents—it is the Advocate’s responsibility to engage in resolution with professionalism and clarity. Ongoing investment in professional development and training is encouraged and expected.

Showing up for scheduled shift(s), being present and available for clients and team members, and completing essential tasks are non-negotiable elements of the role.

Responsibilities are shared equally; all Advocates will complete tasks/actions needed for a given day. Every Advocate is expected to contribute the same level of commitment and accountability. At times, a person or shift may temporarily be assigned additional tasks, and clarity around completion of those responsibilities ensures consistency and stability within Newhouse. Advocates are expected to aid in training new staff and volunteers, using their experience to guide implementation of the Newhouse mission.

• Answer the 24-hour crisis hotline, provide crisis intervention, resource referrals, and/or admittance into shelter when appropriate.
• Monitor safety and security of shelter residents, volunteers, and staff.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures. These are…