Winter Emergency Shelter Advocate

The Winter Emergency Shelter Advocate will play a critical role in managing the operations of the hotel shelter during Boone County’s winter emergency activation. This position is a seasonal position, activated only when the weather is deemed too cold, and the hotel shelter is utilized to provide safe housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Advocate will be responsible for ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of all participants during their shift, while adhering to shelter policies and procedures.

• 1. Shelter Operations:
  • Oversee daily operations of the hotel shelter during assigned shifts, ensuring the facility runs smoothly and efficiently.
  • Coordinate participant check-in/check-out, room assignments, and enforce shelter rules and guidelines.
  • Collaborate with hotel staff to maintain clear communication and resolve any issues that arise related to room maintenance or participant needs.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of participant intake, services provided, and any incidents or needs during shifts.
• 2. Participant Support:
  • Provide a welcoming and safe environment for all shelter participants.
  • Respond to participant questions and concerns, offering assistance and support when necessary.
  • Mediate conflicts and address behavioral issues in a compassionate and respectful manner, while maintaining shelter rules.
  • Assist participants in accessing additional services, including food, hygiene products, and referrals to other social services.
• 3. Health and Safety:
  • Ensure shelter policies and protocols are followed to maintain a clean and safe environment for participants and staff.
  • Conduct regular room checks on participants and provide emergency assistance as needed.
  • Monitor the shelter for any health, safety, or security concerns, and report issues to the Shelter Supervisor or appropriate authorities.
• 4. Collaboration and Communication:
  • Communicate regularly with the Shelter Supervisor regarding shelter operations, participant needs, and any challenges encountered.
  • Work closely with hotel staff, county officials, and other community partners to ensure the effective operation of the shelter during cold weather activations.
  • Participate in debriefs and provide feedback to improve shelter operations for future emergency activations.

• Education:
  • Minimum High School Degree or equivalent
• Experience:
  • 1-year experience in related field
  • 1-year experience working with population
• Skill Set:
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Precise record keeping skills
  • Proficient in problem solving
    
    Proficient in conflict resolution
    
    Proficient in collaboration, both internally and externally
• Key Performance Indicators:
  • Understands agency vision/mission and how to achieve agency goals
  • Adept at meeting client needs, to maintain the safety of shelter and it’s residents
  • Maintains effective relationships with residents and co-workers
  • Capable of working independently
  • Accurately completes paperwork and activities required by funding sources
  • Appropriately uses PTO, maintains good attendance, and accurately tracks and reports time
  • Ability to maintain effective relationship with residents and co-workers

• Working Hours/Environment
  • Office hours are 24 hours and seven days a week (work hours vary depending on full-time, part-time or reserve positions)
  • Must be willing and able to work nights, weekends and holidays (maybe required to work flexible schedules to provide staff coverage)
  • Work typically performed in an indoor 3-floor residential building
• Tools and Equipment Used
  • Computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, other typical office equipment, kitchen equipment, and basic troubleshooting of plumbing, HVAC in emergency situations
• Travel
  • Minimal-less than 5% of the time
• Phy…