Shelter Advocate

Job Objective: Responsible for direct care and supervision of residents and property at the Emergency Lodge to ensure a safe environment for all residents. Shifts are primarily 2 nd and 3 rd , with occasional 1 st shifts as assigned.

Essential Functions:

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Monitor the facility and activities of the residents to ensure safety and location of residents at all times.
• Assure safety and security of residents and the facility; monitor all internal and external areas of the building.
• Manage the front desk area, including handling phone calls, mail sorting, visitors and residents coming and going from the building.
• Check-in residents returning to the shelter after work or other approved absences from the premises.
• Conduct intake services to include but not limited to: completing necessary paperwork , providing new residents with an overview of the program services and rules.
• Conduct exit/discharge services, as directed to include but not limited to: exit interview, completing necessary paperwork and reporting, assist with moving residents personal property from the building.
• Respects strict code of confidentiality regarding residents and fellow staff members at all times
• Provide basic needs to residents, to include, but not limited to: hygiene items, laundry soap, cleaning supplies, and meals (saved hot meals, bag lunches, snack bags, medicine bags).
• Maintain all record keeping responsibilities, including log of significant events that occurred on your shift and share with on-coming staff.
• Inform supervisory personnel when an incident occurs and if police, EMT or other agency personnel are on the premises. Complete incident reports prior to end of scheduled shift.
• Responsible for knowing and performing Emergency Lodge policies and procedures.
• Enforces shelter rules uniformly and consistently.
• Make sure rooms are ready for occupancy for residents arriving after normal business hours.
• Conduct hourly walk-through of the entire building, including all stairwells. Document walk-through in the log book.
• Conduct in-room, visual resident room checks at curfew and document findings in the log book.
• Provide supervision of dining area during mealtimes, as needed.
• Conduct breathalyzer and urinalysis tests on residents arriving after curfew, as directed by Homeless Services Director or Case Management staff or upon suspicion of drug/alcohol use.
• Secure, distribute, and chart resident medication and medical supplies, as required.
• Provide assistance and support to case management and program staff as requested.
• Provide assistance to building maintenance personnel. Perform general cleaning duties throughout the building, as needed or requested, including snow removal.
• Carries out emergency procedures to assure safety of residents and staff when required.
• Participate in training programs and staff meetings.
• Awareness and active support of The Salvation Army’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, skills, and/or abilities required for this position.

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent, with one year of college preferred.

Experience:

Prefer one year of experience working with people who are homeless or low-income or who have issues with chemical dependency, mental health, domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Licen…