Floater Shelter Advocate; Seattle, Covering Evening and Overnight Shifts

Description

We are seeking a responsible and energetic individual with a passion for serving families at our 24‑hour shelter locations. Floater Shelter Advocates work with parents and children experiencing homelessness and in need of a safe refuge. General responsibilities include coordinating and facilitating shelter activities, providing care and crisis management, facilitating a set program schedule, maintaining a clean environment, and offering acceptance and hope.

The Floater Shelter Advocate role is a part‑time, non‑exempt position supporting various shifts (available for both evening and overnight) located at two of the Mary’s Place 24/7 shelters (The Glen/Downtown Seattle and Regrade/Downtown Seattle).

Evening shift: 3:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Overnight shift: 11:00 p.m. – 8:30 a.m. (Sunday overnight shift begins Saturday night at 11:00 p.m.; Monday overnight shift begins Sunday at 11:00 p.m.; etc.). Compensation for an overnight shift includes an additional $1/hour differential.

Hourly wage starts at $25.00/hour based on experience and qualifications.

Candidates must be available to work at least two shifts per two‑week pay period, or at least 50% of shift offerings. This position does not supervise other employees.

Guest Relations (35%)

• Proactively create a welcoming and affirming environment, engage families in high‑quality shelter services
• Engage guests in conversations around their housing goals and assist them with resource navigation
• Maintain a calm, affirming demeanor and model positive behavior, including upholding professional boundaries
• Address behavioral challenges, provide trauma‑informed crisis management, conflict de‑escalation, and set appropriate limits through an equity lens
• Collaboratively execute regular communication with staff and supervisors for consistency and high‑quality service delivery
• Welcome and orient new families to shelter—provide tours, explain program, and complete intake documents

Implementation of Shelter Operations & Procedures (35%)

• Execute shelter processes according to time of day and the Shelter Policy Manual
• Maintain a clean and sanitary environment—disinfect high‑touch areas, do laundry, restock supplies, clean bathrooms and showers, vacuum, sweep, mop floors, and take out garbage, compost, and recycling
• Serve food and adhere to all food safety and serving protocols, including clear and consistent documentation
• Move around the facility to maintain an active and engaging presence
• Record and report any building or facility concerns
• Attend required trainings and monthly staff meetings

Implementation of Guest Enrichment Programming (15%)

• Facilitate calendar of activities and events for guests; provide feedback to management regarding effectiveness and improvement ideas
• Welcome and help orient volunteers to the space and their roles; actively engage volunteers in shelter activities

Data Entry and Information Management (15%)

• Authorize, upload, and maintain clear, objective, and accurate electronic guest records, reports, and shelter documentation
• Handle and protect sensitive information; maintain confidentiality
• Keep community resources up‑to‑date and easily accessible to guests

• Two or more years of work or volunteer experience in a social services setting, or one or more years of social services experience combined with one or more years of customer service experience
• Experience in a shelter setting or with people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity (highly preferred)
• Passion for and demonstrated experience working with children and families (preferred)
• Demonstrated creative problem‑solving, conflict de‑escalation, conflict mediation, and crisis management skills
• Understanding of trauma‑informed care
• Ability to set appropriate boundaries and maintain professional demeanor in high‑stress environments
• Highly motivated, self‑starter, resourceful, flexible, with a positive attitude
• Exhibits compassion and empathy while working with diverse populations
• Proficient with computers, Microsoft Office, and database documentation systems
• Strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
• Strong…