Night Shelter Advocate

Job Details: Job Location: Night Shelter - Oklahoma City, OK, Position Type: Seasonal, Salary Range: $16.00 - $16.00Hourly, Job Shift: Overnight, Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services, IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

This is a seasonal position that will end on March 31st. The shelter opens on November 1st. Onboarding begins on October 19th. It is paid and it is mandatory. Benefits are included as well as 3 sick days. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.  

JOB SUMMARY: 

As an Advocate at the Homeless Alliance Night Shelter, you will play a critical role in providing compassionate support and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness.Your primary responsibility will be to ensure the safety, well-being, dignity and worth of shelter guests. This role requires empathy, strong communication skills, crisis intervention abilities, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the clients. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Advocate areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, effective collaboration within the two shifts, as well as partner agencies. Advocates will attend the two-week mandatory onboarding (this is paid). Advocates will be cross trained in all stations of the winter shelter: property, x-ray, front desk check-in, monitoring the dorms, managing the phone bank, serving dinner, passing out blankes, managing the kennels, and other duties assigned.  

Complete all tasks required to open and/or close the night shelter. 

Complete all tasks required to operate a low barrier night shelter. 

Will be required to be flexible with scheduling.  

Manage guests using showers and facilities and assist with the associated tasks. 

De-escalate any conflict or crisis situations that may arise between guests during the shift. 

Build effective relationships with the day shelter staff that result in positive engagements with guests. 

Maintain appropriate records in the data management system. 

Other duties as assigned. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The employee will work in a normal office environment and in all areas of the Night Shelter and WestTown Campus. Hectic situations can occur in the public area of the facility characteristic to working with the unhoused community and the related concerns and situations related to homeless conditions. Potential exists for volatile and unpredictable situations to occur. Exposure to strong odors such as soiled clothes and poor hygiene are common. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

Willing to work early or late shifts (2:30PM-11:00PM & 11:00PM-7:00AM) 

Must be willing to work holidays. 

The ability to work flexibly to the differing demands of the role: working with people, completing the daily activities of the Night Shelter, dealing professionally with colleagues from partnering agencies 

Effective personal skils 

Utilizing Inclusive Language   

Ability to demonstrate empathy  

Exceptional listening skills  

Ability to use defusing techniques to deal with conflict  

Able to relate well with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds: especially clients who are vulnerable, those with mental illness, and substance use, etc. 

Work in a fast paced and slower paced environment, depending on the time of the shift.  

Must have proficient computer skills including: Teams, Outlook email, completing critcial incident reports, completing barring reports, etc.. 

Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested in a professional, courteous, and helpful manner. 

EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE: 

High school diploma or GED is required 

Bachelor’s Degree is preferred 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Sitting or standing for long periods of time.  

Occasional lifting (25-50 pounds) of materials for laundry, cleaning, receiving donations, receiving clients’ carts and belongings and other activities. 

Accommodation may be made for some physical limitations for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation. 

Qualifications: IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

This is a seasonal position that will end on March 31st. The shelter opens on November 1st. Onboarding begins on October 19th. It is paid and it is mandatory. Benefits are included as well as 3 sick days. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.  

JOB SUMMARY: 

As an Advocate at the Homeless Alliance Night Shelter, you will play a critical role in providing compassionate support and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness.Your primary responsibility will be to ensure the safety, well-being, dignity and worth of shelter guests. This role requires empathy, strong communication skills, crisis intervention abilities, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the clients. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Advocate areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, effective collaboration within the two shifts, as well as partner agencies. Advocates will attend the two-week mandatory onboarding (this is paid). Advocates will be cross trained in all stations of the winter shelter: property, x-ray, front desk check-in, monitoring the dorms, managing the phone bank, serving dinner, passing out blankes, managing the kennels, and other duties assigned.  

Complete all tasks required to open and/or close the night shelter. 

Complete all tasks required to operate a low barrier night shelter. 

Will be required to be flexible with scheduling.  

Manage guests using showers and facilities and assist with the associated tasks. 

De-escalate any conflict or crisis situations that may arise between guests during the shift. 

Build effective relationships with the day shelter staff that result in positive engagements with guests. 

Maintain appropriate records in the data management system. 

Other duties as assigned. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The employee will work in a normal office environment and in all areas of the Night Shelter and WestTown Campus. Hectic situations can occur in the public area of the facility characteristic to working with the unhoused community and the related concerns and situations related to homeless conditions. Potential exists for volatile and unpredictable situations to occur. Exposure to strong odors such as soiled clothes and poor hygiene are common. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

Willing to work early or late shifts (2:30PM-11:00PM & 11:00PM-7:00AM) 

Must be willing to work holidays. 

The ability to work flexibly to the differing demands of the role: working with people, completing the daily activities of the Night Shelter, dealing professionally with colleagues from partnering agencies 

Effective personal skils 

Utilizing Inclusive Language   

Ability to demonstrate empathy  

Exceptional listening skills  

Ability to use defusing techniques to deal with conflict  

Able to relate well with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds: especially clients who are vulnerable, those with mental illness, and substance use, etc. 

Work in a fast paced and slower paced environment, depending on the time of the shift.  

Must have proficient computer skills including: Teams, Outlook email, completing critcial incident reports, completing barring reports, etc.. 

Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested in a professional, courteous, and helpful manner. 

EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE: 

High school diploma or GED is required 

Bachelor’s Degree is preferred 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Sitting or standing for long periods of time.  

Occasional lifting (25-50 pounds) of materials for laundry, cleaning, receiving donations, receiving clients’ carts and belongings and other activities. 

Accommodation may be made for some physical limitations for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.