Adult Shelter Connect Advocate

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits; Minneapolis (MN); Remote; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated individual to join their team in providing essential services to those experiencing homelessness. This role involves conducting assessments, managing shelter placements, and offering support to individuals in crisis. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, remote environment, demonstrating strong customer service skills and a commitment to social justice. If you're passionate about making a difference and have experience in social services, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Remote Work Setup

Flexible Hours

Team Meetings

Training Workshops

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience in social services or related field.
• Knowledge of shelter resources and services.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments for shelter placement and manage bed reservations.
• Collaborate with local services to assist individuals in need.

Skills

Customer Service

De-escalation Techniques

Communication Skills

Time Management

Knowledge of Harm Reduction

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

HMIS/Client Track

Computer Proficiency

Job description

Summary

This position is part of the Hennepin County Single Adult Shelter Collaborative which coordinates the Hennepin County Adult Shelter Connect. This position provides assessment and placement into single adult shelters in Hennepin County. The program receives a high level of phone calls from individuals new to homelessness or returning individuals seeking shelter. This position is primarily remote and is focused on quickly answering calls to the Adult Shelter Connect and providing excellent customer service to people experiencing homelessness.

This energetic and adaptable employee will work as part of a team to assist individuals to access and understand the single adult shelter system. Participant populations may include those with chemical use issues, criminal histories, trauma, grief, and/or mental health issues. Advocates must be knowledgeable about and able to respond effectively to the complexities of an individual’s lives and the challenges and conditions associated with homelessness.

This is an on-call position and is primarily remote.

Shifts/Hours for this position are weekends, 12:45pm-4:00pm and 7:15pm-10:00pm, or weekday 9:30am-4:30pm when needed.
SHS will provide the necessary tech, including a laptop for remote work.

Responsibilities

Provide quality service to individuals:

• Conduct initial assessment for shelter placement in Single Adult Shelter Collaborative

• Collaborate with Hennepin County Shelter Hotline and Catholic Charities Diversion Program by assisting new and returning individuals locate shelter in the metro area.

• Refer clients to available and appropriate shelter beds.

• Manage all bed reservations using HMIS/Client Track.

• Facilitate client transfer between shelters as needed

• Track client restrictions from individual shelter sites.

• Competently explain the single adult shelter system in Hennepin County to new and returning guests.

Complete accurate and thorough documentation and recordkeeping in a timely manner:

• Understand and comply with necessary data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and/or other data system, including data privacy releases and other applicable Releases of Information.

• Maintain accurate records including employee time sheets.

• Other duties as assigned.

Provide positive representation of SHS through public relations and networking:

• Communicate and coordinate services with all team members. Attend regular team meetings, other required meetings.

• Interpret and promote the program to participants and other interested parties

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, participants and members of the Shelter Collaborative, and other interested parties

• Network with providers of similar services

Commitment to racial equity and social justice:

• Work within and across agency departments to build culture of equity and antiracism.

• Participate in meetings, trainings, and workshops hosted by SHS about diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and other related topics.

Demonstrate essential knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Ability to work well independently but also excel at teamwork and collaboration

• Ability to be flexible and manage time.

• Knowledge of de-escalation techniques

• Knowledge of Harm Reduction/Housing First Model and commitment to that model and trauma-informed service

• Ability to communicate effectively, positively and professionally with participants, providers, and others.

• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to perform non-traditional tasks while meeting participant needs

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Adhere to a standard framework of boundaries in all interactions with guests, volunteers, staff and public.

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of one year of experience in the field is required.

• Must be computer proficient.

Desired:

• Very broad knowledge of shelter and other resources.

• Experience working with individuals who are homeless or having personally experienced homelessness.

• Experience working with adults with mental illness and chemical use issues.

• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish preferred.