Guest Advocate

The Lighthouse of Southern MN; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 27,552,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lighthouse of Southern MN invites applications for a Guest Advocate who collaborates with the Housing Manager to provide strength‑based support, intervention, information and access to community resources for guests in the home.

Key duties cover Guest Advocacy, assisting with housing stabilization, coordinating programming, ensuring confidentiality and high service standards, facilitating access to housing, employment, education and health resources, and reporting outcomes as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience and/or educational background related to work with homeless and/or under-resourced population. Preferred but not required.
• Compassion, empathy and ability to respond to individuals in crisis.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to solve problems and work with diverse people and teams.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work weekdays, some holidays, and weekends.
• Must be able to pass both a criminal background check and drug test.
• Promote and adhere to the mission of The Lighthouse of Southern MN.

Responsibilities

• Guest Advocacy: Get to know guests, assist in coordinating resources and programs.
• House Responsibilities: Ensure a safe, clean environment and report concerns.
• Organizational Accountability: Maintain high standards, participate in evaluations and training.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Crisis response

Empathy

Teamwork

Driver's license

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience with homeless/underserved populations

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Organizational Relationship:

The Guest Advocate reports to the Housing Manager

Position Overview:

The Guest Advocate is responsible for working with the Housing Manager in providing strength-based support, intervention, information and access for resources.

Shifts Available:

• 3:00 pm-11:00 pm
• 3:00 pm-7:00 pm

At this time, we are actively looking to hire candidates who have the following availability:

Primary Responsibilities:

I. Guest Advocacy

• Get to know guests as individuals. Works with staff and volunteers to assist the guests in reaching goals.
• Assist in the collaboration and coordination of necessary resources and programming intended to assist guests in the home.
• Support the emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing of the guests.
• Is aware of the housing stabilization plan for each guest in the home and assists in coordination of programming.
• Tracks and reports housing outcomes and other reporting requirements upon request.
• When suspicion of substance abuse warrants, perform a UA. Support will be provided as needed and requested by the on-call person.
• Ensures guest confidentiality and respect.
• Holds self and others accountable to high standards of service.
• Facilitates access to housing and employment, education, physical and mental health resources as directed by supervisor.
• Models and maintains healthy, professional boundaries with guests.

II. House Responsibilities

• May assist in the intake and discharge of guests as requested.
• Ensures a safe, clean environment for guests, volunteers, and staff. Report to the Housing Manager any concerns.
• Assist in ensuring all residents' rooms are clean and sanitized upon resident departure.
• Provides immediate and professional response to any emergency or disturbance within or immediately outside the facility.
• Performs regular safety checks of all common areas and resident rooms.

III. Organizational Accountability

• Holds accountable staff, volunteers and self to high standards while providing services.
• Participates in regular program evaluations.
• Provides support and constructive feedback to staff and volunteers.
• Ensures guests and staff comply with program guidelines and procedures.
• Performs other reporting requirements upon request.
• Completes ongoing professional training as set for by the supervisor.
• Assists with fundraising and special events upon request.

Educations and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience and/or educational background related to work with homeless and/or under-resourced population. Preferred but not required.
• Compassion, empathy and ability to respond to individuals in crisis.
• Ability to work with people of all ages from diverse racial, cultural, religious, social and economic backgrounds and lifestyles.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions individually and within a team.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work weekdays, some holidays, and weekends.
• Must be able to pass both a criminal background check and drug test.
• Promote and adhere to the vision and mission of the Lighthouse of Southern MN.

Physical Demands

• During your work hours you may be required to write, talk, cook, clean, lift 40 pounds, move items, operate a computer, sit, walk, and kneel.
• Can at times be fast paced and require crisis intervention protocol.
• Safety and security are a priority.

Attributes

• Strong commitment to the mission, diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• An energetic team player.
• High level of personal and professional integrity, ethics, and customer service.
• Work with a spirit of optimism and fun.
• Desire and ability to work with diverse people and organizations.
• Initiative and a commitment to ongoing improvements.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of the staff team.

This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive. It defines the critical job responsibilities and requirements only, which may change at any time, with or without notice due to agency needs, regulatory requirements or other factors.