Housing Advocate

Neighborhood Service Organization Inc; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Neighborhood Service Organization in Detroit, MI is seeking a Housing Advocate to support shelter clients with compassionate care and coordinated services aimed at securing permanent housing.

You will conduct intake screenings, de-escalate crises, document client interactions, and assist with referrals, meals, safety checks, and daily living activities.

This full-time role requires teamwork, reliability, and a commitment to respectful, trauma-informed practice within a busy shelter environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required or preferred.
• Experience in customer service, human services or related field beneficial.
• Some college coursework in Social Work, Psychology or related field beneficial.
• Reliable transportation required.

Responsibilities

• Approach and engage shelter clients using compassionate care approaches to facilitate housing outcomes.
• Perform intake screening and orientation for new clients entering shelter.
• De-escalate clients and guide crisis situations using training and sound judgment.
• Document incidents, shelter census and bed inventory accurately.

Skills

Tech literacy

Verbal & written communication

Teamwork & collaboration

Professionalism & customer service

Adaptability & compassion

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Some college coursework (Social Work/related)

Tools

HMIS familiarity

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Housing Advocate

Full Time Detroit, MI, US

Summary:

Work week options:

Approach and engage shelter clients and activities using Compassionate care approaches and interventions to facilitate and motivate Clients toward permanent housing and positive change. Observes and interacts with Clients throughout the facility to ensure safety and assist with reaching positive program outcomes and supportive services.

Responsibilities:

• Practices the NSO's treatment model, ethics, standards of conduct and procedures.
• Committed to continuing professional growth by reading various forms of Organization or professional literature, attending scheduled orientation, training classes, workshops, and cross training by observing groups and staff.
• Reports all program information to supervisors or assigned persons based on policies and procedures, including CAM staff and other program teams to be used for housing and program planning. This will include emotionally challenging situations.
• Perform intake screening and orientation for new clients entering shelter
• Responsible for de-escalating Clients and guiding persons needing crisis assistance and using training, tools, and sound judgement to minimize challenging or aggressive behaviors.
• Responsible for monitoring medications as prescribed by medical professionals and following medication monitoring policy.
• Responsible for modeling, practicing, supporting, and articulating the NSO's treatment philosophy to clients, volunteers, donors, and other staff.
• Responsible for supporting the completion, accuracy, and documentation of Clients intakes in accordance with NSO's Documentation Policy.
• Responsible for communicating organization procedures and expectations, including Shelter expectations to clients.
• Responsible for positive and professional interactions with Clients, coworkers, volunteers, donors and organization partners.
• Responsible for assisting in providing and documenting referrals to other community services, appropriate for client support and care.
• Assist in providing education, training, and coaching to Clients regarding establishing and maintaining permanent housing.
• Responsible for learning and accurately inputting data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Committed to solving problems with Clients and other co-workers to ensure a positive and productive working environment.
• Maintain positive community relations with key community partnerships including but not limited to law enforcement and community mental health.
• Support the facilitation and document all safety drills/tests and actual incidents, including critical incidents, emergency plan drills or actual events and shift logs or report
• Perform routine health and safety checks on all shelter clients
• Assist in monitoring and maintaining a safe and secure environment
• Assist with serving meals to shelter residents
• Provide support to clients in achieving independence with activities of daily living, such as hygiene, grooming, and daily routines.
• Stock and organize supplies
• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the building
• Accept & organize donated items
• Answer and direct phone calls
• Track, document, and communicate shelter census and bed inventory
• Document incidents clearly and objectively in the form of an Incident Report
• Attend monthly staff meetings and individual supervision
• Complete all required training courses
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures and applicable rules and regulations of grantors.
• Comply with and adhere to department and NSO policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties related to the essential duties of the position and within the individual’s capabilities as assigned by one’s supervisor.

Professional Skills:

• Ability to use technology, including Microsoft office, an electronic database.
• Ability to document/communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and via email.
• Ability to work effectively as a team, demonstrating a professional demeanor and maintaining clear lines of communication with teammates and leadership.
• Professionally represent NSO and promote NSO mission and vision statements.
• Promote a harmonious work environment.
• Ensure consumer satisfaction through process of monitoring, improving, and delivering excellence in program services.
• Open to new approaches and taking the steps to increase knowledge, skills and abilities, both from within and outside NSO.
• Model the Pillars and guiding principles of NSO at all times.

Candidate Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience in customer service, human services or related field preferred but not required.
• Some completion of college coursework in Social Work, Psychology or related field preferred but not required
• Reliable Transportation

Working Conditions and Necessary Capabilities

• Works in a homeless shelter type setting; uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed, to perform duties.
• The noise level in the work environment is variable, due to frequent contact with consumers
• Seeing/vision, talking/speaking and listening/hearing are continuously required.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, walk long distances, bend, stoop, and lift-up to 25lbs.
• May have exposure to cleaning chemicals as needed
• May have potential exposure to airborne infectious agents, blood and/or bodily fluids during medical emergencies.
• Ability to interact with clients using compassion, empathy, dignity, and respect.
• Ability to adapt rapidly to changes in environment, policies, and protocols.

Neighborhood Service Organization is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.