Housing Advocate (Full-time)

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army St. Cloud Corps is seeking a Housing Advocate to provide direct support to shelter participants and help maintain a safe, welcoming environment. This role covers shelter operations, meal service, and documentation, with a focus on compassionate, person-centered care.

You will respond to participant needs and crises, assist with resource navigation, and support building access, visitor inquiries, and calls during evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability preferred.
• Experience in shelter services, human services, customer service, or related settings preferred.
• Must pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide participant support with compassionate, person-centered care and help participants access resources.
• Monitor shelter activities, enforce policies, respond to crises, assist with building access and meals.
• Complete required documentation and routine program records; maintain accurate records.
• Connect participants and callers with appropriate staff or community services.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Professional boundaries

Confidentiality

Judgment

Organizational skills

Basic computer proficiency

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

The Salvation Army St. Cloud Corps is "Doing the Most Good" by providing holistic, person-centered services to individuals and families. In addition to worship services and pastoral care, services include a 69-bed shelter serving families, veterans, women, and men, emergency assistance, food programs, and connections to community resources.

The Housing Advocate provides direct support to shelter participants while helping maintain a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment. The position monitors daily shelter activities, responds to participant needs and crises, assists with shelter operations and meal service, completes required documentation, and supports participants in accessing basic resources and services. During evenings, weekends, and overnights, the Housing Advocate also assists with building access, visitor inquiries, and incoming calls.

$14.79 to $17.50 per hour, 40 hours a week

400 US Highway 10 S, St. Cloud, MN 56304-1247

Essential Functions (approximate time spent)

• Participant Support and Engagement (40%): Build positive relationships with shelter participants by providing compassionate, person-centered support. Assist participants with understanding shelter expectations, accessing basic resources, resolving concerns, and developing skills that promote successful shelter stays. Encourage participant accountability and promote a respectful community environment.
• Shelter Operations, Safety, and Participant Services (40%): Monitor daily shelter activities to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. Enforce shelter policies consistently, respond to emergencies and crises, conduct facility rounds as assigned, assist with building access, visitor inquiries, and incoming calls, support meal service by preparing and serving pre-prepared meals, and assist with maintaining clean and orderly common areas.
• Documentation and Administrative Support (10%): Complete required documentation including participant interactions, incidents, shift notes, visitor logs, and other program records. Perform routine administrative tasks to support shelter operations and ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping.
• Resource Information and Referrals (10%): Provide information regarding shelter services and community resources. Connect participants and callers with appropriate staff, programs, or community agencies based on identified needs and assist with basic resource navigation as appropriate.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, behavioral health concerns, or other vulnerable populations preferred.
• Experience in shelter services, human services, customer service, residential programs, or a related setting preferred.
• Must pass background checks.

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office, shelter, and participant-facing work environments.
• Requires moderate physical activity, including walking, standing, and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
• Schedule may include daytime, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Driving/Travel Requirements

• None.

Other Duties

• All employees acknowledge that The Salvation Army is a church and agree to support its mission.
• This job description is not all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned or adjusted by the supervisor as needed.