Night Shelter Advocate

Homeless Alliance; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Homeless Alliance Night Shelter in Oklahoma City seeks an Advocate to provide compassionate support to shelter guests, ensuring safety, dignity and well-being during overnight shifts.

This seasonal role requires empathy, strong communication, crisis intervention, and the ability to work weekends/holidays; onboarding runs Oct 19, with a two-week paid training, and the position includes benefits and 3 sick days.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Weekend and holiday availability is required.

Responsibilities

• Attend two-week onboarding (paid) and cross-train across night shelter duties.
• Open and close the night shelter and support low barrier operations.
• De-escalate conflicts and assist guests with facilities and records.
• Maintain appropriate records in the data management system.
• Collaborate with day shelter staff and partner agencies.

Skills

Empathy

Active listening

Crisis intervention

Effective communication

Flexibility

Conflict de-escalation

Inclusive language

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Outlook

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Night Shelter - Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Position Type: Seasonal

Salary Range: $16.00 - $16.00 Hourly

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.