Shelter Advocate

Cornerstone Advocacy Service; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free mental health counseling

Free telemedicine

401(k) after 90 days

Paid parental leave

Medical, dental & vision

HSA & FSA options

Life & AD&D insurance

Long-term disability

Short-term disability

168 hours PTO to start

11 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays

Birthday off

Job summary

Cornerstone Advocacy Service in Bloomington, MN is seeking a Shelter Advocate. This full-time role provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy, crisis response, and wraparound support to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking.

You will help participants access 24/7 shelter, crisis line, and walk-in services while maintaining a welcoming environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of one year of direct services in trauma-informed/crisis settings.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking dynamics.
• Strong communication skills and de-escalation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed advocacy, safety planning, and crisis intervention by phone, in person, and at walk-ins.
• Respond to crisis line calls and follow up with participants.
• Screen and coordinate access to emergency shelter as space allows.
• Maintain ongoing participant engagement with check-ins and support.
• Complete intakes and orient participants; communicate shelter expectations.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed approach

Survivor-centered advocacy

Strong communication

Flexibility/adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Technology literacy

Job description

Shelter Advocate

Our Mission:

Cornerstone disrupts violence through advocacy, support, and prevention. We partner with individuals, families, and organizations to build communities free from harm.

Our Core Values:

• Survivor- Centered
• Social Justice
• Well-Being
• Collaboration
• Integrity

Summary of Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a $5.5 million organization that provides comprehensive services for individuals and families in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking or general crime. Our offices are located in Bloomington, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis. Learn more at www.cornerstonemn.org.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay Range:

$21.00 - 22.30

Unionized Position:

Yes

Job Summary:

The Shelter Advocate provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy, crisis response, and supportive services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or human trafficking/sexual exploitation. This role supports participants accessing 24/7 shelter, crisis line, and walk-in services while fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Advocates provide wraparound support including safety planning, resource coordination, and survivor-led advocacy across multiple systems.

Hours/Schedule:

• This is a full-time position requiring flexibility to meet participant and program needs.
• Position is to fill shift for: Monday-Friday 3pm -11pm
• Schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
• Ability to adjust schedule in response to crisis situations and shelter demands.
• Expected to maintain consistent and reliable attendance.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of one year of experience providing direct services in a trauma-informed or crisis response setting.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or human trafficking dynamics and survivor-centered practices.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to deescalate crisis situations and engage diverse populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, databases, and technology.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Essential Functions:

Crisis Response & Advocacy

• Provide confidential, trauma-informed advocacy, safety planning, and crisis intervention via phone, in person, and walk-in services.
• Respond to crisis line calls and law enforcement referrals with timely follow-up and support.
• Screen and coordinate access to emergency shelter when space is available.
• Maintain consistent engagement with participants through ongoing check-ins and support.

Shelter Operations & Resident Support

• Complete intakes, orient new participants, and communicate shelter expectations and available services.
• Support residents with daily living needs including cleaning, meal preparation, food portioning, and parenting support.
• Support unit turnover through cleaning, safety checks, and preparation of spaces for new participants.

Collaboration & Program Engagement

• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure coordinated, survivor-centered services.
• Participate in team meetings to share updates on participant needs, goals, and barriers.
• Support onboarding, training, and mentoring of new staff, volunteers, and interns as assigned.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in Apricot and other data systems.
• Complete required documentation for critical incidents, including mandated reports and safety concerns and additional administrative duties.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities and those who may be Deaf/Hard of Hearing, to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools, or controls as well as visual acuity. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must lift and/or move up to twenty pounds. No employee should attempt to lift more than what is comfortable for them.

Visit our career page at: https://cornerstonemn.org/about/employment/

Our Benefits Package Includes:

• Free virtual mental health counseling (for all employees + their families)
• Free telemedicine (for employees + enrolled family members)
• 401(k) after 90 days + up to 4% employer match after 1 year
• Paid parental leave after 1 year of service
• Medical, dental & vision (eligible first month after 30 days)
• HSA & FSA options
• Free basic life & AD&D insurance
• Free long-term disability
• Voluntary short-term disability
• Generous PTO: 168 hours to start (increases after 24 months)
• 11 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays
• Paid birthday off

EEO Statement:

Cornerstone strives for a fully inclusive work environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, veteran, disability, age, marital or, familial, and/or with regard to public assistance or any other characteristic. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affiantive Action Employer.