Shelter Advocate

Witt/Kieffer; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Vision

Dental

Life insurance

Pet insurance

Legal

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization is seeking a part-time Shelter Advocate in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The role involves supporting clients, ensuring shelter operations run smoothly, and collaborating with staff and volunteers. Candidates must have strong leadership and de-escalation skills, a high school diploma, and a valid driver's license. The position offers competitive pay, paid time off, and other benefits, with shifts primarily on nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to thrive in high-stress environments.
• Strong people skills to interact with shelter guests.

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular presence at Safe Space and support clients.
• Participate in All Staff meetings and assist in coordinating shelter supplies.
• Respond to and complete incident reports for emergencies and violations.

Skills

Leadership experience

De-escalation skills

Communication skills

People skills

Critical thinking skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Organization
Model Cities of St. Paul, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating transformational, community-driven opportunities that address root causes of racial and socio-economic inequities. Founded in 1967, our mission is to promote social and economic prosperity by providing access to opportunities that stabilize and develop families and communities. Model Cities provides an array of services including those that address barriers to homelessness and housing, economic development and asset building and youth development.

Our organization is committed to promoting a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, which ensures our services respond effectively to the evolving needs of our community. Our Board, leadership team and staff are broadly representative of the 65% BIPOC communities we serve.

EEO Statement

ModelCities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. ModelCities complies with the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and during employment. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Category: Social Services

Position: Shelter Advocate

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time

Shift: Nights

About the Position

As a Shelter Advocate, you will add critical value to our operations under the direct supervision of the Program Manager or their designee. Your responsibilities will include maintaining a regular presence at Safe Space, supporting clients, and offering guidance to staff and volunteers. Your role is instrumental in ensuring the shelter operates efficiently and guests' basic needs are met.

This role will involve working closely with the Shelter Operations Coordinator to provide reliable shelter coverage 365 days a year. The Shelter Advocate will participate in routine staffing coverage in rotation with other staff members, including days and weekends.

For this role, we are looking for candidates with demonstrated leadership experience and the ability to thrive in high-stress environments. Strong people skills are necessary, as you will interact with shelter guests and collaborate with staff, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders.

The Role

• Ensures client data is entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database accurately and timely. Maintains confidentiality of all pertinent client information to ensure client rights are protected.
• Actively participates in All Staff meetings, shelter team meetings, and other related agency meetings, as needed. Assists Program Manager and Shelter Operations Coordinator in planning and facilitating shelter team meetings at least a monthly basis.
• Assists in coordinating the inventory of shelter supplies. Works with other shelter staff to organize and manage the inventory of supplies needed for Safe Space shelter. Alert the Program Manager and Shelter Operations Coordinator of the shelter supplies required.
• Works with Program Manager and other agency staff to provide information as needed for reporting to funders, board of directors, and others.
• Stay current on the latest developments, opportunities, and trends that could influence Safe Space and potentially impact the agency's strategies and how we deliver our services.
• Maintains cleanliness to standard.
• Respond to and complete incident reports for medical emergencies, chemical abuse, theft, threats, and violations of shelter guidelines.
• In solid collaboration with the Program Manager and Shelter Operations Coordinator, provides shelter staff and volunteers training on shelter-specific policies and practices.
• Other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Leadership experience.
• De-escalation skills and experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess reliable transportation.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Competencies Required

• Social services/work experience.
• Cooperative skills.
• Communication skills.
• Administrative skills.
• People skills.
• Intrapersonal skills.
• Adaptability skills.
• Ability to operate Microsoft Office and other software programs.
• Ability to use essential office equipment (copier, fax, scanner, etc.).
• Critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and in team environments.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience working with vulnerable populations and/or individuals with lower incomes.
• Advance leadership and critical thinking skills.
• Advanced de-escalation skills and technique.
• Advanced communication skills.

Job Requirements

• Must be able to sit for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to stand, bend, and twist frequently.
• Weekend availability.

Schedule

• Workdays may vary depending on business requirements.
• Weekend and evening availability are required.
• Shift hours depend on business needs and will be at least 20 hours.

PTO

• Twenty-four hours of paid time off (PTO).
• Double pay on regularly scheduled recognized holidays.
• Employee Sick and Safe Leave.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay.
• Vision.
• Dental.
• Life insurance.
• Pet insurance.
• Legal.

EEO Statement

Model Cities is dedicated to attracting, retaining, and engaging employees from diverse backgrounds. Diversity is an important part of our values and business operations. We are committed to creating an environment that promotes inclusivity and development for everyone. Model Cities does not discriminate based on age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status regarding public assistance, status as a disabled veteran or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified candidates.

Position Requirements

Close Date

Location: Safe Space

This position is currently accepting applications.