Shelter Advocate

CityofWausau; Wausau (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local organization is seeking a Limited-Term Employment position to support a shelter servicing unhoused individuals. The role focuses on creating a safe, clean environment and providing assistance to clients with their needs while ensuring operational efficiency. Ideal candidates will demonstrate effective communication, crisis intervention skills, and the ability to work within a diverse community.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and at least 18 years old.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide client support and maintain a respectful shelter environment.
• Conduct intake assessments and resource coordination.
• Ensure compliance with shelter policies and record keeping.

Skills

Effective communication

Crisis intervention

Data entry

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

This position will be posted until filled.
The purpose of this Limited-Term Employment position is to provide essential support and services within a shelter facility serving unhoused individuals. This position is engaged in providing a safe, clean, and supportive shelter environment. Responsibilities include client interaction, record keeping, facility maintenance, and assisting clients with access to resources.1. Client Support:

• Maintain a positive and respectful demeanor with shelter clients
• Facilitate a safe and respectful environment for all clients
• Engage in crisis intervention and de-escalation in calm and effective manner
• Active listening of clients’ concerns and needs, documenting relevant information
• Ensure clients adhere to shelter rules and policies, promoting a safe and orderly environment

2. Intake and Resource Coordination:

• Conduct intake assessments to gather information about clients’ needs and circumstances
• Assess clients’ capacity to engage in and connect with appropriate resources
• Assist clients with resource access, including healthcare, employment, housing, education
• Make referrals to relevant agencies and programs
• Advocate for residents' needs and rights

3. Shelter Operations:

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shelter environment
• Ensure compliance with shelter policies and procedures
• Monitor and report on resident behavior and any incidents that may occur
• Work with clients to maintain the grounds, cleaning schedules, and other chores as needed
• Monitor and report any safety or security concerns

4. Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate records of clients, including intake information, and incident reports
• Assist with data collection

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Updates the Shelter Lead and Community Outreach Specialist regularly on status of clients and assigned tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Education and Experience Requirements
Candidates must be a United States Citizen and at least eighteen (18) years old. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Experience working with vulnerable populations is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with citizens, co-workers, supervisors, and others.
• Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments, such as computer and telephone.
• Skills to effectively operate computer systems for a variety of tasks.
• Ability to engage in crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing semi-skilled movements such as self- defense, operation of a motor vehicle, data entry and assembling.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, forms, sounds, tastes, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
• Ability to use discretion effectively to determine a proper course of action consistent with a problem-solving approach to interacting with others.

Physical and Working Environment
The work occurs in a shelter facility serving unhoused individuals and includes working irregular hours during evenings and weekends as required. Light work with frequent standing and walking, ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds.This is a limited-term position. This position is limited to 1,200 hours during a rolling calendar year and is not eligible for any benefits.
Satisfactory results of a background check, pre-employment physical evaluation, and drug screen are required for hire.