Shelter Advocate I

tsainternal; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible schedules

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Health benefits

Insurance discounts

Job summary

The Salvation Army Milwaukee Emergency Lodge is seeking a dedicated Residential Care Worker to supervise residents and the facility on 2nd and 3rd shifts, with some 1st shifts as assigned. You will ensure safety, conduct intakes and exits, provide basic needs, and document incidents.

Responsibilities include managing the front desk, performing room checks, supporting case management, and upholding confidentiality and shelter rules while promoting a respectful, safe environment for all residents.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent, with one year of college preferred.
• Experience: Prefer one year of experience working with people who are homeless or low-income or who have issues with chemical dependency, mental health, domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the facility and activities of the residents to ensure safety and location of residents at all times.
• Assure safety and security of residents and the facility; monitor all internal and external areas of the building.
• Manage the front desk area, including handling phone calls, mail sorting, visitors and residents coming and going from the building.
• Check-in residents returning to the shelter after work or other approved absences from the premises.
• Conduct intake services to include but not limited to: completing necessary paperwork , providing new residents with an overview of the program services and rules.
• Conduct exit/discharge services, as directed to include but not limited to: exit interview, completing necessary paperwork and reporting, assist with moving residents personal property from the building.
• Respects strict code of confidentiality regarding residents and fellow staff members at all times
• Provide basic needs to residents, to include, but not limited to: hygiene items, laundry soap, cleaning supplies, and meals (saved hot meals, bag lunches, snack bags, medicine bags).
• Maintain all record keeping responsibilities, including log of significant events that occurred on your shift and share with on-coming staff.
• Inform supervisory personnel when an incident occurs and if police, EMT or other agency personnel are on the premises. Complete incident reports prior to end of scheduled shift.
• Responsible for knowing and performing Emergency Lodge policies and procedures.
• Enforces shelter rules uniformly and consistently.
• Make sure rooms are ready for occupancy for residents arriving after normal business hours.
• Conduct hourly walk-through of the entire building, including all stairwells. Document walk-through in the log book.
• Conduct in-room, visual resident room checks at curfew and document findings in the log book.
• Provide supervision of dining area during mealtimes, as needed.
• Conduct breathalyzer and urinalysis tests on residents arriving after curfew, as directed by Homeless Services Director or Case Management staff or upon suspicion of drug/alcohol use.
• Secure, distribute, and chart resident medication and medical supplies, as required.
• Provide assistance and support to case management and program staff as requested.
• Provide assistance to building maintenance personnel. Perform general cleaning duties throughout the building, as needed or requested, including snow removal.
• Carries out emergency procedures to assure safety of residents and staff when required.
• Participate in training programs and staff meetings.
• Awareness and active support of The Salvation Army's mission.

Skills

Experience with homeless population

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

One year of college preferred

Job description

Job Objective

Responsible for direct care and supervision of residents and property at the Emergency Lodge to ensure a safe environment for all residents. Shifts are primarily 2nd and 3rd, with occasional 1st shifts as assigned.

Essential Functions

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Monitor the facility and activities of the residents to ensure safety and location of residents at all times.
• Assure safety and security of residents and the facility; monitor all internal and external areas of the building.
• Manage the front desk area, including handling phone calls, mail sorting, visitors and residents coming and going from the building.
• Check-in residents returning to the shelter after work or other approved absences from the premises.
• Conduct intake services to include but not limited to: completing necessary paperwork , providing new residents with an overview of the program services and rules.
• Conduct exit/discharge services, as directed to include but not limited to: exit interview, completing necessary paperwork and reporting, assist with moving residents personal property from the building.
• Respects strict code of confidentiality regarding residents and fellow staff members at all times
• Provide basic needs to residents, to include, but not limited to: hygiene items, laundry soap, cleaning supplies, and meals (saved hot meals, bag lunches, snack bags, medicine bags).
• Maintain all record keeping responsibilities, including log of significant events that occurred on your shift and share with on-coming staff.
• Inform supervisory personnel when an incident occurs and if police, EMT or other agency personnel are on the premises. Complete incident reports prior to end of scheduled shift.
• Responsible for knowing and performing Emergency Lodge policies and procedures.
• Enforces shelter rules uniformly and consistently.
• Make sure rooms are ready for occupancy for residents arriving after normal business hours.
• Conduct hourly walk-through of the entire building, including all stairwells. Document walk-through in the log book.
• Conduct in-room, visual resident room checks at curfew and document findings in the log book.
• Provide supervision of dining area during mealtimes, as needed.
• Conduct breathalyzer and urinalysis tests on residents arriving after curfew, as directed by Homeless Services Director or Case Management staff or upon suspicion of drug/alcohol use.
• Secure, distribute, and chart resident medication and medical supplies, as required.
• Provide assistance and support to case management and program staff as requested.
• Provide assistance to building maintenance personnel. Perform general cleaning duties throughout the building, as needed or requested, including snow removal.
• Carries out emergency procedures to assure safety of residents and staff when required.
• Participate in training programs and staff meetings.
• Awareness and active support of The Salvation Army's mission.

Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, skills, and/or abilities required for this position.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent, with one year of college preferred.

Experience: Prefer one year of experience working with people who are homeless or low-income or who have issues with chemical dependency, mental health, domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license with clearance to drive from The Salvation Army's insurance carrier.

Alternating Work Schedule

• Week 1: Wed and Thurs 7a-3p; Sat and Sun 11a-11p
• Week 2: Wed and Fri 7a-3p; Sat and Sun 11a-11p

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

Who we are

Our Mission: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Our message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by the love of God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in His name without discrimination.

Why work for us?

The Salvation Army’s brand promises to Do the Most Good – and it’s our employees that help us get there. At every level, you can have a real impact on your community through the work done inside our walls every day.

We are as impassioned about our employees as we are about our mission to help anyone in need without discrimination. Our culture reflects this quality, which makes our offices a seriously great place to work. Just walk inside our doors and you’ll quickly see that our employees are proud to support programs that make a difference.

The Salvation Army recognizes that peace of mind is important to employees and their families. Because of this, we offer :

• Competitive Salary
• Flexible schedules and a casual dress environment
• Generous paid time off benefits (vacation, sick time, personal time, and 11 paid holidays)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 support, resources, and referrals to help you in your work and personal life
• Insurance benefits: excellent health, dental, vision, life, disability
• Discounts available for pet insurance, auto insurance, and home insurance

Full-time employees scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week will be eligible for full benefits, including health, dental, vision and hearing benefits, basic and voluntary life benefits, holiday pay and paid time off, which is pro-rated based on their regularly scheduled work week.

Non-Exempt Employees: Health, dental, vision, and hearing benefits, as well as basic and voluntary life benefits, will begin on the first day of the month following 90 days of employment. If the completion of a 90-day waiting period occurs on the first day of the calendar month, coverage will begin on that day.

Other Benefits and Perks Offered

• Work-life balance,
• Full health coverage,
• Time off benefits,
• Retirement
• Competitive compensation

At The Salvation Army - We honor the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We are dedicated to fair pay practices, ensuring equal compensation for equal work, regardless of gender, race, or other factors.

Be part of something meaningful. Whether you're supporting those in need, assisting with disaster relief, or working in areas like finance or fundraising, each role offers a chance to make a lasting impact. If you're looking to align your career with your values, explore opportunities at The Salvation Army and help us create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Compensation

Compensation: $13.35-16.69/hour, based on experience.