Shelter Advocate PRN

Central-Iowa-Shelter-and-Services; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) in Des Moines, IA, seeks a Shelter Advocate for 1st shift on weekends. This part-time/PRN role supports clients, handles intakes, phones, and daily operations to ensure safety and care.

The position emphasizes trauma-informed care, teamwork, and adherence to shelter guidelines within a collaborative operations team. Responsibilities include crisis support, documentation, light housekeeping, inventory, and coordination with case managers, with education

Qualifications

• Belief in the agency's core values and mission.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Organized and detail-oriented with an inclusion lens.

Responsibilities

• Empower guests and provide support and crisis intervention through trauma-informed care.
• Communicate guest information to day staff to keep them informed.
• Follow Shelter Guidelines, Policies and Procedures with guests.
• Support guests with shelter needs (questions, hygiene, supplies, bedding, food).
• Maintain safety and security of shelter property and report concerns.
• Perform housekeeping tasks and maintain cleanliness.
• Complete intakes, exits, and required paperwork accurately.
• Document shift notes and incident reports; update logs.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication

Organizational skills

Independent work

Teamwork

DEI mindset

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates or Bachelor's in Human Services preferred

SOARS certification within 3 months

HMIS certification within 3 months

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Position Title: Shelter Advocate – 1st Shift

Schedule: Weekends,1st Shift

Classification: Part-Time or PRN; Non-Exempt

Office Location: 1420 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Salary: $15.00 per hour | Pay Level: II

Reports to: Shelter Manager

Travel Requirements: Travel within the community as needed

Note: Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply

Position Overview

The Shelter Advocate is a collaborative supporter and a member of the Operations Team at Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS). The Shelter Advocates’ objective is to support the mission of Central Iowa Shelter & Services and the clients served. This is accomplished by assisting clients with all their needs while establishing and maintaining an environment for clients that is consistent with agency values. Specific duties include the completion of intakes, the answering of telephone lines, distribution of client mail, the monitoring of client activities, the maintenance of safety and security through pat‑downs and monitoring of the security system, connection of clients to case managers and service providers, and light housekeeping.

Duties and Responsibilities include

• Empower guests and provide support and crisis intervention through trauma-informed care.
• Communicate necessary guest information to day staff to keep them informed.
• Follow and enforce Shelter Guidelines, Policies, and Procedures with Shelter Guests.
• Support and assist guests with their shelter needs as they arise (ex. questions, concerns, hygiene, supplies, cleaning supplies, bedding, food and more).
• Maintain safety and security of shelter property, and report concerns to Shelter Manager.
• Maintain the cleanliness of shelter through performing housekeeping tasks (ex. sweeping, mopping, disinfecting, bathroom maintenance).
• Complete Shelter dorm checks with Shelter Manager as requested.
• Complete Shelter Inventory and organizational/shelter upkeep duties as assigned.
• Perform basic maintenance as needed (ex. changing light bulbs, plunging toilets) and report any major maintenance issues to Shelter Manager.
• Assist with food preparation and services as needed.
• Accurately complete intakes and exits as needed and fully completes required paperwork/documentation.
• Accurately complete intakes and exits as needed and fully completes required paperwork.
• Document in shift notes at least once per shift and complete proper documentation; including but not limited to call logs, task list checks off lists and incident reports
• Complete shadowing tasks as assigned when new team members join the support staff team.
• Attend regularly scheduled monthly meetings and trainings.
• Maintain positive, supportive and respectful guest relations.
• Support our focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - this includes non-judgment of the ways that people may be different than you. Refrain from using slurs or other derogatory terms, gossiping or coming to conclusions based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, primary language, religion, physical or mental ability or other ways that people that we serve or employ may be different than you.
• Consistently cover assigned shifts, working within the team and independently to complete all shift tasks.
• Perform general phone and other functions such as noting within the communication log, answering the phone, and responding to in-person inquiries in a professional manner.
• Monitor the activities of clients to ensure the safety of clients, volunteers and staff.
• Promotes all onsite self-sufficiency programs with all new clients. Explains nature of CISS programs, procedures and services.
• Help volunteers with questions or issues when necessary.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in activities designated by the leadership team.
• Ensure confidentiality in accordance with established procedures and regulations.
• Cross-train with other departments to provide additional support as needed.
• Street Outreach duties as assigned.
• All duties included on the attached checklist.
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications

• As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of Central Iowa Shelter & Services and be driven by the mission of the organization.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advance computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Strong ability to execute work with a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries in working with the clients
• Positive attitude, self-motivation, organization, and resourcefulness while maintaining a reputation through proven action of being team and client oriented.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Ability to negotiate different personalities and work under competing priorities.
• Ability to assess emergency situations and respond effectively.
• Must be prompt, dependable, and able to work with minimum day-to-day supervision.
• Ability and willingness to perform light housekeeping and occasional lifting up to 30 pounds independently.
• Must have the ability to obtain Service Point license.
• Strong attention to details, and the ability to manage multiple projects, establish workload priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check
• Possession of a valid Iowa Driver’s license.
• Communication and Interpersonal skills: develop and maintain effective relationships with others; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

Education and Experience

• Minimum High School Diploma of GED required; Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services preferred.
• 2 years experience or more years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness and mental illness/substance abuse.
• Experience working with one or more of the following: individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health related issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS related issues, and with those living in poverty.
• Experience working in a team environment
• SOARS certified (Ability to obtain SOARS certification within 3 months of hire date.)
• HMIS certified (Ability to obtain HMIS certification within 3 months of hire date.)

Physical requirements and work environment

• Ability to work well within a cross-functional team environment and diverse communities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, feel, talk and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk.
• The employee must occasionally life and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally life and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Work will be performed either in an office environment or in the field.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.