Shelter Advocate PT Eve

CHURCHES UNITED FOR THE HOMELESS; Moorhead (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Churches United is seeking a part-time Shelter Advocate in Moorhead, MN to provide essential 24-hour awake coverage and support for shelter guests. You will screen guests, ensure safety, maintain guest files, and collaborate with volunteers and staff to maintain a clean, safe environment while upholding program policies and compassionate service.

Ideal candidates are dependable, detail-oriented, and able to work with diverse populations, with strong Microsoft Office skills and a commitment to

Qualifications

• Provide essential 24‑hour awake coverage and shelter supervision.
• Screen guests for eligibility, enroll where appropriate.
• Maintain guest files and data per program requirements.
• Collaborate with volunteers, contractors and donors.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

• Initial screening to determine guest eligibility for services.
• Ensure safety and security by communicating expectations and checks.
• Conduct room and personal property inspections.
• Follow shelter protocols for incident reporting.
• Orient new guests to policies and procedures.
• Assist guests and cleaning staff with shelter upkeep.

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Micahs Mission - Moorhead, MN 56560
Position Type: Part Time
Education Level: Not Specified
Salary Range: $20.50 - $20.50 Hourly
Travel Percentage: Negligible
Job Shift: Any
Job Category: Shelter Advocate

ABOUT US

Churches United is one of the largest and most effective providers of shelter and connection to the supportive services in the Fargo Moorhead area. As a results-driven organization, since 1987, our mission has been to provide shelter, interim housing and supportive services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to rapidly return to stable housing and long-term self-sufficiency. Our successful service model combines a safe clean shelter, with intensive supportive services that promote dignity and motivate our guests to achieve autonomy. Churches United operates over 5 sites in the FM area; one site provides shelter to single men, women, families and veterans under one roof.

CULTURE

Churches United staff are dedicated to serving our community. Diverse in background, outlook and life experience, our team addresses important social issues with passion and creativity. A culture of collaboration and innovation provides a thriving and successful environment for all. We foster personal growth through ongoing investment in the professional development of our staff. Together, we are committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and helping our guests achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

OUR APPROACH

There is no single cause of family or youth homelessness, and no single way that interpersonal violence affects people. While most of our guests are impacted by different traumas, Churches United services are available to all who are impacted by hardships to ensure people have the right help to move forward. Knowing that the traumas of these life experiences often impact many aspects of family functioning, our services reach broadly and comprehensively to best support men, women, and children as they build on their unique strengths to create a brighter future.

SHELTER ADVOCATE (SA) – RESPONSIBILITIES

The Shelter Advocate (SA) will provide essential 24‑hour awake coverage and supervision of the shelter. This position is responsible for the welfare, safety, and comfort, as well as daily support to the shelter guests. The SA will provide crisis intervention to callers seeking shelter, advice, or referrals. The employee is always expected to stay awake during shift. All Churches United employees are expected to demonstrate the organizational values and sensitivity to the diversity of the organization’s guest base.

• Ensure a comprehensive initial screening process to determine guest eligibility for program services, providing assessments, intakes, and enrollment where appropriate.
• Ensure the safety and security of guests, volunteers, visitors, and staff by communicating guest expectations and conducting internal and external perimeter checks during shift.
• Conduct room and personal property inspections during shift.
• Follow agency and shelter protocols for reporting incidents.
• Conduct new guest orientation to ensure understanding of guest expectations, policies and procedures.
• Understand and effectively respond to guest needs.
• Participate in regular supervision with Shelter Coordinator by providing regular updates.
• Maintain guest files and manage data in accordance with program requirements and NVFS guidelines.
• Maintain current level of knowledge on program software and other information on shelter programs.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers, contractors, and donors.
• Assist guests and cleaning staff maintain cleanliness and good upkeep of shelter and grounds; this includes sweeping, mopping and cleaning the shelter and grounds in the absence of professional cleaning services as needed.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Is dependable -- more reliable than spontaneous
• Has the ability to encourage and adhere to the rights and responsibilities of guests in a behavior-based, low barrier environment
• Is people-oriented -- enjoys interacting with people and working on group projects
• Is detail-oriented -- would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture
• Is autonomous/Independent -- enjoys working with little direction
• Is innovative -- prefers working in unconventional ways or on tasks that require creativity
• Has a high stress tolerance -- thrives in a high-pressure environment
• Has the ability to be calming and helpful in difficult situations
• Has the ability to provide support and supervision to volunteers
• Has basic literacy and computer skills, word processing and internet navigation
• Has a strong analysis of how race, ethnicity, culture, language, region, poverty, sexual and gender identity, age, education, opportunities, and resources generationally made available or not, and systemic oppressions impact a person’s mental health.
• Can manage and support with qualities of inclusivity, collaboration, continuity, and care out front in your daily interactions and overall leadership style.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES

• Excellent customer service, communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to individual struggles with homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, mental illness, and criminal records.
• Knowledge of harm reduction, strength-based, and behavior based models.
• Preferred – applicable experience preferably in social service setting with people in crisis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.

EEO STATEMENT

Churches United provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Churches United complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Churches United expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Churches United employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Churches United is looking for a qualified candidate who is mission driven, professional and dedicated to being a part of the solution to homelessness!