Winter Emergency Shelter Advocate

Welcome House, Inc; Kentucky; On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Welcome House, Inc. is seeking a Winter Emergency Shelter Advocate to manage hotel shelter operations during Boone County’s winter activation. This seasonal role ensures safety, comfort, and well-being for participants during shifts, following shelter policies and procedures.

The Advocate will coordinate check-in/check-out, maintain records, support participants with needs, and collaborate with hotel staff and county partners to run the shelter efficiently during cold-weather activations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year experience in a related field.
• 1 year experience working with population.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily shelter operations during assigned shifts.
• Coordinate participant check-in/check-out and room assignments.
• Enforce shelter rules and guidelines and maintain safety.
• Document intake, services provided, and incidents accurately.
• Provide welcoming, safe support and respond to participant questions.

Skills

Excellent communication

Excellent interpersonal skills

Precise record keeping

Problem solving

Conflict resolution

Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Winter Emergency Shelter Advocate will play a critical role in managing the operations of the hotel shelter during Boone County’s winter emergency activation. This position is a seasonal position, activated only when the weather is deemed too cold, and the hotel shelter is utilized to provide safe housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Advocate will be responsible for ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of all participants during their shift, while adhering to shelter policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

• 1. Shelter Operations:
  • Oversee daily operations of the hotel shelter during assigned shifts, ensuring the facility runs smoothly and efficiently.
  • Coordinate participant check-in/check-out, room assignments, and enforce shelter rules and guidelines.
  • Collaborate with hotel staff to maintain clear communication and resolve any issues that arise related to room maintenance or participant needs.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of participant intake, services provided, and any incidents or needs during shifts.
• 2. Participant Support:
  • Provide a welcoming and safe environment for all shelter participants.
  • Respond to participant questions and concerns, offering assistance and support when necessary.
  • Mediate conflicts and address behavioral issues in a compassionate and respectful manner, while maintaining shelter rules.
  • Assist participants in accessing additional services, including food, hygiene products, and referrals to other social services.
• 3. Health and Safety:
  • Ensure shelter policies and protocols are followed to maintain a clean and safe environment for participants and staff.
  • Conduct regular room checks on participants and provide emergency assistance as needed.
  • Monitor the shelter for any health, safety, or security concerns, and report issues to the Shelter Supervisor or appropriate authorities.
• 4. Collaboration and Communication:
  • Communicate regularly with the Shelter Supervisor regarding shelter operations, participant needs, and any challenges encountered.
  • Work closely with hotel staff, county officials, and other community partners to ensure the effective operation of the shelter during cold weather activations.
  • Participate in debriefs and provide feedback to improve shelter operations for future emergency activations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:
  • Minimum High School Degree or equivalent
• Experience:
  • 1-year experience in related field
  • 1-year experience working with population
• Skill Set:
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Precise record keeping skills
  • Proficient in problem solvingProficient in conflict resolutionProficient in collaboration, both internally and externally
• Key Performance Indicators:
  • Understands agency vision/mission and how to achieve agency goals
  • Adept at meeting client needs, to maintain the safety of shelter and it’s residents
  • Maintains effective relationships with residents and co-workers
  • Capable of working independently
  • Accurately completes paperwork and activities required by funding sources
  • Appropriately uses PTO, maintains good attendance, and accurately tracks and reports time
  • Ability to maintain effective relationship with residents and co-workers

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working Hours/Environment
  • Office hours are 24 hours and seven days a week (work hours vary depending on full-time, part-time or reserve positions)
  • Must be willing and able to work nights, weekends and holidays (maybe required to work flexible schedules to provide staff coverage)
  • Work typically performed in an indoor 3-floor residential building
• Tools and Equipment Used
  • Computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, other typical office equipment, kitchen equipment, and basic troubleshooting of plumbing, HVAC in emergency situations
• Travel
  • Minimal-less than 5% of the time
• Physical and Mental Demands
  • Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long period of time
  • Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
  • Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
  • Moderate lifting-supplies, food, laundry, and resident belongings
  • Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person
  • Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move between 3 floors
  • Additional Mental Requirements: compare, decide, direct, problem solve, analyze, instruct, interpret
  • Minimum lifting up to and above 50 pounds

Welcome House is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to gender, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected class.