Shelter Advocate
Summary: The Shelter Advocate is a direct care team member who helps set a compassionate and respectful tone for our housing-focused shelter serving men, women, and children. This position plays a key role in client engagement, supporting day-to-day shelter operations, and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for those in crisis. Responsibilities include assisting clients, answering questions, completing intake paperwork, and accurately entering data into the agency’s database. The Shelter Advocate monitors dorms and shelter activities, supports problem-solving, and interacts with individuals from diverse backgrounds with empathy and without judgment. This role also collaborates with staff across departments as part of an interdisciplinary approach to meet client needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Welcome new clients and meet their immediate needs upon entry to the shelter.
- Assess eligibility for services based on established guidelines and policies.
- Demonstrate compassion and care for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Apply trauma-informed care principles in daily interactions to create a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for clients who have experienced trauma.
- Conduct searches of client belongings per procedure; follow protocol if weapons, drugs, or paraphernalia are found.
- Explain available services, shelter guidelines, bed availability, and expectations clearly.
- Complete the full intake process for new clients.
- Monitor assigned areas, including dorms, to ensure a clean and safe environment.
- Supervise client laundry, meals, and general daily activities.
- Maintain a clean and orderly reception area.
- Manage basic shelter supplies and communicate client needs as necessary.
- Coordinate with Case Management, Recovery, Vocational, and other teams to support service delivery.
- Collaborate with internal staff and community partners in a positive, professional manner.
- Accurately document client information and services in the agency database.
- Report concerns or safety issues promptly to a supervisor.
- Observe vulnerable populations for signs of abuse, neglect, or special needs and report as required.
- Support shelter safety and security protocols.
- Perform other duties as assigned.