Temporary Adult Shelter Connect Advocate

Summary

This position is part of the Hennepin County Single Adult Shelter Collaborative which coordinates the Hennepin County Adult Shelter Connect. The Single Adult Shelter Collaborative includes the following agencies: Catholic Charities, Our Saviour’s, Agate, Salvation Army, and Simpson Housing Services. This position provides assessment and placement into single adult shelters in Hennepin County. It is anticipated that the position will complete 24 assessments in a 6-hour workday.

This energetic and adaptable employee will work as part of a team to assist individuals to access and understand the single adult shelter system. Participant populations may include those with chemical use issues, criminal histories, trauma, grief, and/or mental health issues. Advocates must be knowledgeable about and able to respond effectively to the complexities of an individual’s lives and the challenges and conditions associated with homelessness.

This is a temporary position with a planned end date of December 31, 2026. Employment Shifts/Hours for this position are some weeknights, weekend daytime, and night shifts. Shifts are 7:15pm-10:00pm, 12:45pm-4:00pm. There are possible daytime shifts you can pick up between 9:30-4:30.  There are three openings for this position - two for up to 20 hrs/week and one for 20-24 hours per week.

Responsibilities

Provide quality service to individuals:

• Conduct initial assessment for shelter placement in Single Adult Shelter Collaborative.
• Evaluate options for diversion to other safe and available nightly accommodation.
• Refer clients to available and appropriate shelter beds.
• Manage all bed reservations using HMIS/Client Track.
• Facilitate client transfer between shelters as needed
• Track client restrictions from individual shelter sites.
• Competently explain the single adult shelter system in Hennepin County to new and returning guests.

Complete accurate and thorough documentation and recordkeeping in a timely manner:

• Maintain individual files, including intake information, electronic data privacy releases and other applicable Releases of Information.
• Understand and comply with necessary data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and/or other data systems.
• Maintain accurate records including employee time sheets and other expenses.
• Participate with reports and site visits as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Provide positive representation of SHS through public relations and networking:

• Communicate and coordinate services with all team members. Attend regular team meetings, other required meetings.
• Interpret and promote the program to constituents, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, participants and other stakeholders
• Network with providers of similar services
• Participate in professional meetings, workshops, and staff meetings.

Commitment to racial equity and social justice:

• Work within and across agency departments to build culture of equity and antiracism.
• Evolve knowledge and strategy of equity and antiracism on an individual and team level.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and workshops hosted by SHS about diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and other related topics.

Demonstrate essential knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Ability to work well independently but also excel at teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to be flexible and manage time.
• Knowledge of de-escalation techniques
• Knowledge of Harm Reduction/Housing First Model and commitment to that model and trauma-informed service
• Ability to communicate effectively, positively and professionally with participants, providers, and others.
• Ability to work with individuals from very diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to perform non-traditional tasks while meeting participant needs
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Adhere to a standard framework of boundaries in all interactions with guests, volunteers, staff and public.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Scope of Position

Job Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in Human Services or related field of study, or equal experience in the field is required.
• Must be computer proficient.

Desired:

• Very broad knowledge of shelter and other resources.
• Experience working with individuals who are homeless or having personally experienced homelessness.
• Experience working with adults with mental illness and chemical use issues.
• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish preferred.