Housing Advocate

Position Summary

The Salvation Army Northern Division St. Cloud Corps is hiring a Housing Advocate to provide avocation to all the clients of Emergency Housing Program in a positive and helpful manner and ensure the health and safety of the clients and unit.

This is a regular full-time position with a workweek expectation of 40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Experience working in a social service setting preferred. Minimum of one year of work experience assisting individuals, preferably in homeless shelter or other client/customer focused environment.
• Understanding of the delivery of Social Services.
• Ability to work well with clients of diverse cultural and socioeconomic groups, respect confidentiality, and ability to work within the ethical and legal parameters of social services.
• Ability to accept supervision and work with a team of co-workers.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to use Salvation Army approved word processing, spreadsheet, data base management, and graphics/desktop publishing software packages.
• Valid Driver's License preferred. (Must meet the guidelines provided by the State of residence and the automobile insurance provider as pertaining to corps’ passenger vans/buses.)
• Must pass The Salvation Army background checks and meet the MVR driver’s qualifications.
• Willingness to support the philosophy, goals, and objectives of The Salvation Army.
• It must be understood by the incumbent that the provisions of Safe From Harm will apply upon commencement of employment and also understood that the required Safe From Harm training be satisfactorily completed within the first thirty (30) days of employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This job description is not all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential duties of the position. Other duties, responsibilities and tasks may be assigned by corps officer/administrator.

• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters good relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a professional manner; courteous treatment of staff, visitors and clients; respect of others’ property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates.
• Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every client, donor, and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

Client Care

• Meet and greet all clients in a professional and courteous manner.
• Answer all telephone calls in a polite, courteous and professional manner, answering general inquiries and take messages as needed.
• Develop and maintain a positive rapport with clients.
• Report client information, questions or concerns to Caseworker’s in a timely manner.
• Conduct intake interviewing and provide referrals for appropriate resources as needed.
• Assist clients with completing the Combined Application Form (CAF).
• Orient new clients to The Salvation Army’s Rules of Residency
• Follow the shelter intake policies and procedures.
• Enter intake information, including case notes, into ServicePoint.
• Provide a safe environment for guests to ensure that positive change may take place for those utilizing shelter services.
• Ensure prompt and accurate notification to supervisor when there are shelter needs, such as low supplies and food items, etc.

Unit Safety

• Assist in de-escalating situations as they occur.
• Monitor the client by performing routine hourly rounds of the building or as needed.
• Enforcement of client rules.
• Monitor all entrances and exit points.
• Monitor the clients at all times, including meal periods and clean-up.
• Maintain accurate logbooks and other communications.
• Be professional at all time.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service trainings as requested.

Unit Housekeeping

• Maintain linens; stripping beds, washing linens, including kitchen linens, and returning to stock.
• Clean and disinfect any areas that are contaminated by a client’s body fluids in a safe and prompt manner. Body fluid would include; blood, urine, fecal matter, vomit, etc.
• Assist with cleaning as assigned; ensuring facility and laundry are kept neat and orderly.

Miscellaneous

• Work with the clients to ensure that their health and safety concerns are being met.
• Assist with special projects and seasonal programs.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.