Night Shelter Lead Advocate

Job Title: Winter Shelter Shift Lead Department: Shelter Reports to: On-Call Director of Winter Shelter Date: 08/18/2023 Job Code: Type of position: Full-time x Part-time Intern FLSA: Exempt Nonexempt x Position Details: Individual Contributor Supervisor/Manager (direct reports) WC Code: JOB SUMMARY The winter Shelter shift Lead Advocate role is responsible for managing and equipping the advocacy team to advocate for the Shelter guests' needs while maintaining the practical and task-oriented functions of the Night Shelter. Additional areas of responsibility include but are not limited to: managing the advocate team, engaging with guests, coordinating with staff team members, maintaining laundry, and training. This position is seasonal and begins 10/21/2024 and ends 3/31/2025 RESPONSIBILITIES Complete all tasks required to open and/or close the shelter depending on your shift. Provide consultation, training, and support to Advocates in their work with clients and arising challenges. Manage guest access to Bed space, blankets, dog Kennels, client belongings, cart storage, and any other provision Assist with Homeless Alliance Winter Shelter staff training and development. Act as an advocate for guests, either by request or by seeking out those who need services. Manage any potential conflicts or crisis situations that might occur among guests during your shift and coordinate with security personnel when necessary, and on-call director as a last resort. Bring creativity and initiative to the development of the night shelter and its services our goal is to end homelessness. Oversee mealtime and engage with guests during meals. Oversee and complete general clean-up of the main sleeping areas throughout the evening. Manage staff rotation of advocate duties. Communicating with the Homeless Alliance volunteer coordinator regarding incoming donations and maintaining the inventory of the donation closets. Coordinate and collaborate with representatives from other agencies that visit the shelter regularly. Assist team members with issues pertaining to documentation system and liaison with the help desk specialist if issues cannot be resolved. Communicate and collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure that evening meals are supplied. Clearly communicate job expectations, goals, and performance standards. Address concerns and conflicts promptly and professionally. REQUIREMENTS A willingness to work shifts early or late (3:00pm-11:00pm; 11:00am-7.00am). The ability to work flexibly to the differing demands of the role: working with people, managing Homeless Alliance Night Shelter shifts, dealing professionally with colleagues from partnering agencies, and maintaining documentation in homeless Information Management System. Highly effective people skills: Ability to demonstrate empathy Have exceptional listening skills Ability to use de-escalation techniques to deal with conflict Able to relate well with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds: especially clients who are vulnerable, those with mental illness, and substance use, etc. Advocacy skills in representing guests to services. IT (Information Technology) literate: confident user of Microsoft365, MS word, excel, email, internet browsing. Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested in a professional, courteous, and helpful manner. Have available transportation and be willing to transport clients. Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and patience during a chaotic and crisis driven environment. Note: All staff members are responsible for treating all clients, volunteers, guests, and other employees in a courteous and respectful manner. EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE A minimum of a High School diploma or GED required. 1 year of related work experience in a shelter environment, preferred Valid Oklahoma drivers license & Proof of Insurance PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Occasional lifting (25-50 pounds) of materials for laundry, cleaning, receiving clients carts and belongings or other activities. Accommodation may be made for some physical limitations for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation. WORK ENVIRONMENT The employee will not work in a normal office environment and in all areas of the Winter Shelter and WestTown Campus. Hectic situations can occur in the public area of the facility characteristic to working with the homeless community and the related concerns and situations related to homeless conditions. Potential exists for volatile and unpredictable situations to occur. Exposure to strong odors such as soiled clothes and poor hygiene, are common. The qualifications, physical demands, and work environment described herein are representative of those an employee will encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship. This position is a temporary, seasonal position, and expires on March 31, 2025. The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change, so, too, may the essential functions of this position.