Guest Advocate

Primary Responsibilities

• Get to know guests as individuals.
• Works with staff and volunteers to assist the guests in reaching goals.
• Aid in the collaboration and coordination of necessary resources and programming intended to assist guests in the home.
• Support the emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing of the guests.
• Aware of the housing stabilization plan for each guest in the home and assist in coordination of programming.
• Track and report housing outcomes and other reporting requirements upon request.
• When suspicion of substance abuse warrants, perform a UA.
• Ensure guest confidentiality and respect.
• Holds self and others accountable to high standards of service.
• Facilitate access to housing and employment, education, physical and mental health resources as directed by supervisor.
• Model and maintain healthy, professional boundaries with guests.

House Responsibilities

• May assist in the intake and discharge of guests as requested.
• Ensures a safe, clean environment for guests, volunteers, and staff.
• Reports to the Housing Manager any concerns.
• Assists in ensuring all residents' rooms are clean and sanitized upon resident departure.
• Provides immediate and professional response to any emergency or disturbance within or immediately outside the facility.
• Performs regular safety checks of all common areas and resident rooms.

Organizational Accountability

• Holds accountable staff, volunteers and self to high standards while providing services.
• Participates in regular program evaluations.
• Provides support and constructive feedback to staff and volunteers.
• Ensures guests and staff comply with program guidelines and procedures.
• Completes ongoing professional training as set for by the supervisor.
• Assists with fundraising and special events upon request.

Educations and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience and/or educational background related to work with homeless and/or under-resourced population.
• Preferred but not required: compassion, empathy, and ability to respond to individuals in crisis; ability to work with people of all ages from diverse racial, cultural, religious, social and economic backgrounds and lifestyles; excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to solve problems and make decisions individually and within a team; experience with Microsoft Office; valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; ability to work weekdays, some holidays, and weekends; must be able to pass both a criminal background check and drug test.
• Promote and adhere to the vision and mission of the Lighthouse of Southern MN.

Physical Demands

• During your work hours you may be required to write, talk, cook, clean, lift 40 pounds, move items, operate a computer, sit, walk, and kneel.
• Can at times be fast paced and require crisis intervention protocol.
• Safety and security are a priority.

Attributes

• Strong commitment to the mission, diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• An energetic team player.
• High level of personal and professional integrity, ethics, and customer service.
• Work with a spirit of optimism and fun.
• Desire and ability to work with diverse people and organizations.
• Initiative and a commitment to ongoing improvements.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of the staff team.