Shelter Advocate I

Job Objective

Responsible for direct care and supervision of residents and property at the Emergency Lodge to ensure a safe environment for all residents. Shifts are primarily 2nd and 3rd, with occasional 1st shifts as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Monitor the facility and activities of the residents to ensure safety and location of residents at all times.
• Assure safety and security of residents and the facility; monitor all internal and external areas of the building.
• Manage the front desk area, including handling phone calls, mail sorting, visitors and residents coming and going from the building.
• Check‑in residents returning to the shelter after work or other approved absences from the premises.
• Conduct intake services, including completing necessary paperwork and providing new residents with an overview of program services and rules.
• Conduct exit/discharge services as directed, including exit interview, completing necessary paperwork and reporting, and assisting with moving residents’ personal property from the building.
• Respect strict code of confidentiality regarding residents and fellow staff members at all times.
• Provide basic needs to residents, such as hygiene items, laundry soap, cleaning supplies, and meals (saved hot meals, bag lunches, snack bags, medicine bags).
• Maintain all record‑keeping responsibilities, including a log of significant events that occurred on your shift and share with on‑coming staff.
• Inform supervisory personnel when an incident occurs and if police, EMT, or other agency personnel are on the premises.
• Complete incident reports prior to end of scheduled shift.
• Be knowledgeable of and perform Emergency Lodge policies and procedures.
• Enforce shelter rules uniformly and consistently.
• Ensure rooms are ready for occupancy for residents arriving after normal business hours.
• Conduct hourly walk‑through of the entire building, including all stairwells, and document the walk‑through in the log book.
• Conduct in‑room visual resident checks at curfew and document findings in the log book.
• Provide supervision of the dining area during mealtimes, as needed.
• Conduct breathalyzer and urinalysis tests on residents arriving after curfew, as directed by the Homeless Services Director or Case Management staff or upon suspicion of drug/alcohol use.
• Secure, distribute, and chart resident medication and medical supplies, as required.
• Provide assistance and support to case management and program staff as requested.
• Assist building maintenance personnel.
• Perform general cleaning duties throughout the building, as needed or requested, including snow removal.
• Carry out emergency procedures to assure safety of residents and staff when required.
• Participate in training programs and staff meetings.
• Demonstrate awareness and active support of The Salvation Army’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent; one year of college preferred.
• Experience: Prefer one year of experience working with people who are homeless or low‑income or who have issues with chemical dependency, mental health, domestic violence, and/or sexual assault. Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license with clearance to drive from The Salvation Army’s insurance carrier.

Schedule

Alternating Work Schedule:

• Week 1 – Wednesday and Thursday 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
• Week 2 – Wednesday and Friday 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back‑to‑work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.