OPERATIONS ADVOCATEOperations Advocates are our frontline staff who work directly with guests on campus who are in our Shelter program and/or who utilize GRACE’s day services. When guests arrive, it is the responsibility of the Operations Advocate to ensure that guests feel welcomed, safe, have access to basic necessities and understand campus expectations and processes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Connect guests with services and information and work intensely with guests to help them understand campus expectations and develop strategies to help them meet those expectations and ensure positive communication between guests and all staff.
• Support the daily needs of our guests are met by responding to requests for clothing, hygiene supplies, bedding, and other basic needs. 
• Ensure the campus is a clean, welcoming environment by performing basic housekeeping duties, ranging from campus cleanup (trash removal, cleaning common areas including bathrooms and showers) to ensuring shelter guests have bedding and linen for their assigned spaces, and that bed areas are cleaned immediately after shelter exits.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Self-directed and able to work without much supervision.
• Superior organizational and communication skills (written & oral).
• Basic computer skills; proficiency with G-Suite, HMIS, and Slack preferred. 
• Ability to interact with all persons in a professional and trauma informed manner encompassing behavior, language, and attitude.
• Ability to work overnights, weekends, and some holidays.
• Fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19

Physical, Emotional, & Mental DemandsGRACE operates on a housing first philosophy, which means our Shelter program is focused on ending homelessness and not just providing for immediate needs. Our hope is that we move towards that goal in every interaction we have with our guests – whether that means helping to serve lunch, getting someone a change of clothes, or simply providing a listening ear. This role has a number of both physical, mental, and even emotional demands of staff. GRACE is a 23 acre Campus, so expect to get your steps in and to be on your feet throughout the majority of your shift. This role is also responsible to ensure the campus and Shelter are both safe and clean, so you will occasionally be required to lift up to 50 pounds whether that be helping guests with their belongings or accepting donations form the community. You will be working with people experiencing homelessness who likely carry intense past trauma, which can be emotionally and mentally demanding. While we offer many ways to support our staff, including training on things like “Trauma Informed Care,” and “Nonviolent Crisis Intervention,” we feel that it’s important to fully understand the demands of this role and come to GRACE with a solid plan with professional boundaries that will allow you to care for yourself outside of work. 

Culture and Benefits

GRACE is an exciting, fast-paced organization filled with some of the best people you could ever hope to meet. All of our programs - day services, permanent housing, emergency shelter, volunteers, and more - are organized around three core values: Safety, Impact, and Respect. We’re on a mission to end homelessness, and we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to improve what we do. GRACE offers opportunities to make your work schedule fit your life. 

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range:  $15 per hour

Reports to: Director of Shelter Services

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, and Life Insurance