Shelter Advocate

Do you enjoy making a difference in our community? Community Advocates is seeking caring and compassionate Shelter Advocate to join our team! 

We have an opening for 2nd shift (2 pm-10 pm). Shelter Advocates are required to work every other weekend and every other holiday. Shelter Advocates who work the holiday are paid time and a half!

Our Milwaukee Women's Shelter provides comprehensive services and treatment for women, men, and children whose lives have been affected by domestic violence, addiction, mental health issues, homelessness, and poverty.

Our Autumn West Safe Haven provides low-barrier housing for individuals who are currently homeless and experiencing severe and persistent mental health challenges.

This position is responsible for the routine operations of the site during the assigned shift,  collaborates with all shelter staff, and reports to the Program Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Processing and documenting incoming calls on the 24-hour crisis line/211 Referrals- for potential Homeless families and DV victims and families. Advising Volunteers and Interns on acceptable methods as they relate to the crisis line.
• Complete intakes and/or outtakes for families residing at the FSC/MWC Shelter. Including: providing tours for families during intakes and cleaning and preparing rooms when residents leave the shelter for the next family
• Consistently update daily shift reports and keeping Case Managers/Ops Manager/Shelter Manager/Intake Specialist informed
• Helping to maintain the cleanliness of the shelter and keeping order at all times. .
• Complete room inspections on each floor. Make rounds every other hour throughout the entire facility to ensure that systems are running safely.
• Serve as an internal and external liaison by reporting all incident details of the shelter to the Case Managers, Shelter Manager and COO. This also means behaving in a professional manner at all times when interacting with staff, clients, volunteers, interns and community organizations.
• Function as a team player in order to meet the goals and objectives of the FSC/MWC Shelter and in supporting our mission.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Skills and Qualifications 

• Work and/or volunteer experience related to domestic violence, social work and/or residential programs.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge and experience in crisis intervention.
• Sensitivity to the effects of Trauma on survivors
• Computer experience required.
• Ability and willingness to work both individually and as part of a team with other staff in provision of services to residents.
• Verbal and written skills — ability to convey information effectively and as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Active listening — giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension — understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Time Management — managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Service Orientation — actively looking for ways to help people.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required