Advocate - Shelter

Job Title: Advocate- Shelter

Department: Community Based Services

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours/Weeks: Full Year, Full Time / 2nd Shift / Includes Weekends

Hiring Range: $19.50 - $22.29

NEKCA Mission Statement:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.

SUMMARY:

Advocates at NEKCA build strong relationships with our community and participants to set goals and see positive outcomes for families and individuals. Advocates utilize a strengths-based approach to support individual and household well-being while collaborating with agency and community partners to support service delivery in a human-centered way.

This position is an Advocate for the NEK Shelter Program in the Community Based Services Department which supports participants in accessing safe and dignified emergency housing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform intake per requirements of NEKCA/grantor. Determine and verify eligibility for all applicants in accordance with program guidelines
• Collect and report all data accurately and timely into GoEngage to meet program deadlines
• Assess participants in crisis to determine immediate needs and develop plan for response, including referrals (interagency and external)
• Work collaboratively with community partners to address needs of low-income households
• Understand and follow all program guidance and policies
• Attend and participate in staff, agency and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for supporting guests at the Shelter.
• Must utilize conflict resolution skills to create a welcoming and safe environment for Shelter guests.
• Must support in maintaining shelter cleanliness, meal supervision, and daily routines of Shelter guests.
• Engage guests in social and skill building activities.
• Enter and maintain data into the HMIS database in an accurate and timely manner.

Core Competencies:

• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community.
• Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
• This position is considered a mandated reporter.
• Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work fleixble hours (program dependent)
• Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Complete all required trainings and professional development.

Core Values:

• Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values
• Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community.
• Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes.
• Value diversity and respecting the cultural backgrounds of participants
• Ensure that services are inclusive and culturally sensitive.
• Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community.
• Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and ensureing participant safety.
• Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers.
• Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users.
• In person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor.
• Be sensitive to participant’s unique situations and challenges.
• Represent NEKCA in public and advocating for its mission.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. The work involves sitting for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Position has occasionally bending, stooping, or reaching for items. Standing or moving around the office area.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions of their job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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The responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the role and its expectations. While this description is comprehensive, it should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and tasks that may be required of the employee. The organization reserves the right to assign other tasks or responsibilities as needed, and this role's responsibilities may evolve in response to changes in the organization's goals and priorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for success in this dynamic work environment.

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.

Education and Experience:

BA (preferred)

1-2 years of relevant experience preferred

Background Checks:

Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, criminal background and driving records.

Transportation Requirements:

This position requires that employees have access to dependable transportation.