Shelter Advocate (1st Shift)

Job Title: Advocate- Shelter

Department: Community Based Services

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours/Weeks: Full Year, Full Time (1st Shift)

Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): No

Level: 2

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.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

BA (preferred)

1-2 years of relevant experience preferred

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.

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.

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.