The Shelter Advocate Swing is a full-time position responsible for meeting the needs of individuals and families in the Emergency Shelter that is open 24-hours per day, seven days per week. The Shelter Advocate swing is expected to assess situations and program participant needs, and to be comfortable making decisions to maintain the safety of the Shelter and its residents. The Shelter Advocate swing will accurately complete paperwork and meet all funding and perform all activities grant requirements. This position is responsible for running and maintaining a safe kitchen within the Emergency Shelter. This position performs duties in accordance with Welcome House Core Values, including Ethical, Collaborative, Program participant-Centered, Accountable, Professional, and Passionate.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Meet Needs of Program Participant/Agency
• Provides program participants with needed personal items
• Screen requests for shelter to determine the appropriateness of Welcome House Shelter, and assists in making suitable referrals when shelter is full or not an appropriate option
• Conducts intake and exit interviews as needed
• Carries a small caseload of 5-10 Participants.
• Assists in case plan and offers support to program participants as needed
• Assists in serving meals and snacks
• Accepts donations and deliveries as needed
• Works with volunteers
• Serve as a part of phone on call and shelter shift coverage, as needed.
• Maintain food preparation certification and prepare and serve meal daily.
2. Maintain the Physical Safety of the Building
• Walks the house at least every hour
• Monitors shelter/agency phone and shelter front door
• Coordinates drug tests
• Provides a safe environment while performing an exit interview
• Shares in the cleanliness of the workspace and performs required tasks to maintain a building well-prepared for residential service, including basic maintenance tasks
3. Documentation and Paperwork
• Updates and reviews the staff log with all daily activities in a timely manner
• Documents pertinent information regarding program participants in program participant files
• Maintains all program participant files-compile accurately new folders for new program participants
• Provides a concise and comprehensive program participant update to other shelter staff members, Case Managers, and Facilities Supervisor
4. Conducting and Attending Meetings
• Attends all agency meetings
• Performs house meetings when necessary
• Attends bi-weekly staff meetings
• Attends partner agency or area meetings as determined by the Housing Staff, Facilities Supervisor, and Director of Housing Services
5. Running and Maintaining Safe Shelter Kitchen
• Preparing and cooking meals for residents and guests
• Ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are followed
• Cleaning and sanitizing kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas
• Assisting with inventory management and food ordering
• Collaborating with other staff members to plan menus and accommodate dietary restrictions
• Serving meals to residents and guests in a courteous and respectful manner
• Monitoring and controlling food waste
• Maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment
• Assisting with meal planning and recipe development
• Adhering to health and safety regulations
• Providing support and guidance to kitchen volunteers
• Participating in training and professional development opportunities related to food service and nutrition
6. Other duties as specified by the Supervisor of Shelter Services and/or Director of Homeless Solutions
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
• Minimum Associate Degree to Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
Experience:
• 1-year experience in related field
• 1-year experience working with population
Skill Set:
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Precise record keeping skills
• Proficient in problem solving
• Proficient in conflict resolution
• Proficient in collaboration, both internally and externally
Key Performance Indicators:
• Understands agency vision/mission and how to achieve agency goals
• Adept at meeting program participant needs, to maintain the safety of shelter and it’s residents
• Maintains effective relationships with residents and co-workers
• Capable of working independently
• Accurately completes paperwork and activities required by funding sources
• Appropriately uses PTO, maintains good attendance, and accurately tracks and reports time
• Ability to maintain effective relationship with residents and co-workers
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working Hours/Environment
• Office hours are 24 hours and seven days a week (work hours vary depending on full-time, part-time or reserve positions)
• Must be willing and able to work nights, weekends and holidays (may be required to work flexible schedules to provide staff coverage)
• Work typically performed in an indoor 3-floor residential building
Tools and Equipment Used
• Computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, other typical office equipment, kitchen equipment, and basic troubleshooting of plumbing, HVAC in emergency situations
Travel
• Minimal-less than 5% of the time
Physical and Mental Demands
• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long period of time
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
• Moderate lifting-supplies, food, laundry, and resident belongings
• Ability to speak to and hear employees/program participants via phone or in person
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move between 3 floors
• Additional Mental Requirements: compare, decide, direct, problem solve, analyze, instruct, interpret
• Minimum lifting up to and above 50 pounds
Interested parties should submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to: humanresources@welcomehouseky.org
Welcome House is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to gender, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected class.
