What are the responsibilities and job description for the Adult Shelter Connect Advocate position at Simpson Housing Services?
Why Work For Simpson?
Our Mission is to house, support and advocate for people experiencing homelessness. We believe that everybody has the right to safe and affordable housing; we strive to strive to create a collaborative community with the individuals we serve, within Simpson, and with the greater community; and we advocate against the injustices of society that cause homelessness and poverty.
Simpson Housing Services Provides an Excellent Benefits Package to All Full-time Employees, Including:
- Generous PTO and 11 Additional Paid Holidays
- Health Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts and an HSA match
- Retirement Plan with Employer Match
- Up to 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
- Free Annual Minnesota State Park Pass or Wellness Stipend
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Dental Coverage and Vision Discount Plan
- An Incredible Culture that Encourages Career Growth and Support!
Summary
This position is part of the Hennepin County Single Adult Shelter Collaborative which coordinates the Hennepin County Adult Shelter Connect. The Single Adult Shelter Collaborative includes agencies providing shelter to single individuals in Hennepin County. This position provides assessment and placement into single adult shelters in Hennepin County.
This energetic and adaptable employee will work as part of a team to assist individuals to access and understand the single adult shelter system. Participant populations may include those with chemical use issues, criminal histories, trauma, grief, and/or mental health issues. Advocates must be knowledgeable about and able to respond effectively to the complexities of individual’s lives and the challenges and conditions associated with homelessness.
This position will be partially remote except for Mondays when ASC is open to the community to provide community cards and resources. SHS will provide the necessary equipment, including a laptop for remote work.
Hours for this position are weekdays, Mondays to Fridays from 9:30am-4:30pm with the ability, for a 35 hour work week. One has the ability to add shifts on weekends or evenings to reach no more than 40 hours per week. There is a potential that more in person work will be added in the future for this position.
Responsibilities
Provide quality service to individuals:
- Conduct initial assessment for shelter placement in Single Adult Shelter Collaborative.
- Coordinate with Hennepin County Shelter Diversion for those who are new to shelter.
- Refer clients to available and appropriate shelter beds.
- Manage all bed reservations using HMIS/ServicePoint.
- Facilitate client transfer between shelters as needed.
- Track client restrictions from individual shelter sites.
- Competently explain the single adult shelter system in Hennepin County to new and returning guests.
Complete accurate and thorough documentation and recordkeeping in a timely manner:
- Maintain individual files, including intake information, electronic data privacy releases and other applicable Releases of Information.
- Understand and comply with necessary data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and/or other data systems.
- Maintain accurate records including employee time sheets.
- Other duties as assigned.
Provide positive representation of SHS:
- Communicate and coordinate services with all team Attend regular team meetings, other required meetings.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, participants, and other interested parties.
- Participate in professional meetings, workshops, and staff meetings.
Demonstrate essential knowledge, abilities, and skills:
- Ability to work well independently but also excel at teamwork and collabortaion.
- Ability to be flexible and manage time.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed service, HarmReduction/HousingFirstModel and commitment to that model.
- Ability to communicate effectively, positively, and professionally with participants, providers, and others.
- Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to perform non-traditional tasks while meeting participant needs.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Adhere to a standard framework of boundaries in all interactions with guests, volunteers, staff and public.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field of study, or equal experience in the field is required.
- Must be computer proficient.
Desired:
- Fluency in written and spoken Spanish preferred.
- Broad knowledge of shelter and other resources.
- Experience working with individuals who are homeless or having personally experienced homelessness.
- Experience working with adults with mental illness and chemical use issues.
