Shelter Advocate

Description

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Provide case management working with the family to develop the family’s goals and plan, identify barriers to goals, with the focus on goals for affordable housing, sustainable employment, financial awareness, education & childcare, medical needs, and social services such as benefits, clothing or transportation. • Coordinate all shelter activities, including but not limited to meals, supplies, guest issues, and disputes. Ensure families are aware of visitors or volunteer activities that could impact them. Ensure guests are responsible for the upkeep and cleanliness of Family Center (lounge, guest rooms, and guest restrooms), including trash removal. • Manage shelter enrollment including working with Coordinated Entry, intake, screening, shelter orientation and welcoming guests. • Make referrals to appropriate resources such as childcare, workforce preparation, affordable housing and other needs and assist in accessing those resources. Assist guests in applying for benefits and identifying resources. • Maintain HMIS (Homelessness Information Management System) and other records with information for case management, services provided and data collection for grants. • Develop relationships within the community as resources for families. • Report and document guest disputes. • Provide exit planning for guests including a stability plan. • Transition former guests to the Stabilization program.• Greet callers and visitors to the Family Resource Center. • Return phone calls and emails within 72 hours. • Support communications and fundraising efforts by identifying families with stories to share. • Take photos of donations and families with permission. • Assist with donation inventory and distribution • Oversee volunteers with the Executive Director. • Perform other tasks assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications

• Valid Florida driver’s license. • Be able to pass a Level 2 background screening • Part-time 25 hours per week Sunday – Thursday 2:00-7:00 pm or 1:00 to 6:00 pm. Can be a flexible schedule. May include morning meetings or activities, or late evenings or Saturday events. Escalation of issues may require a response outside of scheduled work hours. • Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people who are experiencing trauma. • Skilled at providing guidance and encouragement that motivates people to better their lives. • Ability to be adaptable, recognizing that families' needs are changing. • Knowledge of benefits and available services in the Jacksonville area. • Good writing and communication skills. • Excellent documentation skills. • Necessary computer skills

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in the areas of psychology, social work or a related human service field with social service experience in family homelessness or services preferred or, a minimum of two years’ experience with family homelessness in a social service setting. • Trauma-informed care a plus • Experience with HMIS a plus

Salary/Salary Range

Commensurate with experience. PTO, a Health Reimbursement Account and a 401K is offered.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter by email to bethmixson@familypromisejax.org