Crisis Housing Shelter Advocate - Full Time 2nd and 3rd Shift

Pillars is looking for a full time (40 hours per week) Advocate to work primarily overnight (3rd shift hours 11pm-7am) with occasional Second shifts (3pm-11pm), including weekends, at the Adult and Family Shelter.

SUMMARY:   From homelessness to coming home, Pillars provides shelter, support, and solutions to address the housing needs in our community. The Crisis Housing Advocate may work in any of the Crisis Housing sites – the Adult & Family Shelter, the Adult Shelter or the Resource Center.  Crisis Housing Advocates are responsible for maintaining the safety of the building and serve as the first point of contact for clients and volunteers, including walk-ins and phone calls.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Has passion for the mission of Pillars and displays agency values: Respect, Collaboration, Empowerment and Grit.
• Serves as the first point of contact for clients, volunteers and any other building visitors, including walk-ins and phone calls.
• Completes client intake process including interviewing potential clients, completing intake documentation, assessing eligibility for wait list, conducting tours, reviewing expectations and house rules, and educating potential clients on Pillars programs and processes.
• Enters each client into HMIS and updates each file bi-annually.
• Completes client exit process, including clients leaving both voluntarily and involuntarily. Conduct exit interviews with departing clients. Researches and completes exit process for no-shows.
• Maintains accurate and complete electronic log sheets for all families and individuals served, including documentation of significant events.  Shares log and other items with Case Managers and other staff as appropriate.
• Assists the clients to successfully complete daily activities, including dispensing medications; focuses on providing resources and education to encourage self-sufficiency.
• Works with agency volunteers to create a positive environment; coordinates volunteer times and assigns tasks and responsibilities to volunteers as necessary.
• Prepares and serves meals as necessary; aids in food and supply inventory.
• Receives, organizes, and puts away donations.
• Collaborates with staff and community partner agencies to provide complete continuum of care services, ensures the continuation of plans and goals created with case management staff, and promotes independence of clients.
• Maintains the security of the building and clients by following established safety procedures.  Educates clients with the building’s policies and rules. As needed, checks client’s personal bags to promote a safe and secure environment.  Calls appropriate law enforcement agency in the event that personal or client safety is jeopardized.
• Ensures building meets organizational standards for cleanliness and safety.  Ensures chore list is updated daily and the clients have completed assigned chores in a timely manner.
• Follows established admission guidelines for new and existing clients concerning rule violations.  Records all admission actions according to established procedures.
• Attends staff and committee meetings as requested. 
• Collaborates with other agencies as appropriate/necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Confidentiality – Ability to maintain confidential information and safeguard the security of information of Pillars and our clients. Keep private information from unauthorized individuals, either within Pillars or others outside the organization.
• Building Relationships – Demonstrates exceptional relationship-building ability with volunteers, clients and consumers, tenants, agency partners, donors and potential donors, board and committee members.
• Conflict Management – Reacts and responds to complaints and solves problems.  Helps consumers and staff come to agreement and de-escalates charged situations.  Reacts quickly to assess the conflict and determine appropriate steps to resolve.  Remains calm and professional during high stress situations. 
• Self-Management – Takes initiative to seek out what needs to be done; responsible for attaining goals and following guidelines/procedures with minimal supervision or direction; strong sense of accountability and pride in work.  Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations/expectations. 
• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. 
• Decision Making – Displays sound judgment when making decisions, at times with limited information; follows organizational policies and procedures; aware of implications of state and federal regulations; ability to make complex decisions in line with agency’s mission, vision and values. 
• Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others ideas and tries new things.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Relevant experience preferred, such as:
  • A strong understanding of barriers specific to persons experiencing homelessness
  • Experience working with survivors of domestic violence
  • Experience working with people facing mental health struggles and/or challenges with addictions
  • Knowledge of community resources available to individuals and families who are low income and/or experiencing homelessness

This position is expected to work inclusively and respectfully with a diverse community and practice civility in the workplace. In addition, this position requires strong oral, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills, demonstrated integrity, and the willingness to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.  This position requires knowledge of Microsoft office suite and related technologies.

COMPLIANCE ACCOUNTABILITIES:  The Crisis Housing Advocate must act in accordance with Pillars’ policies and procedures, complete all required compliance training/continuing education within specified timeframe, and maintain a thorough knowledge of all internal operating procedures, as well as applicable laws and regulations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPENSATION:  The compensation for this position is an hourly wage of $20.31.  Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation, holidays, sick leave, short & long term disability, life insurance, a retirement plan and an Employee Assistance Plan.

To Apply:

Apply through our Careers page, on Indeed or turn in a paper application at Pillars, 605 E Hancock St, Appleton, WI 54911

Pillars is an Affirmative Action Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining a community which welcomes and values a climate supporting equal opportunity and difference among its members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, physical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.