Shelter Advocate
Model Cities of Saint Paul, Inc., Saint Paul, MN, United States
Model Cities Overview
Model Cities, a champion of social and economic prosperity, has been providing access to opportunities that stabilize and develop families and communities since 1967. Our work has been a lifeline for marginalized and underserved communities, especially with a focus on the economic stability and vibrancy of Black Minnesotans in Saint Paul. We offer services that address barriers to homelessness, housing, homeownership, economic development, and financial wellness, while maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
Shelter Advocate (Part‑time Nights)
As a Shelter Advocate, you will add critical value to our operations under the direct supervision of the Program Manager or their designee. Your responsibilities include maintaining a regular presence at Safe Space, supporting clients, offering guidance to staff and volunteers, and ensuring the shelter operates efficiently and guests’ basic needs are met. You will also work closely with the Shelter Operations Coordinator to provide reliable coverage 365 days a year, often rotating across nights, days, and weekends.
About The Position
In this role you will be expected to manage client data accurately in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), maintain confidentiality of client information, participate in all staff meetings and shelter team meetings, assist in planning and facilitating monthly meetings, coordinate inventory of shelter supplies, and provide information for reporting to funders, board members, and other stakeholders. You will also stay current on developments that could influence Safe Space and the agency’s strategies.
Responsibilities
Maintain a regular presence at Safe Space, supporting clients and offering guidance to staff and volunteers.
Assess guest needs and provide advocacy and referrals for housing, probation, healthcare, mental health, chemical dependency, and other services.
Actively participate in all staff meetings, shelter team meetings, and related agency meetings; assist in planning and facilitating monthly meetings.
Assist in inventory management of shelter supplies and notify the Program Manager and Shelter Operations Coordinator when supplies are needed.
Maintain cleanliness to standard.
Respond to and complete incident reports for medical emergencies, chemical abuse, theft, threats, and violations of shelter guidelines.
Collaborate with the Program Manager and Shelter Operations Coordinator to provide shelter staff and volunteer training on policies and practices.
Perform other assigned duties as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Leadership experience.
De‑escalation skills and experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Reliable transportation.
Ability to pass a background check.
Competencies Required
Social services/work experience.
Cooperative skills.
Communication skills.
Administrative skills.
People skills.
Intrapersonal skills.
Adaptability skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other software programs.
Ability to use essential office equipment (copier, fax, scanner, etc.).
Critical thinking skills.
Ability to work independently and in team environments.
Preferred Requirements
Experience working with vulnerable populations and/or individuals with lower incomes.
Advanced leadership and critical thinking skills.
Advanced de‑escalation skills and techniques.
Advanced communication skills.
Job Requirements
Must be able to sit for extended periods.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Must be able to stand, bend, and twist frequently.
Weekend availability.
Schedule
Workdays may vary depending on business requirements.
Weekend and evening availability are required.
Shift hours depend on business needs and will be at least 20 hours.
PTO
Twenty‑four hours of paid time off (PTO).
Double pay on regularly scheduled recognized holidays.
Employee Sick and Safe Leave.
Benefits
Competitive pay.
Vision.
Dental.
Life insurance.
Pet insurance.
Legal assistance.
EEO Statement
Model Cities is dedicated to attracting, retaining, and engaging employees from diverse backgrounds. Diversity is an important part of our values and business operations. We are committed to creating an environment that promotes inclusivity and development for everyone. Model Cities does not discriminate based on age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status regarding public assistance, status as a disabled veteran or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified candidates.
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Model Cities, a champion of social and economic prosperity, has been providing access to opportunities that stabilize and develop families and communities since 1967. Our work has been a lifeline for marginalized and underserved communities, especially with a focus on the economic stability and vibrancy of Black Minnesotans in Saint Paul. We offer services that address barriers to homelessness, housing, homeownership, economic development, and financial wellness, while maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
Shelter Advocate (Part‑time Nights)
As a Shelter Advocate, you will add critical value to our operations under the direct supervision of the Program Manager or their designee. Your responsibilities include maintaining a regular presence at Safe Space, supporting clients, offering guidance to staff and volunteers, and ensuring the shelter operates efficiently and guests’ basic needs are met. You will also work closely with the Shelter Operations Coordinator to provide reliable coverage 365 days a year, often rotating across nights, days, and weekends.
About The Position
In this role you will be expected to manage client data accurately in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), maintain confidentiality of client information, participate in all staff meetings and shelter team meetings, assist in planning and facilitating monthly meetings, coordinate inventory of shelter supplies, and provide information for reporting to funders, board members, and other stakeholders. You will also stay current on developments that could influence Safe Space and the agency’s strategies.
Responsibilities
Maintain a regular presence at Safe Space, supporting clients and offering guidance to staff and volunteers.
Assess guest needs and provide advocacy and referrals for housing, probation, healthcare, mental health, chemical dependency, and other services.
Actively participate in all staff meetings, shelter team meetings, and related agency meetings; assist in planning and facilitating monthly meetings.
Assist in inventory management of shelter supplies and notify the Program Manager and Shelter Operations Coordinator when supplies are needed.
Maintain cleanliness to standard.
Respond to and complete incident reports for medical emergencies, chemical abuse, theft, threats, and violations of shelter guidelines.
Collaborate with the Program Manager and Shelter Operations Coordinator to provide shelter staff and volunteer training on policies and practices.
Perform other assigned duties as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Leadership experience.
De‑escalation skills and experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Reliable transportation.
Ability to pass a background check.
Competencies Required
Social services/work experience.
Cooperative skills.
Communication skills.
Administrative skills.
People skills.
Intrapersonal skills.
Adaptability skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other software programs.
Ability to use essential office equipment (copier, fax, scanner, etc.).
Critical thinking skills.
Ability to work independently and in team environments.
Preferred Requirements
Experience working with vulnerable populations and/or individuals with lower incomes.
Advanced leadership and critical thinking skills.
Advanced de‑escalation skills and techniques.
Advanced communication skills.
Job Requirements
Must be able to sit for extended periods.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Must be able to stand, bend, and twist frequently.
Weekend availability.
Schedule
Workdays may vary depending on business requirements.
Weekend and evening availability are required.
Shift hours depend on business needs and will be at least 20 hours.
PTO
Twenty‑four hours of paid time off (PTO).
Double pay on regularly scheduled recognized holidays.
Employee Sick and Safe Leave.
Benefits
Competitive pay.
Vision.
Dental.
Life insurance.
Pet insurance.
Legal assistance.
EEO Statement
Model Cities is dedicated to attracting, retaining, and engaging employees from diverse backgrounds. Diversity is an important part of our values and business operations. We are committed to creating an environment that promotes inclusivity and development for everyone. Model Cities does not discriminate based on age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status regarding public assistance, status as a disabled veteran or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified candidates.
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