GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Guest Advocate role is responsible for supporting shelter operations by ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and orderly functioning of the facility. The Guest Advocate engages and empowers guests through compassionate service, helps maintain accurate documentation and data compliance withing the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and work collaboratively with other staff to provide quality support to those we serve. Responsibilities include managing shelter routines, supervising guests chores, ensuring the secure use of shelter resources, entering and auditing guest information in HMIS, and maintaining confidentiality and data integrity. The Guest Advocate plays a key part in fostering a welcoming, supportive environment while upholding the mission of St. Vincent de Paul.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience & Certifications:
High School Diploma
Minimum of two (2) years of direct experience working with vulnerable populations
Demonstrated prior experience utilizing the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) or equivalent client data management/software systems in a shelter or human service environment
Other Qualifications:
Ability to engage guest in positive changes in their lives through compassionate service, dignified support, and empowerment of individuals to achieve stability and renewed hope
Advance computer proficiency with the ability to quickly learn new software applications, accurately enter sensitive data, and trouble shoot basic technical issues
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable with general office technology (copier, fax, shelter management systems)
Exceptional organizational skills with physical and electronic filing
Commitment to data compliance and quality
Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality requirements
Respect for Catholic Social Teachings and the mission of SVDP
Physical Demands:
Ability to walk around shelters inside and outside areas within up to one city block
Ability to work overnight while maintaining complete awareness of surroundings for duration of shift
Ability to lift twenty-five (25) pounds
Working Environment:
The position is in an office and community environment
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Manage shelter routines and documentation
Ensure that the census and sign-in sheets match each shift
Monitor and track guest work schedules
Answer shelter telephone calls, answering phone promptly and courteously
Conduct a thorough check of facilities prior to leaving to ensure no one is left behind
Manage food, supplies and cleanliness
Ensure cleanliness of shelter through supervising guests completing chores, etc.
Manage the use of supplies in shelter provided for guests
Mange the provision of food, shelter and safety of guests
Ensure documentation of and brings to the attention of immediate supervisor any issues or concerns with guests not adhering to the rules of the organization
Ensures communication with immediate supervisor of any immediate needs including required supplies (i.e., food, drinks, office supplies, cleaning supplies)
Manage the safety and security of the shelter buildings
Ensure that the interior and exterior of shelter is safe, secure, and locked at the beginning, during and end of shift, as well as checking to ensure that cameras are fully functional
Ensure the interior, exterior, and grounds of the shelter area are clean, engaging guests as voluntary assistants where helpful and appropriate
Respond to security and fire alarms in safe and secure fashion, making sure that the safety of guests and staff are paramount
Manage entry of services in shelter management system
Accurately enter, update, and maintain guest demographics, service, and intake information in the HMIS and related databases in real time, ensuring all required fields are completed according to shelter standards
Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly audits of digital and paper records to ensure data quality, identify discrepancies, and initiate corrections and updates as needed
Safeguard all sensitive information by adhering to strict confidentiality protocols and data compliance standards in all aspects of data entry, reporting, and record keeping
Generate, review, and submit requested reports from HMIS and internal tracking systems to supervisors to ensure accurate reflection of shelter activity and guest outcomes
Participate in HMIS and data management training as required and maintain current knowledge of evolving policies, compliance updates, and system changes
Collaborating with other SVDP staff for the smooth operation of the overall program
Collaborate with program staff to collect missing or corrected information from guests to ensure data integrity and compliance or city, state, and federal reporting
Other duties as assigned