Guest Advocate

Position Overview: The Guest Advocate is responsible for working with the Housing Manager in providing strength-based support, intervention, information and access for resources.

Actively hiring for the following shifts:

Guest Advocate Women's Program:

• 10 AM to 4 PM every other weekend 
• 9 PM to 5 AM (Overnight) every other Friday
• 3 PM to 7 PM every Monday and 10 AM to 4 PM every other weekend 

Guest Advocate Men's Program:

• 3 PM to 7 PM every other weekend
• 8 PM to 4 AM (Overnight) Monday

Primary Responsibilities: 

I. Guest Advocacy 

● Get to know guests as individuals. Works with staff and volunteers to assist the guests in reaching goals. 

● Assist in the collaboration and coordination of necessary resources and programming intended to assist guests in the home. 

● Support the emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing of the guests. 

● Is aware of the housing stabilization plan for each guest in the home and assists in coordination of programming. 

● Tracks and reports housing outcomes and other reporting requirements upon request. 

● When suspicion of substance abuse warrants, perform a UA. Support will be provided as needed and requested by the on-call person. 

● Ensures guest confidentiality and respect.

● Holds self and others accountable to high standards of service.

 ● Facilitates access to housing and employment, education, physical and mental health resources. 

● Models and maintains healthy, professional boundaries with guests. 

II. House Responsibilities 

● May assist in the intake and discharge of guests. 

● Ensures a safe, clean environment for guests, volunteers, and staff. 

● Assist in ensuring all residents' rooms are clean and sanitized upon resident departure. 

● Provides immediate and professional response to any emergency or disturbance within or immediately outside the facility. 

● Performs regular safety checks of all common areas and resident rooms. 

● Tracks and assists in monitoring expenditures for housing support funds, upon request. 

● Participates in the Steele County Homeless Response Team upon request. III. Organizational Accountability 

● Holds accountable staff, volunteers and self to high standards while providing services. 

● Participates in regular program evaluations. 

● Provides support and constructive feedback to staff and volunteers. 

● Ensures guests and staff comply with program guidelines and procedures. 

● Performs other reporting requirements upon request. 

● Completes ongoing professional training as set for by the Director of Operations. 

● Assists with fundraising and special events upon request. Educations and Experience 

● High school diploma or equivalent. 

● Experience and/or educational background related to work with homeless and/or under-resourced population. Preferred but not required. 

● Compassion, empathy and ability to respond to individuals in crisis. 

● Ability to work with people of all ages from diverse racial, cultural, religious, social and economic backgrounds and lifestyles. 

● Excellent communication and organizational skills. 

● Ability to solve problems and make decisions individually and within a team. 

● Experience with Microsoft Office. 

● Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 

● Ability to work weekdays, some holidays, and weekends. 

● Must be able to pass both a criminal background check and drug test. 

● Promote and adhere to the vision and mission of the Lighthouse of Southern MN. Physical Demands 

● During your work hours you may be required to write, talk, cook, clean, lift 40 pounds, move items, operate a computer, sit, walk, and kneel. 

● Can at times be fast paced and require crisis intervention protocol. 

● Safety and security are a priority. Attributes 

● Strong commitment to the mission, diversity, equality, and inclusion. 

● An energetic team player. 

● High level of personal and professional integrity, ethics, and customer service. ● Work with a spirit of optimism and fun. 

● Desire and ability to work with diverse people and organizations. 

● Initiative and a commitment to ongoing improvements. 

● Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of the staff team. 

This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive. It defines the critical job responsibilities and requirements only, which may change at any time, with or without notice due to agency needs, regulatory requirements or other factors.

More Information at:

https://www.thelighthouseofsouthernmn.org/employment