Shelter Client Advocate

Shelter Client Advocate

Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) works to prevent homelessness before it starts by providing compassionate, high-quality legal assistance, rental assistance, and supportive services to San Francisco tenants facing eviction or housing instability. We believe that housing is a human right, and we strive to ensure that every San Franciscan has meaningful access to justice and the resources needed to remain safely housed.

The Shelter Client Advocate (Advocate) is primarily responsible for representing homeless shelter residents at administrative hearings relating to their shelter residence and supporting the Program Director in advocacy services and program administration. Through the Shelter Client Advocacy program EDC monitors shelter conditions, ensures fair application of shelter rules, and defends residents who are at risk of being denied shelter services.

The Shelter Client Advocate helps clients navigate the shelter grievance and arbitration process and works to resolve conflicts between residents and shelter providers in order to prevent shelter evictions. The Advocate brings empathy, respect, and sound judgement to every client interaction. The role requires the ability to communicate clearly and navigate sensitive situations with clients who are often in crisis, with care and respect.

Advocacy and Outreach Duties (85%)

• Represent shelter clients at administrative hearings and arbitrations.
• Provide clients with information on SCA and any additional appropriate resources.
• In coordination with other Advocates and the Program Director, assist in managing the client consultation and administrative hearings calendars.
• Explain the Shelter Client Grievance Policy to clients and provide advice on the nature of the allegations made by the shelter providers.
• Engage in regular outreach at shelters in furtherance of SCA's work.

Administrative Duties (10%)

• Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and relevant supervision meetings.
• Enter all data on time and correctly to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking.
• Perform other duties as assigned in furtherance of EDC's mission.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of Shelter Client Advocacy experience or relevant experience working in/with a shelter agency/institution.
• Experience working with a diverse population including those with mental health/physical disabilities, substance use issues, and survivors of intimate partner violence.

EDC staff are represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW, UAW Local 2320, AFL‑CIO). This position is a union position and is subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

EDC uses a step system for all union employees. New employees are placed on the salary scale based on relevant work experience from the past nine years. Please include all relevant experience in your application and resume so EDC can determine your appropriate salary step.

Working conditions

This role involves handling sensitive and confidential information and requires professionalism, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Some evening or weekend work may be required.

This is a hybrid role. Employees may be able to work from home two (2) regularly scheduled days a week after thirty (30) days of employment. Staff must remain responsive during standard business hours while working remotely.

Work from home schedules shall be established in consultation with the Employee's supervisor and approved by Program Directors and/or Human Resources.

Physical requirements

• Prolonged sitting/standing.
• Extensive typing and data entry.
• Close visual acuity for reviewing documents, data, and reports.
• Prolonged computer use.

Equal Opportunity Statement

EDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and respectful workplace. Employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is not tolerated.