ADVOCATE

Advocate For Homeless Shelter

Family Service League is seeking a full-time Advocate for our homeless shelter in Huntington. The Advocate will be responsible for conducting client assessments and ultimately assisting clients in achieving self-sufficiency through advocacy, counseling, and resource referrals.

Responsibilities include:

• Performing intake for new clients upon arrival at the shelter.
• Providing ongoing support and counseling for clients in reaching their goals.
• Understanding and adhering to FSL's Code of Ethics.
• Establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Working cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Positively influencing others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Negotiating conflict resolution and crisis intervention between clients, if and when the occasion arises.
• Conducting regular unit/perimeter checks for safety.
• Issuing violations for the breaking of rules.
• Accurately reporting and documenting in detail all incidences that occur onsite.
• Transporting clients in the Agency vehicle, as needed.
• Being essential to the safe and continuous operation of the program, expected to report to work during inclement weather and other relevant emergency situations to ensure uninterrupted care and support for clients.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications include:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in human services preferred.
• Prior experience working with the homeless population preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills required.
• The ability to work as part of a team required.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office required.
• Valid and clean New York State Driver's License required.
• Flexibility to work at different sites is preferred.

Physical requirements include sitting and standing for extended periods of time, as well as moderate lifting up to 10-15 pounds. Must be able to go up and down stairs.