Shelter Staff/Family Advocate

About the Job

Title: Shelter Staff / Family Advocate

Supervisor: Program Manager

Location:

The Pete Andersen FUSION Family Center (PA-FFC)

1505 S. 328th Street

Federal Way, WA 98003

Organization Overview:

At FUSION, we are committed to making a difference in our community. Our mission is to provide housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness, offering them a safe space as they work toward self-sufficiency. Beyond housing, we operate a retail furniture store to raise funding for our mission, and a cafe which serves as part of our job skills training program, providing opportunities for skill-building and empowerment.

Shelter Staff / Family Advocate

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This is a day shift position, four 10-hour shifts per week, Wednesday to Saturday, 8AM to 6PM.
• The Shelter Staff position is responsible for general shelter oversight, the facilitation of client screenings, housekeeping of common areas, family unit turnovers, and for a variety of record-keeping and interpersonal tasks.
• Adheres to all State and Federal mandates regarding shelter care and facilitates the safe operation of the shelter.
• Responsible for providing relevant, consistent documentation regarding resident updates, status, and concerns during shifts to support communication and care coordination between management/staff/shift changes.
• Performs client screenings with all required documentation and coordinates with the Program Manager to successfully onboard new families.
• Maintains cleanliness of shelter common areas including shared office space, great room, staff restrooms, staff kitchen, and commercial laundry area.
• Responsible for family unit turnovers to include storage of items left behind, cleaning restroom and family unit, washing of linens, making beds, and preparing rooms for incoming families.
• Responsible for laundry duties as outlined by schedule.
• Maintains a consistently safe, clean, and orderly operation.
• Ensures that no unregistered people are on the shelter premises. Collaborates with the security team where appropriate to ensure all clients, staff, and property are safe and secure.
• Reports any concerns or problems that occur while on duty to the Program Manager and documents activities in the daily log to include, events, activities, and any information that would be helpful to the next staff member coming onto their shift.
• Contacts the Program Manager in the case of emergency or critical incidents such as fire evacuation, police intervention, 911/EMS, mental health, medical emergency, or when residents appear to be under the influence and complete a written Incident Report.
• Models respect and compassion to all clients, staff, and volunteers providing a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Performs monthly Fire and Safety Drills (alternating months) and provides documentation that they have been performed.
• Must be willing to perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School graduate or equivalent with experience or interest in working with families who are experiencing homelessness.
• Bilingual Spanish a plus.
• Understands and adheres to state and federal confidentiality regulations including HIPAA.
• Models "service to others", professionalism, respect, emotional maturity, compassion, and patience toward all peers, staff, volunteers, and clients.
• Supports a work culture of inclusivity and cultural diversity.
• Must have the ability to cope well in a sometimes-stressful environment and not "buy into" the perceived crises of others.
• Must have good communication and literacy skills including the ability to gather, document, and report information clearly and to share effectively about FUSION and its programs.
• Must have good computer/data entry/communication skills including the ability to collect, enter and report information correctly using tools such as Apricot, Microsoft Office, and Teams.
• Must sign an oath of confidentiality covering all staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Must have a personal self-care routine that contributes to a professional and healthy work culture and supports compassion, accountability, open communication, and respect.

Why Join FUSION?

At FUSION, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of families experiencing homelessness. By joining our team, you'll contribute your expertise to an organization that values impact, community empowerment, and innovation. Beyond the Family Advocate role, you'll be part of a workplace dedicated to providing housing, support services, and resources to those who need them most.