SHELTER ADVOCATE

Advocate for Homeless Shelter Programs

Established in 1926, Family Service League is a social services agency transforming lives and communities through mental health, addiction, housing, and essential human services with more than 60 social service programs in over 20 locations.

Family Service League is seeking full-time and part-time Advocates for our homeless shelter programs located in Huntington, Brentwood, and Port Jefferson. The Advocate will be responsible for conducting client assessments and assisting clients in achieving self-sufficiency through advocacy, counseling, and resource referrals.

**$3,000 Sign-On Bonus for full-time

**$1,500 Sign-On Bonus for part-time

We offer a generous benefits package including the following:

• **Sign-On Bonus!**
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Retirement Savings Plan with a 5% employer contribution
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Generous PTO (paid time off)
• Up to 11 paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Student Tuition Remission Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Discounts and more!

Responsibilities:

• The Advocate will perform intake for new clients upon arrival at the shelter.
• Provide ongoing support and counseling for clients in reaching their goals.
• Abide by FSL’s Code of Ethics- Understand ethical behavior, ensure own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• The Advocate will negotiate conflict resolution and crisis intervention between clients, if and when, the occasion arises.
• Conduct regular unit/perimeter checks for safety.
• Issue violations for the breaking of rules.
• The Advocate will accurately report and document in detail all incidences that occur onsite.
• Transport clients in the Agency vehicle, as needed.
• This position is essential to the safe and continuous operation of the program. Essential employees are 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:

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:

This position requires 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.