Why Work For Simpson?
Our Mission is to house, support and advocate for people experiencing homelessness. We believe that everybody has the right to safe and affordable housing; we strive to strive to create a collaborative community with the individuals we serve, within Simpson, and with the greater community; and we advocate against the injustices of society that cause homelessness and poverty.
Simpson Housing Services Provides an Excellent Benefits Package to All Full-time Employees, Including:
- Generous PTO and 11 Additional Paid Holidays
- Health Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts and an HSA match
- Retirement Plan with Employer Match
- Up to 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
- Free Annual Minnesota State Park Pass or Wellness Stipend
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Dental Coverage and Vision Discount Plan
- An Incredible Culture that Encourages Career Growth and Support!
Summary
This position is part of the Hennepin County Single Adult Shelter Collaborative which coordinates the Hennepin County Adult Shelter Connect. The Single Adult Shelter Collaborative includes the following agencies: Catholic Charities, Our Saviour’s, St. Stephens, Salvation Army, and Simpson Housing Services. This position provides assessment and placement into single adult shelters in Hennepin County. It is anticipated that the position will complete 24 assessments in an 8-hour work day.
This energetic and adaptable employee will work as part of a team to assist individuals to access and understand the single adult shelter system. Participant populations may include those with chemical use issues, criminal histories, trauma, grief, and/or mental health issues. Advocates must be knowledgeable about and able to respond effectively to the complexities of individual’s lives and the challenges and conditions associated with homelessness.
Wages: $17-$20 per hour
Responsibilities
Provide quality service to individuals:
- Conduct initial assessment for shelter placement in Single Adult Shelter Collaborative.
- Evaluate options for diversion to other safe and available nightly accommodation.
- Assist with completion of Combined Application Forms (CAF) applications and connection to county benefits.
- Refer clients to available and appropriate shelter beds.
- Manage all bed reservations using HMIS/ServicePoint.
- Facilitate client transfer between shelters as needed (legal trespass, etc.)
- Track client restrictions from individual shelter sites.
- Coordinate services with the entity assessing shelter vouchers to assist with vouchered referrals to Hennepin County Emergency Housing.
- Competently explain the single adult shelter system in Hennepin County to new and returning guests.
- Assess shelter users for Coordinated Entry (if applicable) using the VI-SDPAT and TAY-SPDAT.
Complete accurate and thorough documentation and recordkeeping in a timely manner:
- Maintain individual files, including intake information, electronic data privacy releases and other applicable Releases of Information.
- Understand and comply with necessary data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and/or other data systems.
- Maintain accurate records including employee time sheets and other expenses.
- Participate with funding reports, grant writing and site visits as requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
Provide positive representation of SHS through public relations and networking:
- Communicate and coordinate services with all team members. Attend regular team meetings, other required meetings.
- Interpret and promote the program to constituents, volunteers, and stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, participants and other stakeholders.
- Network with providers of similar services.
- Participate in professional meetings, workshops, and staff meetings.
Demonstrate essential knowledge, abilities and skills:
- Ability to work well independently but also excel at teamwork and collaboration
- Ability to be flexible and manage time.
- Knowledge of Harm Reduction/Housing First Model and commitment to that model and trauma-informed service
- Ability to communicate effectively, positively and professionally with participants, providers, and others.
- Ability to work with individuals from very diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to perform non-traditional tasks while meeting participant needs
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Adhere to a standard framework of boundaries in all interactions with guests, volunteers, staff and public.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field of study, or equal experience in the field is required.
- Must be computer proficient.
Desired:
- Very broad knowledge of shelter and other resources.
- Experience working with individuals who are homeless or having personally experienced homelessness.
- Experience working with adults with mental illness and chemical use issues.
- Fluency in written and spoken Spanish preferred.
- Driver’s license and car preferred.