Overnight Shelter Advocate

The Overnight Shelter Advocate provides on-site, overnight support to program participants at the Milwaukie Temporary Housing Program. This role ensures the safety, well-being, and comfort of participants during night hours, responding to behaviors, supporting a calm and trauma-informed environment, and maintaining a clean and welcoming shelter space. The Overnight Shelter Advocate works closely with program staff to maintain continuity of care and program standards, while focusing on operational and safety needs specific to the night shift.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Behavior Management

• Monitor participant behavior overnight and respond to crises or conflicts in a trauma-informed, nonjudgmental manner.
• De-escalate challenging situations and provide supportive interventions as appropriate.
• Maintain a safe environment for all participants and staff, following program policies and procedures.

Participant Support & Engagement

• Offer brief check-ins and supportive interactions with participants to encourage comfort, security, and adherence to program rules.
• Serve as a point of contact for participants’ immediate needs or concerns during overnight hours.
• Communicate relevant participant information to daytime staff during shift handoffs.

Operational & Shelter Maintenance Tasks

• Perform light cleaning tasks, including dishes, laundry, wiping down surfaces, and tidying shared spaces.
• Monitor supplies and report shortages or maintenance needs to daytime management.

Documentation & Communication

• Document overnight events, incidents, and observations accurately and timely in program documentation systems.
• Communicate participant concerns, incidents, or emergent needs to daytime staff during shift handoff.
• Follow program protocols for reporting safety incidents or urgent situations.

Collaboration & Team Support

• Work in partnership with program staff to ensure participant safety, comfort, and smooth operations.
• Participate in staff meetings and training as scheduled.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the direct supervisor.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, or trauma is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
• Comfortable working independently overnight with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to equity, dignity, and participant-centered care.
• Flexibility to perform light housekeeping and operational tasks.

Core Competencies

• Trauma-informed and relationship-centered approach
• Crisis de-escalation and problem-solving skills
• Reliability, consistency, and accountability
• Respect for diverse experiences and cultural humility
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively