ST. STEPHEN ’S HUMAN SERVICES
TITLE: Assistant Shelter Advocate and Single Adult Education/Support Group Coordinator
JOB TYPE: St. Joseph Worker Program
ABOUT US
St. Stephen’s Human Services is a leading secular nonprofit committed to ending
homelessness. Through housing assistance, emergency services, advocacy and street
outreach, St. Stephen’s assist thousands of people in securing housing and other services each
year. St. Stephen’s employs the knowledge gained through direct service programming and
connections within the community to influence systems change that improves the quality of life
for people who are actively, or at risk of, experiencing homelessness. St. Stephen’s Human
Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AAE.
POSITION/PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The St. Joseph Worker will join two complementary teams within St. Stephen’s Single Adult
Programs. St. Stephen’s Single Adult Programs consist of a range of programs, from
emergency services to long-term supportive housing, designed to end homelessness by
addressing the diverse needs among people who experience homelessness.
Emergency Men’s Shelter
As a member of the Shelter Team, the St. Joseph Worker will serve as an Assistant Shelter
Advocate.
The St. Stephen’s Emergency Shelter Team serves adult men at two small shelter locations.
The goal of the Shelter Team is to empower and assist guests in working towards self-identified
goals and eventual housing stability. The St. Stephen’s Emergency Shelter is a 28-day stay
sober shelter for 45 guests in South Minneapolis. Guests can often extend their stay until
permanent housing is found by participating in a work or savings program. The River of Life
Shelter provides emergency winter shelter for guests regardless of current sobriety.
Single Adult Support/Education Group
As a member of the Single Adult Supportive Housing Team, the St. Joseph Worker will
coordinate and co-facilitate the Single Adult Education/Support Group Program.
The Single Adult Education/Support Group provides opportunities for clients to connect over
shared experiences as well as build life-skills that promote housing stability. The program
covers a creative mix of topics with an emphasis on tenant education, chemical/mental health
and physical well-being. Groups meet three mornings a week.
ST. STEPHEN ’S HUMAN SERVICES
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILTIES
Emergency Men’s Shelter
In the role of Assistant Shelter Advocate, the St. Joseph Worker will work within the Shelter
Team to:
 build and maintain trust with clients;
 support clients in making progress towards self-identified goals using the housing
first/harm reduction model;
 collaborate with manager, staff and clients to revise shelter procedures to improve
guest-experience;
 collaborate with manager, staff and shelter guests to plan educational, arts and
recreational activities;
 assist with incoming inquiries for assistance and make appropriate referrals; and
 work with volunteers to make sure their experience is positive.
Single Adult Support/Education Group
In the role of Support/Education Group Coordinator, the St. Joseph’s Worker will:
 network with other agencies and individuals to secure new volunteer
presenters/educators;
 cultivate relationships with staff and clients;
 co-facilitate and participate in group sessions;
 assist with planning the calendar of topics;
 schedule staff and volunteer facilitators/presenters; and
 prepare new group materials as so inspired.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
An ideal candidate would possess:
 knowledge of, or experience within, a related field such as homelessness/housing,
corrections, chemical or mental health care OR willingness to learn;
 enthusiasm about making positive change in the world;
 ability to communicate effectively, positively and professionally with participants,
partners and co-workers;
 knowledge of Harm Reduction/Housing First models and commitment to that model;
 experience facilitating groups;
 experience working with volunteers or community partners;
 experience working collaboratively within a team;
 experience being a creative self-starter as well as being able to take direction;
 organized and able to multi-task and prioritize;
 able to maintain confidentiality;
 commitment to diversity of race, gender, class, religion and sexual identity;
 bilingual skills (preferred);
 ability to use Microsoft Word (required); and
 knowledge of Excel (a plus).