Family & Shelter Advocate; Sun​/Mon​/Wed​/Fri Evenings Seattle

Family & Shelter Advocate

Join Mary's Place to support families experiencing homelessness. This full‑time, 36‑hour evening position is located in downtown Seattle.

Schedule: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. (36 hrs)

Pay: $25.00 /hour DOE

• Lead Guest Direct Advocacy check‑ins with an assigned caseload, providing individualized support to families in shelter.
• Assist guests with internal and external resource navigation (housing, employment, health, education).
• Create a welcoming and affirming environment and engage families in high‑quality shelter services.
• Maintain calm, professional demeanor, model positive behavior, and uphold professional boundaries.
• Provide trauma‑informed crisis management, conflict de‑escalation, and set limits through an equity lens.
• Collaborate with staff and supervisors to ensure consistent, high‑quality service delivery.

• Execute shelter processes as outlined in the Policy Manual.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary environment (disinfect, laundry, restock, clean bathrooms, etc.).
• Serve food following all safety protocols and documentation.
• Maintain an active presence throughout the facility.
• Report building/facility concerns and attend required trainings and staff meetings.

• Facilitate calendar of activities and events for guests.
• Provide feedback to managers on programming effectiveness and improvement ideas.
• Welcome and orient volunteers to their roles.

• Author, upload, and maintain accurate electronic guest records and reports.
• Protect sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
• Keep community resource lists current and accessible to guests.

• Prior experience as a Shelter Advocate (preferred).
• 2+ years of work or volunteer experience in social services, or 1+ year in social services plus 1+ year in customer service.
• Experience in a shelter setting or with homelessness/housing insecurity (highly preferred).
• Passion for and experience working with children and families.
• Skilled in conflict de‑escalation, mediation, and crisis management.
• Trauma‑informed care understanding.
• Professional boundaries and high‑stress environment competence.
• Self‑starter, resourceful, flexible, positive attitude.
• Compassionate, works across diverse populations.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Suite, database entry).
• Strong written, verbal, and listening skills.
• Organizational and time‑management skills.
• Sensitivity to clients with homelessness, low income, limited English, domestic violence, substance abuse, etc.
• Basic English proficiency; proficiency in another language (e.g., Spanish) preferred.
• Willingness to undergo TB test within 30 days of hire.

• Speak, listen, use computer and phone, and perform routine office tasks.
• Stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, twist, lift up to 25 lbs.
• Work in a social services environment with long periods of standing, walking, and stairs.
• Travel to program sites within the county.
• Ability to work where animals may be present.

In compliance with the ADA Amendment Act, please contact Human Resources for support during the application process. Qualified individuals can request reasonable accommodation.

• Medical and dental insurance (core coverage 100 % paid by the company).
• Basic Life Insurance $50,000 at no cost.
• 403(b) plan with 50 % employer match on first 6 % contributions.
• Unlimited ORCA pass (small deduction per pay period).
• 9 days paid time off, 9 days sick time, 9 days floating holidays per year.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Mary’s Place is an equal opportunity employer.