About the Role
The Shelter Client Advocate represents homeless shelter residents at administrative hearings related to their shelter residence and supports the Program Director in advocacy services and program administration. This role ensures fair application of shelter rules and defends residents at risk of losing services, helping them navigate the grievance and arbitration process to prevent shelter evictions.
Responsibilities
- Represent EDC at community meetings/events as required.
- Represent shelter clients at administrative hearings and arbitrations.
- Provide clients with information on SCA and any additional appropriate resources.
- Assist in managing the client consultation and administrative hearings calendars.
- Explain the Shelter Client Grievance Policy to clients and provide advice on the nature of the allegations made by the shelter providers.
- Engage in regular outreach at shelters in furtherance of SCA’s work.
- Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and relevant supervision meetings.
- Enter all data on time and correctly to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking.
- Perform other duties as assigned in furtherance of EDC’s mission.
Requirements
- One (1) year of Shelter Client Advocacy experience or relevant experience working in/with a shelter agency/institution.
- Experience working with a diverse population including those with mental health/physical disabilities, substance use issues, and survivors of intimate partner violence.
- Knowledge of or demonstrated experience with housing support, mental health or substance use providers in San Francisco County preferred.
- Experience providing assistance in a variety of settings preferred: clients’ homes and social service providers.
- Fluency and ability to help clients in Spanish is preferred.
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Ability to collaborate effectively with legal teams and engage constructively with clients and colleagues
- Skilled in making online schedules and coordinating appointments
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take initiative
- Consistency, punctuality, and reliability in meeting deadlines and fulfilling responsibilities
- Skilled in maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgement in handling sensitive information
- Ability to maintain composure and deliver quality results under pressure
- Empathy, professionalism, cultural competency, and a solutions-focused approach to problem-solving
Location
- San Francisco
Work Type
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- 1 year of relevant experience
Salary/Compensations
- $32.42 - $37.47 per hour
About the Company
- Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) works to prevent homelessness before it starts by providing compassionate, high‑quality legal assistance, rental assistance, and supportive services to San Francisco tenants facing eviction or housing instability.
- We believe that housing is a human right, and we strive to ensure that every San Franciscan has meaningful access to justice and the resources needed to remain safely housed.
- EDC values Gratitude, Responsibility, Excellence, Adaptability, and Trust.
Equal Opportunity
- EDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and respectful workplace. Employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is not tolerated.
