Emergency Shelter Advocate
Reports to: Emergency Shelter Supervisors
Job Type: Seasonal, October 1, 2026 - April 1, 2027
Shifts: Evening (6pm-11pm) and Overnight (10pm-8am)
DESCRIPTION
The Emergency Shelter Advocate provides a welcoming, trauma-informed environment for young adults experiencing homelessness. We are an LGBTQ+ affirming organization. This role is part of a supportive team offering seasonal emergency shelter to young adults ages 18–26 who are experiencing homelessness. Staff are also cross-trained to work, as needed, in our 24/7 year-round shelter at the Transitional Living Center. Advocates oversee guests in shelter, support volunteers, and help ensure Launch Pad programs run smoothly.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Emergency Shelter
A seasonal overnight program operating from the evening of November 1 through the morning of April 1 each year. Capacity of about 20–25 young adults per night, ages 18–26, in partnership with local churches. Hot meals, showers, mattresses, linens, first aid, and additional supplies are provided.
Transitional Living Center
A grant-funded, 24/7 year-round program offering staffed transitional housing and resource navigation for up to 13 young adults, ages 18–24. Residents must be experiencing literal homelessness and be referred through the city's Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS).
QUALIFICATIONS
• Some experience working with vulnerable populations preferred, especially young adults ages 18–26 or people experiencing homelessness
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, take initiative, and practice de-escalation
• Culturally sensitive, team-focused, and collaborative
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and a professional demeanor
• Strong sense of boundaries to keep guest relationships professional, safe, and healthy
• Ability to document information clearly and objectively
• Ability to work some holidays (recognized holidays earn time and a half pay)
• Reliable transportation to attend each shift
• Able to input information into a laptop or desktop computer via keyboard
LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and people with lived experience of housing instability are strongly encouraged to apply
RESPONSIBILITIES
Guest Services
• Monitor guests and perform frequent walking checks of the building
• Assist guests with interpersonal conflicts or disputes
• Support various roles necessary to shelter operations (volunteers may assist)
• Wake guests in the morning
• Ensure guests exit the shelter in a timely manner with their belongings
• Provide equitable, unbiased, trauma-informed care to all guests
Site Maintenance
• Clean, sanitize, and organize the space regularly
• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning checklists as required
• Complete building lock-up procedures at the end of each overnight shift
Informational Reporting
• Use our data management system, Salesforce (training provided)
• Enter guest data and properly check guests in as they arrive
• Write a brief end-of-shift report covering guest concerns, facility and supply updates, pertinent client interactions, and crisis interventions
Physical Demands
• Some shelter sites require climbing stairs to enter
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs (team lifting available for heavier items)
• Ability to remain awake and alert for the entire shift
• Ability to complete required clean-up at the end of each shift
Additional Responsibilities
• Coordinate with other staff on coverage and pick up shifts as available
• Check email regularly to stay current on organization-wide updates
• Attend monthly staff meetings
• Engage with interns and volunteers as needed
TRAINING
Staff may be required and paid to complete core trainings including but not limited to:
● CPR & First Aid
● Naloxone
● Trauma Informed Care
● De-escalation
● Other
Compensation: $18.00 per hour. There are no insurance benefits included with this position at this time.
A background check is required for this position; cost covered by Nashville Launch Pad. A clear drug-screening may be required.
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the attached google form and upload a resume: Emergency Shelter Advocate
Nashville Launch Pad is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at every level. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Nashville Launch Pad reserves the rights to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way the organization desires. This job description in no way implies that these essential duties are to be the only duties performed by the team member occupying this position. This position description is not a contract, implied or otherwise. The relationship remains “At-Will.” The aforementioned requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.