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About the Pope Francis Center

Pope Francis Center exists to provide meals, supportive services, and housing assistance to Detroit community members in need, especially those experiencing homelessness. On an average day, we welcome nearly 200 guests and provide them with nutritious meals, showers, laundry, and access to doctors, dentists, lawyers, and housing providers through our free clinics. Our Bridge Housing Campus is currently under construction in Core City and is the centerpiece of our plan to end chronic homelessness in Detroit. We have been serving Detroit’s most vulnerable citizens for over 30 years, and we envision a Detroit without homelessness, where every person has the resources for sustained stability.

 

Position Name & Description

The role of the Client Advocate is a full-time position responsible for on-site interaction with guests at the Pope Francis Center. The Client Advocate will provide support to patrons of the warming center as needed in matters regarding shelter, treatment for alcohol & substance use disorder, and resource navigation. The Client Advocate will be responsible for maintaining guest records as it pertains to warming Center advocacy, and work closely with the Center Associate Director to collect data for potential Bridge Housing candidates. The Client Advocate will report directly to the Center Associate Director. 

 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Work closely under the supervision of the Center Associate director in matters of advocacy and relationship building.
  • Assist in identifying future Bridge Housing clients, following pre-existing admissions criteria. 
  • Update HMIS for all interactions regarding housing and shelter-related interactions.
  • Assume leadership in the absence of Center Associate Director and Floor Manager.
  • Support program team and daily operations, providing coverage as needed

 

Additional Program Duties/Responsibilities

  • Navigate resources for guests upon request when possible (e.g., Identifying local food pantries, clothing closets, and assisting with the application process for housing. Setting appointments for social security, secretary of state, crossroads, etc).
  • Serve as a point of contact, a compassionate voice, and listening ear to guests as they arrive at the center.
  • Assist with center activities during operating hours.
  • Assist with set up and preparation for daily programming and service.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years of experience in a client focused service role 
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field 
  • Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
  • Ability to work well with a diverse group of people
  • Flexibility to adjust hours to accommodate various needs, e.g. special events
  • Ability to effectively manage a wide array of tasks and responsibilities
  • Must have a desire and willingness to work people experiencing homelessness
  • Willingness to be flexible and help wherever there is a need at the Center

 

Physical Requirements

This job primarily operates in-person in a dynamic social services setting. This role requires the ability to lift 50 pounds independently; walk, climb, or descend stairs; kneel, bend, and twist; and occasionally operate a commercial vehicle to pick up and deliver items.

 

To apply: Send your resume and cover letter to careers@popefranciscenter.org. 

Pope Francis Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.