Seasonal Harm Reduction Advocate

The Winter Warming Center is a City of Fargo seasonal program that provides secure, low-barrier, overnight warming space for individuals experiencing homelessness in the FM area. From November-April, the Winter Warming Center will be staffed from 8 : 00pm-8 : 00am inside the Downtown Engagement Center to mitigate the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Minimal services will be provided during this time as the Warming Center is only intended to serve those who would otherwise be unsheltered due to local shelters being over-capacity.

As part of our efforts to improve outcomes for the people serve, we are committed to working with community partners and city resources to develop clear goals focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. We will collaborate with community partners, program participants, and our staff members to identify and address the ways that systemic racism and other forms of bias contribute to disparities in health outcomes.

The Winter Warming Harm Reduction Advocate position will qualify for an overnight and weekend pay incentive.

The Harm Reduction Advocate provides and enhances safe emergency shelter, drop-in services, and intoxication and withdrawal management (WMU). The advocate meets the immediate needs of homeless persons that cannot access other shelter options in the community as well as the needs of the WMU clients. As a direct contact for the guests and clients, the advocate provides a safe and respectful environment while conducting guest intakes, assisting guests with housing, helping make referrals to other agencies and services, and performing a variety of tasks during hours of shelter operation.

Scope of Responsibility :

The Harm Reduction Advocate is responsible for shelter and WMU safety, security, and services to guests and clients when on duty. The shelter serves approximately 35 persons at any one time and assists others who are referred to other agencies. The WMU has the capacity to serve up to 14 clients at any one time. This position includes day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts and works floating shifts as needed based on shelter and WMU needs. Advocates are considered essential staff as defined by shelter and detox center policy. Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions

Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and / or technical information.

Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job;

Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.

Coordinates shelter guest and WMU client check-in process including bed assignments, bag and property checks, breathalyzer checks, and assessments for safety;

Maintains current knowledge of standards and codes relating to shelter and WMU operations;

Special Assignment - Streets to Housed Program

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic support services for unsheltered individuals and those recently housed started to decrease. Lack of safe housing can lead to an increased vulnerability to exposure and transmission of COVID-19 (and other viruses) as people do not have appropriate space or supplies to quarantine, isolate, or simply avoid high risk situations.

Harm Reduction Advocates scheduled in the "streets to housed" program will provide support and service connections to people that are either literally homeless, preparing to move into housing, or recently housed and in need of stabilization supports. Supervision will be provided by the Housing Coordinator.

Efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) are fundamental and expected to be carried out as with all other responsibilities.

Streets to housed program specific responsibilities :

The job requires a High School diploma or GED and two years experience working in the Human Services Field such as working with low income and homeless populations, substance use, and / or behavioral health programs or any combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. A valid driver's license is required for incumbents who are assigned to drive a City vehicle.

Knowledge, skills, and ability include :

Physical Demands & Working Conditions :

Medium Work : Most work is performed in a homeless shelter and detox center environment. Work is generally medium with considerable variety. Daily work often involves moving within the facility and traveling to local meetings or to obtain supplies. Intermittent driving may be required. The job involves activities related to crisis prevention and intervention. Frequently there is a requirement to actively participate in day-to-day maintenance activities. Given the nature of the low barrier shelter environment, and other harm reduction services, exposure to high risk individuals who may be under the influence of substances or have significant mental or behavioral health challenges is expected at any time in this environment. Also, being services are often provided in a congregate setting, escalation or behaviors in one individual may influence behavior changes in others which can intensify a situation quickly.

This job includes day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. Incumbents work a floating shift schedule as assigned.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

Agency Summary :

Fargo Cass Public Health strives to provide the Essential Public Health Services to achieve equity and actively promote policies, systems, and overall community conditions that enable optimal health for all and seek to remove systemic and structural barriers that have resulted in health inequities. Such barriers include poverty, racism, gender discrimination, ableism, and other forms of oppression. Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Fargo Cass Public Health is a politically neutral organization focused on evidence-based and fundamental public health practices that reflect the mission of Public Health to prevent, promote, and protect. Staff of Public Health are expected to represent these principles and be advocates of public health practices within the community and state.

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