Shelter Advocate

Company: RISE Housing and Support Services
Location: Saratoga Springs
Posted on: February 21, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description RISE Housing and Support Services has an opportunity for an experienced, empathetic, and organized individual to join our team at our new low barrier shelter. A successful candidate will be able to work effectively as part of a small team supporting shelter participants as they navigate local resources. RISE offers a Shelter Advocate: A rate $21 per hour $1,500 bonus after 6 months of employment A generous time off package: In your 1st year, earn up to 2 weeks of vacation time, 3 weeks of combined sick and personal time, enjoy up to 11 holidays, and a day off for your birthday Medical, Dental, Vision, and many other benefits An opportunity to use your experience to better the lives of community members as part of a growing organization that likes to promote from within A highly independent role on a supportive team A family-friendly atmosphere with wellness time, paid lunch hours, and recognition for your hard work and achievements Overview of Job Responsibilities: Assessing program participants’ needs and connecting them to appropriate community resources Maintaining current and accurate documentation on participant progress Modeling positive and appropriate behaviors Overseeing shelter mealtimes, chores, and groups Providing assistance to shelter support staff and volunteers Fully qualified applicants may also provide additional care management services for a caseload of up to six individuals To qualify you must have: An Associate Degree in a human services field preferred One year of experience providing direct support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use diagnoses Other combinations of experience and education will be considered An ability to operate independently, think on your feet, and follow your training A willingness to meet people where they are at in the community Excellent organizational and time management skills Strong interpersonal boundaries Our shared belief system in areas such as dedication, compassion, respect, positivity, and inclusion Successful completion of RISE background checks, a valid driver’s license and a driving history acceptable to the RISE automobile policy. To start making a difference in the community as part of our growing non-profit, submit your resume and cover letter for consideration. RISE Housing and Support Services, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Company Description RISE Housing and Support Services is a human service agency that has been serving people in Saratoga and the surrounding counties since 1978. RISE programs provide safe, healthy housing and support services to people with mental health concerns, substance use, and other life challenges. Our Mission Our mission at RISE Housing and Support Services is to help people living with mental health, substance use, and other life challenges to remain safe and healthy in the community through housing and supportive services. Our Vision RISE will serve as a catalyst, leader, and partner in meeting the housing and recovery needs of our community. Our knowledgeable and resourceful staff and board members will educate the community to reduce the stigma associated with mental health diagnoses, substance use, and other life challenges. Our Values We are compassionate. We focus on the inherent value and uniqueness of each individual we serve. We are respectful. We listen with respect to understand the needs of the people we serve and respond with dignity and kindness. We are dedicated. We work together as a team to seek solutions and live our values consistently while holding one another accountable. We are progressive. We seek and employ socially responsive service models to address substance use and mental health concerns in our community. We Treat People with Esteem We believe housing is healthcare and a basic human right. We believe that when individuals have healthy, safe housing, they have the stability and security to achieve greater personal wellness. Understanding We acknowledge that individuals are unique and success looks different for each person based on their circumstances and goals. A Holistic Approach We seek to treat each individual as a whole person, understanding that their needs extend beyond their mental health diagnoses, substance use, or medical condition. Positivity We work together with individuals through the healing process, setting achievable goals and honoring the unique needs and challenges of each person or family member. Empathy We believe individuals are important to their friends, families, and loved ones. We seek to assist individuals to strengthen and maintain their natural support systems. Inclusion We work together with individuals and families to coordinate services with other care providers in the community. Company Description RISE Housing and Support Services is a human service agency that has been serving people in Saratoga and the surrounding counties since 1978. RISE programs provide safe, healthy housing and support services to people with mental health concerns, substance use, and other life challenges.\r\n\r\n\r\nOur Mission\r\nOur mission at RISE Housing and Support Services is to help people living with mental health, substance use, and other life challenges to remain safe and healthy in the community through housing and supportive services.\r\n\r\nOur Vision\r\nRISE will serve as a catalyst, leader, and partner in meeting the housing and recovery needs of our community. Our knowledgeable and resourceful staff and board members will educate the community to reduce the stigma associated with mental health diagnoses, substance use, and other life challenges.\r\n\r\nOur Values\r\nWe are compassionate. We focus on the inherent value and uniqueness of each individual we serve.\r\n\r\nWe are respectful. We listen with respect to understand the needs of the people we serve and respond with dignity and kindness.\r\n\r\nWe are dedicated. We work together as a team to seek solutions and live our values consistently while holding one another accountable.\r\n\r\nWe are progressive. We seek and employ socially responsive service models to address substance use and mental health concerns in our community.\r\n\r\nWe Treat People with\r\nEsteem We believe housing is healthcare and a basic human right. We believe that when individuals have healthy, safe housing, they have the stability and security to achieve greater personal wellness.\r\n\r\nUnderstanding We acknowledge that individuals are unique and success looks different for each person based on their circumstances and goals.\r\n\r\nA Holistic Approach We seek to treat each individual as a whole person, understanding that their needs extend beyond their mental health diagnoses, substance use, or medical condition.\r\n\r\nPositivity We work together with individuals through the healing process, setting achievable goals and honoring the unique needs and challenges of each person or family member.\r\n\r\nEmpathy We believe individuals are important to their friends, families, and loved ones. We seek to assist individuals to strengthen and maintain their natural support systems.\r\n\r\nInclusion We work together with individuals and families to coordinate services with other care providers in the community.

Keywords: RISE Housing and Support Services, Pittsfield , Shelter Advocate, Social Services , Saratoga Springs, Massachusetts