Housing Advocate
Title: Housing Advocate – Housing Programs/”The Roth” Building
Multiple Positions Available
Job Type: Part-time AND Full Time Positions Available
- All shifts are Night (Required) & Overnight Shifts (Required)
Work Location: Rochester, MN/In-person
Work Schedule: Shifts are from 8:00 PM – 4:00 AM, every other weekend.
Choose Work With Purpose
Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota is the social service arm of the Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester, serving the twenty southernmost counties of Minnesota. For over 75 years, we have served the poor and marginalized regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, or faith tradition — and we’re looking for passionate people to carry that mission forward.
Why This Role Matters
Every person who walks through our doors deserves to feel welcomed, respected, and supported. As a Housing Advocate, you are the face of Catholic Charities — a steady, compassionate presence making a real difference in people’s lives every single day. If you are looking for a role where your organizational skills and empathy truly matter, this is it.
About The Roth
This position is part of a unique and innovative collaboration between Olmsted County’s Housing Stability Team and Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota. The Roth apartment building provides safe, dignified housing while empowering guests to move toward stability. As a Housing Advocate, you will help ensure The Roth operates smoothly, safely, and in alignment with our mission — creating an environment where both guests and volunteers thrive.
What You’ll Do
Job Responsibilities:
- Welcome guests and review program policies and guidelines at the time of entrance.
- Ensure guests are complying with program policies and procedures, delivering services with safety, respect, and effectiveness.
- Assess guest needs and proactively offer assistance in every practical way.
- Monitor security camera footage and conduct hourly walk-throughs to maintain a safe, secure environment.
- Maintain all assigned areas — clean, organized, and free of hazards.
- Complete agency logs, incident reports, and end-of-shift summaries accurately and on time.
- Connect residents with appropriate community resources and coordinate transportation to appointments as needed.
- Collaborate with community professionals and service providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
- Maintain resident files, program records, and reports in compliance with HIPAA and Data Privacy standards.
- Assist in supervising residents during open social and recreational activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What You Bring
Education & Experience:
- High School diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in social services, human services, or a related field preferred.
- Experience providing direct support to adults experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or related challenges preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Housing First, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care models.
Skills & Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build genuine rapport (good relationships) while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Ability to de-escalate situations calmly and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
- Highly organized with strong problem-solving and documentation skills.
- Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and basic data entry systems.
Applicant must also meet AT LEAST ONE of the following:
A. A course of study in a health or human services–related field leading to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Associate’s degree.
B. One year of experience with the target population served.
C. Experience as a certified peer specialist per Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0615.
D. Meet the requirements for unlicensed personnel under Minnesota Statutes, sections 144A.43–144A.483.
Additional Requirements:
MUST be at least 18 years of age.
MUST be able to pass a background check.
VALID driver’s license and proof of insurance preferred.
COMMITTED to the mission and values of Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota.
Our Values
This position lives out the Catholic Charities values of respect, competence, empowerment, stewardship, joy, and compassion — with clients, co-workers, and all those we serve.
Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Housing Advocate Position(s) Overview:
- Part-time & Full-time Nights & Overnight shifts, Every Other Weekend
- Work Location: “The Roth” housing builiding- Rochester, MN – Must be onsite, in-person
- MUST: Be over 18 years old, be able to clear a background check, meet at lease ONE of the above listed applicant education/work experience/certification standards, and carry out Catholic Charities mission & values
Questions? Contact Shonna Lipinski at hr@ccsomn.org
Loose Change, Big Impact: The Baby Bottle Campaign Helps Families in Crisis
Sarah Vetter, LISW
Director of Child and Family Services
In a quiet corner at Catholic Charities office, a mother holds her newborn in one arm while reviewing her budget with the other. She had expected to pay rent with her savings over maternity leave, but quickly found her funds were falling short. She’s not alone. She’s one of thousands who have sought help through Catholic Charities Mother and Child Assistance Fund.
This fund began through grant funding in 2006, with the first Baby Bottle Campaign launched in 2007 to continue the effort. The premise of the Baby Bottle Campaign is simple; individuals take home an empty baby bottle, fill it with change, and bring it back to their parish for Catholic Charities’ Mother and Child Assistance Fund. This fund provides rent or utility payments for women facing a crisis across the Diocese. Since its launch, the campaign has provided 2,375 financial grants for new and expectant parents.
In its first year, the campaign helped just 21 families. By 2024, that number grew significantly, with $77,000 distributed in rent and utility payments. The need continues to grow, matching last year’s total in just the first three quarters.
The campaign is more than just change. It provides hope and stability for families in difficult situations. Some are fleeing domestic violence, others recently lost a job or had unexpected car repairs. The demographics also vary. Some are first-time moms, others are caring for large families. Some are carrying twins or triplets. Some are young; others are in their 40s. Each woman applying for help needs support to get back on her feet.
To receive assistance, new mothers schedule an appointment with Catholic Charities to complete a short application, receive budgeting information, and learn about perinatal mental health. They also have the opportunity to learn about adoption or parenting supports, the agency’s diaper banks, and community resources. The financial assistance brings women to Catholic Charities, but they take away hope and a plan for stability.
That new mother filling out her budget? She had not known that there was support available for post partum depression, but she will leave this appointment with Catholic Charities with a self care plan and a referral to a mental health professional. She will be able to rely on the agency’s diaper bank and have rent paid before she goes back to work next month. She can have hope, because of the generosity of every person who took home a bottle in October.
This October, fifty-eight Catholic Churches and two schools are participating in the Baby Bottle Campaign. Those who are unable to pick up a bottle can donate online at www.ccsomn.org/donate, and can designate “Baby Bottle Campaign”. Each contribution can change the life of a mother, a baby, and an entire family.
What is an Adoption Home Study?
Sarah Vetter, LISW
Director of Child and Family Services
You may have heard that adoption home studies are a lot of paperwork. It’s true! While applications, questionnaires, and reports can be overwhelming, it is important to understand what a home study is and why each piece is important.
A home study is a required process for any individual or couple who wants to adopt a child. A home study is both assessment on the safety and suitability of the family as adoptive parents as well as education on what it takes to raise a child through adoption. Adoption agencies complete an assessment that includes criminal background studies, health reports, financial reports, personal references, and a social history from each prospective adoptive parent. No one is expected to be perfect in order to adopt, but agencies are responsible for making sure that each approved parent is safe, loving, and can provide for all of the child’s physical, mental and emotional needs.
The educational aspect of the home studies covers topics such as transracial adoption, explaining adoption to a child, the legal process, openness in adoption, and how to nurture a child for all their positive qualities. Raising a child through adoption is not better or worse than raising a biological child – but it is different! Throughout the home study, prospective adoptive parents have the opportunity to reflect on how they grew up and the type of parents they hope to become. Many adoptive parents have shared that they believe all new parents should go through a home study in order to be fully prepared to raise a child!
The home study process often takes about six months to complete. It can feel daunting at the beginning, but your social worker will walk you through each step of the way. Catholic Charities offers free informational meetings to explain the adoption process and answer questions before a family begins this journey.
To schedule an informational meeting, call 507-287-2047 or email adoption@ccsomn.org.
3rd shift Part-Time Housing Advocate
Job description
Catholic Charities is the social service arm of the Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester serving the twenty southernmost counties of Minnesota. For over 75 years, Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota has served the poor and marginalized regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, or faith tradition.
Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota is seeking a 3rd shift Part-Time Housing Advocate in Rochester, MN .
Full Job Description
Job Summary
We are seeking compassionate and dedicated people to join our team. The ideal candidate will have exceptional organization skills and the ability to communicate in a clear and respectful manor. Able to ensure the buildings operate in accordance with established policies and procedures so that the residents experience safe and secure housing in a manner that affirms their human dignity.
The position adheres to Catholic Charities Mission Statement and lives out Catholic Charities values of respect, competence, empowerment, stewardship, joy and compassion with clients and co-workers and all those we serve.
Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota has the following shifts available:
Work Schedule
- Housing Advocate 12:00am-8:00am with every other weekend
- Ability to pick up additional shifts
Responsibilities
- Meet with clients on a regular basis to check progress, provide support, and monitor functioning.
- Routinely conduct walkthroughs on premises, including parking lot and stairwells to ensure building safety and security.
- Conduct routine cleaning tasks of common areas to maintain order, assists in keeping all assigned areas clean and free of spills, trash and safety hazards.
- Respond immediately and professionally to any security /safety emergency or disturbance within or immediately outside the facility.
- Monitor and review security camera footage.
- Complete all agency logs and incident reports in a timely manner.
- Ensure that the end of shift summary is recorded
- Plan and implement activities for the residents, both on-site as well as in the community, in order to foster a sense of community, skill build, and decrease isolation amongst residents.
- Refer residents to appropriate community resources, and arrange transportation to appointments as needed.
- Communicate with community professionals, and other service providers to ensure that services for clients are coordinated. Maintain resident files and program records, develop reports as required.
- Comply with HIPAA and Data Privacy Practices.
- Assist in supervision of residents during open social/recreation at the building.
- Ensure residents are complying with program policies and procedures.
- Delivers services with safety, respect and effectiveness.
Requirements
- Ability to help our guests feel welcomed and valued.
- Must have a good sense of personal and professional boundaries.
- Ability to de-escalate situations, multi-task, and thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Serve our guests in a non-judgmental manner that affirms their human dignity.
- Must be capable of empathetic and professional relationship building while advocating for diverse client needs and interests.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Must be able to work well under pressure
- High School diploma or GED.
- People-oriented — supportive and fairness-focused
- Must be at least 18 years of age and pass background check.
Preferred
- Experience 1-2 years experience in working with people experiencing homelessness, substance use, or mental health disorders.
EOE, including disability/vets; All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 16 – 32 per week
Schedule:
- Night shift
- Overnight shift
- Rotating weekends
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Shift availability:
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Rochester, MN 55904 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Questions? Contact Shonna Lipinski at hr@ccsomn.org
Hope in the Dark Days
Postpartum depression is more common than you may think – as are a range of other mental health concerns that may begin during or after pregnancy. The perinatal period describes this time during pregnancy through the first year after a baby is born. Perinatal mood disorders effect 1 in 5 new mothers. Women are at higher risk of developing a mood disorder if they have a low income, have little or no social support, family history of depression, are a teen mom, had difficulty getting pregnant, preterm labor and delivery, or are expecting multiples. Additionally, women of color and women under 20 report higher instances of mood disorders. New moms are suffering, and many do not know the signs to look out for or what can be done to help.
Catholic Charities began providing education on mood disorders in 2023. As we meet with expectant parents who are applying for financial assistance or baby items, our staff are able to share some of this important information with parents. We discuss symptoms, prevalence, and treatment options. We give new moms a self-care plan and resources for therapists, discussing medication with their doctor, and hotlines for immediate support. We want mothers to know that perinatal mood disorders are not their fault, and there is help available.
As we have shared this education, many women recognize that they may have suffered silently during a previous pregnancy, but not known there was anything they could do. Others have recognized symptoms of postpartum depression in their friends, but never known what to say. Catholic Charities is providing help and hope by giving families tools to have difficult conversations – with other family members, their own support system, or their doctor. We are sharing that mood disorders are more than depression; We have seen women suffering with postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis, and postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder. We provide nationally-recognized screening tools to help women identify when there might be a problem, and get them connected to the services they need for support. When mothers are healthy, they can provide more stability for their children.
For immediate help, call 911
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-852-6262
Non Emergency Pregnancy and Postpartum support MN: 1-800-944-4773
Catholic Charities Diaper Drive Supports Families
Catholic Charities needs your help to provide diapers and wipes for families across Southern Minnesota! For young families, diapers are a constant need. Most newborns require 10-12 diaper changes a day. This perpetual chore for parents also represents a huge financial burden, often over $80 per month, and 47% of families nation-wide experience “diaper need” – meaning they do not have enough diapers to provide for their child. Diaper need creates stress and exacerbates the cycle of poverty. It has been linked to poor maternal mental health and is a social determinant of health for the child and parents. When parents can’t provide clean diapers, the child cannot attend daycare and parents then miss work hours. Other times parents may change diapers less frequently to stretch their dollars, but this can cause health problems for the baby. Every baby deserves clean, dry diapers for their health and the well-being of the entire family.
Catholic Charities has been committed to supporting confident pregnancies and stable beginnings for decades. One way the agency creates stability for children is through basic needs like diapers and wipes. Catholic Charities receives diapers through generous community donations and grant funds. These diapers are shared with families in need through our diaper banks in Winona, Rochester, and Mankato, along with monthly pop-up distribution sites in Owatonna and Worthington. Catholic Charities provides diapers to nearly 200 families and over 250 children each month. One young mother shared “[This program] has helped tremendously with providing basic necessities for my children.” Another parent said “This is amazing. It helped me catch up with what my little one needed”.
Some families stop in to Catholic Charities occasionally when money is extra tight, and receive a pack of diapers or pull-ups for each of their children. Other families visit our offices each month and rely on the free diapers to help balance their budget. As inflation continues to rise, so does the need for diapers.
Catholic Charities’ annual diaper drive is March 1-31, 2025. The agency is collecting diapers, pull-ups and baby wipes of all brands and sizes. You can drop off donations at Catholic Charities’ offices in Winona, Rochester and Mankato, and at participating parishes across the Diocese (check your bulletin to see if your parish is a collection site). You can also support by giving a monetary donation. All the diapers that are donated will be shared with families in need throughout Southern Minnesota. As one parent said, “Thank you for helping people in the community. I appreciate all the things I got it from there. God bless you and your families.”
Do you need help with diapers? Catholic Charities is committed to supporting stable beginnings for all children. Families in need can receive diapers, wipes, and/or pull-ups on a monthly basis. A copy of the child’s birth certificate or crib card is needed to enroll in the program. For more information, including locations and hours, call 507-454-2270.