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Gainesville, Florida

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Now Hiring – Client Advocate

Job Title: Client Advocate

Organization: St. Francis House, Inc.

Location: 413 S. Main St., Gainesville, FL

Employment Type: Part-Time, 24-32 hours per week

Reports to: Director of Shelter Services

Compensation: Starting at $15/hour

JOB SUMMARY

St. Francis House is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Client Advocate to join our team part-time. In this role, you will provide essential support and advocacy for our guests, helping to ensure they receive the resources and services they need. This position involves coordinating a full range of daily support services for both shelter residents and day service clients. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator with empathy and a genuine desire to assist others. Availability for weekend shifts is required, along with flexibility to work additional hours as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

  • Offer emotional and basic needs support to guests and residents.
  • Maintain a safe and secure environment for all.
  • Ensure property and building security.
  • Monitor daily activities of shelter guests, following guidelines from the Director of Shelter Services.
  • Provide thorough shift-change updates to other staff members for continuity of service.
  • Accept and organize donations during designated times.
  • Assist with overseeing volunteers, ensuring compliance with shelter procedures.
  • Answer inquiries from guests and community professionally.
  • Assist with basic service requests from guests and residents.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

CORE JOB REQUIREMENTS

  • Basic skill computer skills.
  • Experience in Human Services with a variety of populations preferred.
  • Ability to stay calm, make decisions, and deescalate situations when necessary.
  • Possess accountability, adaptability and flexibility.

VALUES AND CULTURE

  • Treat all clients, visitors, and employees with compassion, dignity, respect, and understanding.
  • Develop knowledge of community resources to share with staff and guests.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of guest information and privacy.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or equivalent, or relevant professional experience.
  • Professional and respectful disposition when interacting with staff, donors, volunteers, and guests.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to effectively implement and communicate St. Francis House values, mission, and impact.
  • Ability to establish rapport with guests, volunteers, and other community members.
  • Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
  • Flexible scheduling, occasionally working different days, nights, or weekends.
  • Ability to move and/or lift light equipment, supplies, or donations (up to 50 lbs.).

To Apply:

Please send resume and any inquiries to info@stfrancishousegnv.com or call 352-378-907

Deadline for this job opening is Friday, March 13, 2026.

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St. Francis House on The Ilene Silverman Show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsWd6Pi5Zbo

The Ilene Silverman Show – St. Francis House

(original air date: 06/14/2025)

St. Francis House staff members Katelyn Drummet (Director of Development), Nancy Short (Director of Community Relations), and St. Francis House Board Member, Charles “Al” Cockrell (Board of Directors & Treasurer) spoke about the vital services we provide – from emergency shelter and daily meals to individualized support that helps women and families with children experiencing homelessness find stability and hope.

Thank you to Ilene Silverman for having us and sharing the mission of St. Francis House!

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2024 Annual Report

As we look back on 2024, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the support that we receive from our community. Because of you, we can provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, essential services, and much more to women and families with children experiencing homelessness. Together, we can continue making a difference – one family at a time. Thank you for helping us Create New Futures!  

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Donate Your Unused Toiletries at Gainesville Regional Airport!

We’re excited to share a convenient way for Gainesville residents to make a real difference in the lives of women and families with children experiencing homelessness in our community.  Russell Hollander & Family, in collaboration with the Gainesville Regional Airport, have set up a donation box at the airport to benefit St. Francis House, making it easy for you to contribute to those in need.

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Update on Services at St. Francis House

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2023 Annual Report

Check out the 2023 annual report from St. Francis House, Inc.

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