HS SUPPORT STAFF

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title:                  UC Homeless Services Support Staff

Organization:           Interfaith Works

Employment Type:  On-Call (night and overnight shifts) 

Reports To:              Shelter Management Team

Compensation:        $21.50/hour

About Interfaith Works Homeless Services

Interfaith Works Homeless Services (IWHS) operates two core programs: the 24/7 Integrative Shelter at Unity Commons and the daytime program Sergio's Service Center.  IWHS is dedicated to providing emergency services and support to those in need, not as charity but as an act of social justice. These positions will be placed at our Unity Commons location.

Position Summary:

Support Staff plays a crucial role in these programs by providing overnight shelter services, basic needs coordination, and daytime services to adult individuals and couples without dependent children of all genders experiencing homelessness. Support Staff directly support guests, ensure daily operations are being met, and maintain the spatial safety of the shelter buildings. Support Staff comprises the majority of IWHS employees.

Shifts Available:

On-Call Nights and Overnights and schedule to be determined and discussed at the time of the interview.

Key/Essential Job Duties:

1. Guest Support and Resource Coordination: Monitor and perform tasks necessary for all supportive services on-site, including distributing mail, facilitating access to showers and laundry, assisting guests with using the shared kitchen, and cleaning tasks.

2. Policy Enforcement and Safety Monitoring: Monitor and enforce the good neighbor and guest agreement policies with shelter guests, volunteers, and visitors to the shelter. Conduct safety and perimeter checks of the entire property grounds, including inside and outside the shelter. Maintain an environment of safety, security, and respect for all guests, staff, and volunteers that is conducive to respite and care. Address challenging behaviors while maintaining unconditional positive regard for all involved. Staff may need to conduct rapid COVID-19 testing on-site when necessary.

3. Conflict Mediation and De-Escalation: Engage in trauma-informed, harm reduction-based conflict mediation and de-escalation when conflict arises. Staff are responsible for maintaining the tone for 

4. Teamwork and Communication: Staff are expected to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people both inside and outside our agency. Expectation to always be kind and warm to volunteers.

5. Emergency Response and Back-Up: Responsible for providing back-up/fill-in/on-call if shift staffing levels are required. Staff are trained in opioid overdose prevention and naloxone training and may be required to administer naloxone in the event of an overdose. Staff may need to call 911 for emergency medical response when guests have medical needs beyond the scope of shelter staff.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Applicants must successfully pass a background check before an offer of employment.

• Ability to spend significant portions of an 8-10 hour work shift on your feet and lift up to 25 pounds.

• Availability to work on-call, with a working phone and the ability to check email.

• Demonstrate the necessary attitudes, knowledge, skills, willingness, and self-awareness to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in a multicultural environment. This includes addressing and interrupting oppression in all forms on an ongoing basis.

• Experience in direct service and community organizing is desirable; personal experience and understanding of the homeless population may be substituted.

• Ability to perform light administrative duties and navigate Google Suite.

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

• Must be able to think on your feet in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment. Must be willing and able to make sound judgments without on-site supervision.

• Ability to practice self-care, have good boundaries, a good sense of humor, and an ability to roll with the punches in a very hectic environment.

Education/Experience:

• Experience serving individuals who have endured a variety of traumatizing experiences is required for this position. 
• Direct experience in a direct service and community organization is preferred, along with having the capability to effectively collaborate with a diverse group of people in a stressful environment. 
• Also preferred are prior experiences with homeless and/or displaced populations, an emphasis on harm reduction, and conflict mediation and de-escalation. 
• Finally, you must have access to reliable transportation to be able to arrive on time each day.

Physical Requirements:

Lifting and Carrying:

The physical requirements of this job may include standing, stooping, and bending.  You must be able to move objects and lift up to 30 lbs. consistently.

Communication:

Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to all levels of the organization.

Working Conditions:

This is a climate-controlled indoor environment.  At times, it may be loud or chaotic. This position involves communicating with others to exchange information. The position is primarily sedentary, requiring sitting and standing, with occasional stooping and reaching.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starting compensation at $21.50/hour, with built-in annual raises capping at $26.00/hour after four years of service

• Benefits package includes medical/dental/vision with 100% employer-paid premiums.  Must maintain 25 hours per week to be eligible.