Shelter Safety & Security Lead

Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at .

PAY RATE: $20.90 - $22 Per Hour

BENEFITS: VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Lead Monitor I will arrange, coordinate, supervise, mentor, and oversee the Monitors’ efforts to provide security of the program premises, and safety for program clients, visitors and employees. The Lead Monitor I shall provide Safety Training to the Monitor staff, and provide ongoing safety oversight. The Lead Monitor I performs Monitor duties on behalf of program clients/participants, as well as leading and training Monitors. Driving ability preferred.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assign shifts, ensure that Monitors are scheduled around the clock, plan personal shifts to observe each shift during the week.
• Train Monitors in program operations, safety, and security expectations and procedures.
• Oversee operations for safety practices, provide ongoing safety leadership.
• SHELTER ENTRANCE MONITORING: The front door to the shelter is the only permitted entrance and exit for participants, employees, partners, and vendors. Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, participants, visitors, guest and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
• BAG & PERSON SCREENING: Monitors search all participants’ person and belongings being brought into the shelter each time a participant enters. This is a critical step in ensuring the safety and security of everyone. It is important to treat every participant with equal dignity and professionalism every time they are screened.
• Patrol premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates, etc. walking the facility and making reports as needed.
• SHELTER SAFETY:
  • While patrolling observe Shelter to ensure safe operations; report and correct any spills, unsafe working conditions, or defective equipment.
  • Know location of fire exits, be prepared to assist participants in case of any emergency.
  • Monitor clients and conduct room checks; maintain records of client compliance of program rules, report to clinical/case management staff, assist clinical/case management staff as required.
  • Call police or fire department in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized clients/persons.
• As a non-profit agency, VOALA must utilize all limited resources effectively and protect from theft loss or damage to the shelter’s assets. Report all suspicious events to direct supervisor.
• Responsible to complete written reports and incidents logs of daily activities and irregularities, such as: unusual occurrences, equipment or property damage, theft, and presence of unauthorized persons.
• ACT AS A ROLE MODEL FOR PARTICIPANTS AT ALL TIMES. Learn, understand and practice the professionalism expected – Put clients’/participants’ needs first.
• CLIENT/PARTICIPANT SUPPORT:
  • Answer telephones and take messages for clients and staff, monitor doors and greet visitors.
  • Maintain office housekeeping; verifies all common areas, laundry areas and restrooms are clean and disinfected & fully operational
  • Assist shelter staff during provision of services to clients/participants, including set-up for classes, meetings, meals, recreation, and other shelter events.
  • DRIVING TASKS (for licensed Monitors)
    • Transports individual program participants to and from various locations such as human service locations, work sites, and medical facilities
      • Assists passengers in securing wheelchairs, car seats and other mobility devices
      • Ensures safety of passengers, operates vehicle in safe manner at all times
    • Maintains trip records as well as mileage and gasoline usage records
    • Maintain program vehicle in good operating condition, clean vehicle and equipment after each pick-up and delivery, and takes vehicle for routine maintenance and repairs
• Inputs required data to computer systems and logs
• Other duties that may arise to support program goals.

ESSENTIAL ABILITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Ability to work and deal with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs, which may include clients with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration, and other challenges.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Services for this position must be provided on-site. As a result, the positions supervised by this job description are on-site, and supervisors / managers / leaders must be on site to provide proper direction and oversight.
• TRAIN, SUPERVISE AND SCHEDULE MONITORS
• SHELTER SECURITY.
  • Monitor Shelter entrance
  • Screen bags and persons entering shelter
  • Patrol premises as scheduled
• SHELTER SAFETY
  • Monitor Clients; conduct room checks; report violations of rules
  • While patrolling continuously observe for safe operations/conditions, report safety concerns
• Complete written reports and incidents logs of daily activities and irregularities, such as: unusual occurrences, equipment or property damage, theft, and presence of unauthorized persons
• CLIENT/PARTICIPANT SUPPORT, including driving tasks if licensed
• Other duties as required and may be subject to change
• ACT AS A ROLE MODEL FOR PARTICIPANTS AT ALL TIMES.

MANDATED REPORTER

As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered Mandated Reporters, and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
• Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs which may include clients with homelessness, mental-illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration and other challenges.

EDUCATION:

• One year of proven college coursework, or completion of Careers for a Cause (C4C) or other homeless training course with a certificate can substitute for the experience requirement.
• OR Complete Careers for a Cause (C4C) within 60 days of hire.
• Within 30 days of hire, must successfully complete VOALA safety training.

EXPERIENCE:

• One year in the general security field, and/or social services / human services, and/or customer service experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current California driver's license and clean driving record, demonstrated Knowledge of CA driving laws.
• Experience in a group residential setting is preferred.
• Experience serving the homeless is preferred.
• Related experience in a mental health or substance abuse treatment setting, or other group residential program.
• Clean driving record to be insurable by VOALA insurance

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.