DHS & OTL - Full-Time Support Staff

Overview

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 600 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 4,000 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA Family Services, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a full-time, 4x10 schedule, Support Staff to work on the Options Transitional Living team. VOA's Family Services is a transitional housing program for homeless families. Our transitional housing program for women and children provides homeless families a safe environment for their children and themselves to live while they seek permanent housing and employment. Services include individual and group counseling by dedicated case managers, life-skills and parenting classes, and referrals for permanent housing. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.


Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Support Staff is responsible for assuring quality service in a safe, non-judgmental manner to all program participants compassionately and professionally as it relates to the specific program objectives. Objectives include supportive interaction with program participants and team members, assessment of participant's needs, supporting the safety and integrity of all residents, and performing all work duties as required. Work is performed in a cost-effective and service-oriented manner related to established organizational standards.


OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Explain program rules and regulations to residents and facilitate residents' observance of the rules.
2. Coordinate meal preparation/service, bed/sleeping assignments, showers, laundering, and other daily routines.
3. Provide "awake" shift coverage and maintain grounds security at all times. Conduct
hourly safety and security checks during designated periods.
4. De-escalate crisis before it develops and appropriately respond to the crisis, providing emergency assistance to clients and co-workers as necessary.
5. Maintain daily reports to provide statistical information.
6. Perform housekeeping and other maintenance tasks as needed, i.e., change a light bulb, plunge toilet, etc. Prepare rooms for next resident; maintain/monitor staff area cleanliness, etc., to meet health/sanitation requirements of city and county.
7. Respond to all client questions and concerns.
8. Perform clerical duties on shift, i.e., answer telephone, record messages, and file as necessary.
9. Maintain clear, thorough, routine communication with all residents.
10. May perform other duties as assigned.

B. Responsible for assistance with client development.

1. Support the Volunteers of America staff in implementing plans to assist the residents in successfully completing the program.
2. Role model positive behavior to help clients as they work towards self-sufficiency.

C. Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Document and report all client concerns and/or infractions that can impact the program's security.
2. Complete all shift logs, observation logs, and incident reports.
3. Monitor inventory of program equipment and supplies and take appropriate action to replace or restock as needed.
4. Secure approval for exceptions to standard policy.
5. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resource needs necessary to attain performance standards.
6. Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and accomplish program objectives.
7. Communicate with on-site program staff, Program Manager, service providers, and external county/state/city program representatives as required.
8. Direct available resources as required.
9. Comprehend and adhere to ethical standards, program philosophy guidelines, and confidentiality laws.

D. Responsible for the assistance of training and development of new staff.

1. Assist the Program Manager in department orientation and training of new employees as requested to ensure quality work outcomes.
2. Identify appropriate ongoing training for both new and existing staff and report needs to management.
3. Serve as part of the program development team by providing information and support for the development of quality operations.
4. Maintain an above-average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to ensure a safe work environment for clients and all personnel.

E. Responsible for self-development

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training seminars and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid, etc.

Qualifications

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

This position requires demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide services to clients without ethnic or social prejudices. It requires general knowledge of issues and challenges unique to homelessness, substance abuse, young adults, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Must be able to utilize a range of interventions to work with clients with varying needs and levels of functioning. Must have the flexibility to work irregular hours and have the willingness to function as a team member. Computer skills are preferred but not required. Requires CPR and First Aid training within ninety (90) days of employment, re-certification as necessary, and annual T.B. testing. A valid California driver's license is required to operate any VOA vehicle.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills
Oral and written communication skills
Ability to de-escalate crises and assist residents and staff in emergencies
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 25 pounds
Physically able to safely maneuver the weight distribution of a client in an emergency
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
Kneel occasionally

Pay Range

USD $20.60 - USD $20.60 /Hr.