Lead Shelter Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Shelter Associate, Housing Navigation Center 

Job Description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

United Way of Weld County builds powerful partnerships to bring about lasting community-wide change. With the support of United Way donors, volunteers and partners, together we are building a better Weld County, one where every household has the opportunity to succeed.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBLITIES

The Housing Navigation Center (HNC) is a resource center that provides services to people experiencing homelessness, helps people regain housing, and helps households in Weld County navigate local housing resources. As part of Weld’s Way Home, Weld County’s initiative to address and prevent homelessness, the HNC provides clear access to housing services ranging from homelessness prevention to sheltering. The person in this role will use a Housing First focus to assist in shelter operations and tasks. They will work directly with people experiencing homelessness to provide a safe, effective, and welcoming seasonal emergency shelter. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisor Duties 

• Oversee and direct Shelter Associates during shifts and ensure all shelter duties are accomplished nightly, and shelter procedures are followed
• Take the lead in maintaining a welcoming, respectful, person-centered environment, while ensuring the support and safety of guests, staff, and volunteers
• As the lead staff on shift, navigate guest, staff, security, and volunteer needs and escalate to senior staff when needed
• Report to the shelter manager with critical updates, staffing and inventory needs 
• Maintain effective written and verbal communication with daytime and nighttime staff to ensure all vital information is shared and to ensure consistency and quality of service 
• Actively participate in shelter/agency meetings and relevant training as required 

General Duties

• Work with people experiencing homelessness during shelter hours to provide a welcoming shelter environment, ensuring guest and staff safety, and providing guests with appropriate resources 
• Assist the Shelter Manager with nightly operations and schedule of the shelter program 
• Perform shelter check-in/check-out responsibilities including completing intakes, assisting with meal service, preparing sleeping areas, distributing donations, and maintaining shelter cleanliness and organization
• Carry out HNC& CWS policies and procedures for shelter activities including COVID-19 procedures, shelter safety policies, and general operational procedures
• Direct and guide new guests to orient them to the space and policies as needed
• Utilize trauma-informed de-escalation techniques to address guest concerns and mitigate conflict
• Maintain relationships among community partner agencies, key stakeholders, and the Weld County community to increase awareness of shelter resources and to maintain shelter stability
• Coordinate with the HNC staff to ensure seamless service delivery between daytime and night-time operations 
• Assist in staffing extreme weather days during daytime shelter hours, when required
• Assist in staffing offsite overflow shelter if activated during weather emergencies 
• Maintain neighborhood relationships around the HNC
• Participate in training around Housing First, Trauma-Informed Care, Mental Health First Aid, and other necessary topics 
• Accurately records services, intake, and assessment data in the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS)

United Way of Weld County General 

• Support and promote the mission, values, goals and objectives of United Way, including representing United Way in professional organizations and the community (as assigned).
• Support fundraising efforts of United Way and activities that support United Way.
• Support United Way annual events, disaster response, and other activities as assigned.
• Participate in staff meetings and in service opportunities.
• Contribute to organizational promotions including writing promotional copy, proofreading informational and campaign materials, participation in outreach, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

United Way Core Competencies for All Staff

• Mission-Focused: Catalyze others’ commitment to mission to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This drives their performance and professional motivations.
• Relationship-Oriented: Understands that people come before process and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
• Collaborator: Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.
• Results-Driven: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good; creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
• Brand Steward: Steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Frequent walking and standing on concrete and tiled floors
• Brief periods of outdoor work required during winter months 
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases
• Handling of guest contraband items including paraphernalia and weapons with proper PPE and training.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts
• Self-motivated; proven excellent performance standards and quality of work
• Excellent customer service and phone skills
• Ability to effectively respond to escalated situations or crisis
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suire and Google Docs 
• Data and intake experience in HMIS or related data systems
• Effective interpersonal communication skills including one-on-one conversations
• Ability to work independently and as a team player
• Networking and community relationship building skills

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and one year experience providing homeless services, case management, social work, health/human services, public health, or related nonprofit field
• Experience in case management, shelter services, and/or homelessness response services
• Experience utilizing trauma-informed care, de-escalation, Housing First, and person-centered care principles
• Experience and willingness to work with highly vulnerable individuals and people experiencing homelessness
• Current first aid and CPR/AED certification preferred

POSITION STATUS

• Part-time, 20-30 hours/week, hourly, non-exempt
• Work hours are in the evenings, overnights, and weekends
• Holidays required, holiday pay included at 2x hourly rate
• Background check required
• Salary range (h5): $19.57 – $22.48 per hour
  • Additional $2/hour overnight differential
  • Bilingual differential available

BENEFITS

• Benefits includes vacation, sick, parental leave, and short-term disability.
• Flexible work hours with potential downtime for school work, ideal for college students

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

United Way of Weld County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and conducts its recruitment and hiring based solely upon job-related qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.

COMPENSTATION STATEMENT 

At United Way of Weld County, we believe in fairness and equity in our hiring process. We recognize that negotiating pay can create inequality, as it often rewards the best negotiators rather than the most qualified candidates. To ensure consistency and eliminate this bias, our salary bands are based on education and experience, and we do not negotiate salary once an offer is made. The only exceptions to the offer will be based on new, relevant information regarding experience or education. Due to budget constraints, we are unable to offer compensation outside of the posted salary range. Please consider this when applying. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

Please apply on United Way of Weld County’s website at -weld.org/careers. Applications should include a resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Bilingual and multilingual candidates encouraged to apply. All questions should be directed to Emily De Wett, Assistant Director of Shelter Operations. No phone calls please.