Shelter Aide

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to “Doing the Most Good”. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for youth after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need. JOB SUMMARY Provide direct support and supervision for clients in a residential or shelter setting by maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. Conduct client intake, eligibility assessments, program orientations, and maintain accurate documentation in HMIS and other required records. Enforce program policies, de-escalate conflicts, coordinate crisis response and community referrals, assist with meal service, and ensure facility cleanliness and safety while collaborating with staff to support daily operations and client success. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide a safe and secure environment for clients to include contacting. emergency responders or crisis intervention personnel as needed. Provide clients with referrals and information of community programs as needed. Enforce program guidelines, policies and procedures. Deescalate situations and provide conflict resolution techniques as needed. Determine client eligibility. Conduct an initial intake and program orientation for new clients. Record data into the HMIS system. Maintain daily log, forms and paperwork as required. Prepare and serve meals to clients as program dictates. Ensure the facility is clean and sanitary at the end of a shift. Monitor the perimeter of the facility to ensure a safe and clean environment. Remain on duty if there is a problem with the relieving shift (sick employee) or until another staff member arrives. Attend staff meetings as scheduled. Successfully satisfy the training requirements associated to the position and as required by The Salvation Army. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Education High School Diploma or equivalent. Significant experience may be considered in lieu of. Associate’s degree in human services, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field preferred. Experience One to three years of experience working in a shelter, residential program, behavioral health, social services, crisis intervention, customer service, or a related human services environment preferred. Experience conducting client intakes, assessments, and maintaining confidential client records. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and crisis response procedures. Experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or housing instability preferred. Basic computer proficiency, including experience with case management databases (HMIS experience preferred) and Microsoft Office applications. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment in emergencies, and maintain professional boundaries in a fast-paced environment. Skills/Abilities Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member. Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality Ability to multi-task several projects concurrently Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner. Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures. Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications. This individual will only commit resources of The Salvation Army that have been allocated or approved. This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. The individual will keep the designated Supervisor informed of all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT This position may be required to do light to moderate physical work. Sometimes heavier. To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment including a PC and potentially make public presentations/interactions. The work environment for this position includes a local shelter and administrative office environment with a moderate noise level. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS This position reports to the Shelter Operations Manager. In context related to this position’s duties, this individual will interact with a wide range of contacts both internal and external. In these contacts he/she will act as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission. COMPETENCIES Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. Resolve conflicts in a positive manner. Treat staff, clients, and visitors with courtesy. Respect others’ property and person. Use professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind. PERFORMANCE MEASURES This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved. Timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed. An evaluation of how effective service is provided. Performance will also be determined by outcome information provided during weekly staff meetings and monthly reports. This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. Additional Information JOIN OUR TEAM!! DOING THEMOST GOOD Do you want to use your skills and talents to make a lasting difference in the world? The Salvation Army is the fourth largest charity in the United States and is an international organization based on Biblical principles created to help people in need. We are mission-driven, diverse, collaborative, and focused on positive results for people. Join us in making a difference. The Salvation Army offers a competitive benefit package for eligible employees which may include the following medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, a company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan and generous time off policies. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources department. The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Veterans/Disabled. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have beenimpactedby the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr