Residential Support Worker – Shelter Program

POSITION SUMMARY

Christian Community Health Center Amani House program assists homeless children and youth ages 0-18, and adult women ages 18 and over. The Residential Support Worker provides daily monitoring and coordination of activities for families within the shelter.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum HS diploma or G.E.D. and at least three (3) years’ experience in social services field. Experience serving homeless, victims of domestic violence and/or substance abuse population is preferred.
• Must possess basic computer skills including word processing (be able to navigate through Microsoft Office, be able to create/ edit forms in Microsoft Excel and Word, and attach documents), data base, and Internet communications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including grammar and active listening skills.
• Ability to write clear, accurate notes and complete other required documentation thoroughly and accurately.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
• Food Service Certification a plus.
• Demonstrate dependability, maturity, and initiative Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Punctual
• Demonstrate excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Able to handle crisis situations with minimum supervision.
• Able to maintain program/client/agency confidentiality and treat each individual with dignity and respect, and to set and observe personal limits and boundaries, especially with respect to participants.
• Ability to accept supervision and work with Amani House staff and community social service providers cooperatively.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Display professional appearance in accordance with agency dress code policy.
• Handle difficult situations in discreet manner, must be able to handle stress and work well under pressure.
• Must be able to problem solve and handle crises. Physical: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Some physical work is required including lifting, bending, climbing four flights of stairs, carrying up to 35 lbs.

All Shifts:

•  Complete all client related forms (intake, departure, referrals, daily activity, medication log, etc.).
• Effectively communicate to all staff through communication log book and/or email.
• Maintain daily detailed and thorough tracking of shift activities through communication log.
• Perform daily tracking of client/family activities. Conduct groups, activities, and life-skills training with participants.
• Distribute toiletries and supplies to participants.
• Maintain an updated bed count and shelter night count (bed sheet and board).
• Maintain sign-in sheets for visitors and participants Develop and monitor chore list activities.
• Monitor participants’ mealtimes and snacks. Perform clerical duties (answer incoming calls, answer door, filing, making copies, etc). Distribute and tally resident satisfaction surveys.
• Complete turn away reports daily.
• Cook for participants when necessary.
• Clean rooms and or/ facility when necessary (washing house linen, cleaning room, cleaning out closets etc.).
• Perform routine room and house checks.
• Perform random room inspections.
• Perform a routine but thorough bag check when participants enter the facility.
• Accompany participants on outings.
• Participate in House Meetings.
• Organize donation room.
• Prepare rooms for move-in.
• Ensures proper room condition upon move-outs.
• Supervise and document participants in the self-administration of prescribed medication and treatments.
• Monitor participants’ activity throughout the facility.
• Drive company van when needed.
• Conduct fire drills.
•  Ability to work flexible shifts.
• Night and weekend hours may be required.
• Must be available to work all holidays.
• Assists in ensuring facility coverage.
• Perform mandated reports for DCFS if necessary.
• Respond per established procedures to all emergency situations including medical, behavioral, fire, severe weather, and other hazards.
• Attend professional workshops and seminars to enhance skills.
• Attend all program meetings as scheduled.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned by Program Director.
• In addition to the responsibilities listed above, each shift will be expected to execute the following:
• 1st Shift: Perform wake-up call for participants. Monitor morning chores. Monitor breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Prepare brunch/dinner on cook’s scheduled off days. Participate and monitor the Chicago Children Nutrition Program. Order household and office supplies. Fax turn away sheet when necessary. Create and/or update meal count sheets for following day. Maintain and update participants’ income and case manager’s load list.
• 2nd Shift: Create and/or update bed count sheet. Monitor dinner and snacks. Monitor evening chores. Shutdown house and secure building for shift change. Distribute bed sheet for participants to sign.
• 3rd Shift: Prepare breakfast Monday through Friday. File and replace all daily documents (visitor’s log, meal sheets, bed sheets, participant chore sheets). Wash linen. Mopping all designated areas. Create intake binders.