Position Title: Program Staff

Status: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)

Shift Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday (11 pm - 7 am)

Wage: Wage for 3rd shift (11 pm - 7 am) is $20.50/hr. If bilingual English/Spanish, employee is eligible for additional $1/hr for providing Spanish translation services (must pass on-site language assessment).

About us: Sarah's Circle is a non-profit organization working to end homelessness for women in Chicago. Located in Uptown, Sarah's Circle has provided support for thousands of women since 1979. The Interim Housing Program is an overnight facility that provides 24-hour access to supportive services. It is designed to transition women into permanent housing as quickly as possible.

Please note: Sarah’s Circle provides homeless services to women ages 18 and above. Due to the nature of this position, only female applicants will be considered for this role. Applicants of all genders are welcome to apply to many positions within our organization, including similar Program Staff roles at our Daytime Support Center. View currently open positions at https://sarahs-circle.org/employment-opportunities/.

Summary

Program staff is responsible for fostering a safe and trauma informed environment. This includes welcoming all clients, providing information about services, and maintaining a respectful culture. When working at the front desk, program staff oversees administrative duties and clients activities. Occasional assistance with meals and support of volunteers is required. Specific work hours are determined based on program need and related flexibility.

Responsibilities

Services

• Welcome clients: Greet all individuals that enter the program; address immediate needs such as food, clothing, and medical attention; during initial visits, provide a facility tour and facilitate introductions with other staff (these activities might take place during multiple visits, depending on client’s stated priority)
• Provide information: Provide a program orientation; provide copies of client rights and responsibilities and the grievance procedure; assess for language barriers
• Maintain a respectful culture: Respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe; interact with clients that are in distress without immediately giving consequences; use nonjudgmental language; listen and validate a wide range of emotions expressed by clients; handle de-escalation within program space
• Complete administrative duties and client activities: Answer the phone; monitor program entrance; organize and distribute mail; provide hygiene items; assist with laundry; oversee phones & computers; complete bed assignments; log visitors
• Volunteer Collaboration: Welcome volunteers to the program; share information about services; provide guidance as needed; request that they sign in/out; communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator about volunteer activities
• Prepare meals: Assistance with cooking and providing meals is required; meal preparation may be daily depending on shift

Administration

• Maintain program related data
• When facility repairs are needed, ensure complete reporting to the designated staff member

Other

• Attend staff meetings and supervisory meetings as instructed by supervisor
• Attend staff trainings as instructed by supervisor (minimum of 4 per year)
• Attend and participate in significant Sarah’s Circle events including Winter Walk
• Maintain current knowledge base by participating in educational or training opportunities, reading relevant publications, and maintaining professional networks
• Perform other duties, as assigned by supervisor
• The Interim Housing Program is open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Program Staff may be required to work on weekends and holidays.

Competencies

• Dependability: attends work regularly, submits accurate documentation, and seeks guidance when needed
• Teamwork: establishes collaborative relationships with staff and volunteers
• Receptiveness: accepts feedback and identifies areas of growth
• Interpersonal Skills: communicates clearly (both written and verbally), seeks solutions, and demonstrates flexibility
• Integrity: keeps sensitive information confidential and adheres to personnel policies
• Initiative: brings questions to supervisor and seeks opportunities for further development

Qualifications

• High school diploma (or equivalent) required; Higher education degree in psychology, social work, or related social service field a plus
• Bilingual Spanish/English highly preferred
• At least one year of experience in social services required
• Basic computer skills required including use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, a history of trauma, and/or mental illness highly preferred

Health and Safety Requirements

• Required to obtain Food Handler certificate within 30 days of hire
• Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling materials
• Physical ability to lift approximately 35lbs, sit, stand, bend, reach, and perform cleaning duties
• Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through administrative updates compliant with federal law.

Sarah’s Circle believes homelessness is complex and that our work requires the expertise of people with different life experiences, skills, and perspectives. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that brings together people with different identities & backgrounds and enables all of us to be successful in our work to end homelessness for women in our city. Your unique experience is valuable, so if it aligns with this role and you are excited about the work we do, please apply!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) 6% Match
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Every weekend
• Overnight shift

Application Question(s):

• Do you identify as female?

(Please note: Sarah’s Circle provides homeless services to women ages 18 and above. Due to the nature of this position, only female applicants will be considered for this role. Applicants of all genders are welcome to apply to many positions within our organization, including similar Program Staff roles at our Daytime Support Center. View currently open positions at https://sarahs-circle.org/employment-opportunities/ .)

• How many years of experience do you have working with individuals experiencing homelessness, history of trauma, and/or mental illness?
• Are you available to work Tuesday - Saturday (11 pm - 7 am)?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person