Position Title: Program Staff, Safety Coordinator

Status: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)

Shift Schedule: Thursday-Monday (3 pm - 11 pm)

Wage: Wage for 2nd shift (3 pm - 11 pm) is $19.50/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. Founded in 1979, Sarah’s Circle provides a full continuum of services for women, including housing, life necessities, and supportive services, to help them permanently end their homelessness.

This position works in the Interim Housing Program which is a 50-bed 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 unaccompanied 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 roles in our Daytime Support Center. View currently open positions at https://sarahs-circle.org/employment-opportunities/.

Summary

Program Staff, Safety Coordinator is responsible for fostering a safe and trauma informed environment. This includes welcoming all clients and visitors, monitoring access to the building, providing building and perimeter checks, and maintaining a respectful culture. When working at the front desk, the Safety Coordinator oversees administrative duties, clients’ activities, and watches security monitors to ensure the safety of the space. This is an unarmed (no weapons) and non-physical restraint security position. Occasional assistance with meals and support of volunteers is required. Specific work hours are determined based on program need and related flexibility.

Responsibilities

Services

• Maintain a respectful culture: Respond to conflict and incidents throughout the building; use nonjudgmental language; listen and validate a wide range of emotions expressed by clients; primary respondent to issues needing de-escalation; patrol randomly building and perimeter
• 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)
• Ensure that doors and gates are closed and locked
• Check trash room/chute to prevent safety and fire hazards
• Monitor Loading Zone in back of building and enforce policy
• Inform supervisor of any unusual activity in a timely manner and submit Incident Reports as necessary
• Provide information: Provide a program orientation; provide copies of client rights and responsibilities and the grievance procedure; assess for language barriers
• 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 (applies to Interim Housing); log PSH visitors
• Volunteer Collaboration: Welcome volunteers to the program; share information about services; provide guidance as needed; request that they sign in/out; communicate with program management 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), including non-violent crisis intervention
• 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

• At least one year of experience working as a security/safety professional or in a related position requiring frequent de-escalation
• High school diploma (or equivalent) required; Higher education degree in psychology, social work, or related social service field a plus
• Bilingual English/Spanish 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 preferred

Health and Safety Requirements

• Must identify as female, due to the nature of the role and associated job duties
• 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: $19.50 - $20.50 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 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
• Evening shift
• Every weekend

Application Question(s):

• Are you available to work Thursday to Monday (3 pm - 11 pm)?
• 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' experience do you have working as a security/safety professional or in a related position requiring frequent de-escalation?
• How many years of experience do you have working with individuals experiencing homelessness, a history of trauma, and/or mental illness?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person