Description

YWCA Central Alabama is a social justice organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, standing up for social justice, and promoting peace, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA Central Alabama’s vision is to create a more caring community. We work every day to make a positive change in the lives of individuals and the community.

Position Summary:

Provide support to the clients in a 24-hour, 365 days/year Domestic Violence Shelter maintaining the safety and security of the individuals in the shelter, enforcing shelter policies, and ensuring smooth operation of the facility in order to provide an exceptional living experience for the residents while maintaining the highest standards and consistently meeting or exceeding compliance thresholds.

Essential Duties:

• Ensure safety and security of the shelter by enforcing shelter safety policies. Conduct regular, routine, and spontaneous safety checks and implement appropriate reaction to security threats as needed. Ensure the shelter is well maintained, functioning properly and kept in clean, hygienic and excellent running order by promptly submitting repair requests to the Facilities department and ensuring the repairs are completed promptly; by assigning chores to tenants and monitoring timely completion of the chores; and prepare and maintain the vacant rooms so they are ready when needed.

• Plan and prepare for the efficient and economical operation of the shelter when purchasing food and shelter supplies, completing menu planning, and using foodbanks, other agencies, or grand funds. Provide supplies to clients as needed while maintaining overall supply availability and ordering additional supplies before needed.

• Utilize trauma informed care standards in all aspects of client care and shelter operations. Support the clients in their adaptation to their new living situation. Conduct daily room checks and assure tenant is maintaining upkeep of their living space.

• Record and maintain detailed records regarding the individuals served, assuring confidentiality is maintained at all times. This includes but is not limited to providing secure monitored medication for the tenant to access in an observed and recorded situation. Compile the data and statistics into defined report format on the interval required by the grants or other program reporting standards.

• Maintain strong communication with Shelter Manager, including providing timely updates during emergency or priority situations.

• Answer incoming calls, using excellent telephone skills, and carefully keeping track of the caller and/or situation details.

• Maintain professional decorum within the agency at all time, including calm objective judgment in handling issues as they arise.

• Actively participate in staff meetings or trainings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain compassionate and patient demeanor using excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including during periods of high stress, including when a supervisor is not available.

• Ability to respond with empathy and support to victims in crisis situations with sensitivity and awareness to diverse cultural, ethnic and social backgrounds, values, attitudes and languages including people of all ages, genders, health status, sexual orientation or educational background. Proficiency in another language, particularly Spanish, appreciated.

• Ability to work independently carefully managing time, including the ability to self initiate without direct supervision. Must also be able to work well on a team.

• Ability to problem solve using sound judgement to determine next course of action which will meet the best-in-class standard for the YWCA.

• Ability to follow and implement safety standards and recognize hazards.

• Attention to detail required.

• Ability to identify when a situation is outside the bounds of personal experience, knowing when to promptly escalate the situation to a supervisor or security guard.

• Ability to follow policy and procedures required to maintain the standards and compassionate, safe service within the shelter.

• Demonstrable ability to handle sensitive information and maintain the required high level of confidentiality regarding tenants, the shelter, and the business of the YWCA.

• Basic knowledge regarding healthy diet, and general food purchasing and preparation essential.

• Experience with and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, with Word and Excel being the primary MS programs used.

Minimum Qualifications: Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED is minimum educational requirement; additional education appreciated.

• Previous experience providing direct services to individuals, children, and families required; experience providing services in a non-profit environment appreciated.

• Strong sense of excellence and premium customer service required.

• Previous experience in an environment where risk assessment and opportunity identification was required, and included taking appropriate action in a timely manner rather than waiting passively for direction.

• Previous positive experience in a work environment which includes stressful, crisis oriented, personal impact situations. Education in the area of self-awareness and EQ to identify when personal stress levels need to be addressed.

• Valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance required.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment:

• The position works in a Domestic Violence Shelter setting which provides overnight tenancy. Requires bending, stooping, lifting, and carrying objects up to 30 lbs. from time to time.

• Role includes use of a computer, sitting for periods of time at a desk and computer, but also will require frequent movement throughout the facility to complete the tasks listed.

• The Relief position functions much like a substitute teacher; this individual will be on call to fill in for other Support Specialists who are not able to report to work. The schedule typically includes 12 to 24 hours per week and might include days, nights, and weekends.

• Must have reliable transportation in order to arrive to work on time for assigned shift.

Individuals qualified for this position must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to successfully participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform the essential job functions, notify the Human Resources department, who will determine if the request can be met or whether it will cause an undue hardship to the organization.

Qualifications