Homeless Day Shelter Bilingual Guest Services Specialist

The heart of our mission is to demonstrate Christ’s love and justice by caring in faith for the human family. We change lives by helping and employing people of all backgrounds.

Do you have a strong customer service background and a love for people but have always desired a greater sense of purpose? If so, join the team at The Beacon; a Day Resource Center for people who are experiencing homelessness. The Beacon is the perfect option for those seeking to transfer their customer service skills to that of serving our neighbors in need. The Beacon has immediate openings for bilingual (English and Spanish) part-time Guest Services Specialists.

Our Guest Services Specialist serve as the primary link between guests and the services and resources they need to help them find stability. Developing and maintaining trusting relationships, problem solving systematic hurdles, and being a support while connecting is at the heart of this work.

This is an amazing opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team that makes a real difference in the lives of others!

We offer the following:

• Starting pay at $23.40 per hour, commensurate with experience.
• 24 hours per week with a schedule consisting of variable days and a flexible schedule.
• $500 unlimited Employee Referral bonus!

Benefits:

• Health (working 30 hours)
• Dental (working 30 hours)
• Vision (working 30 hours)
• Life, AD&D, Long Term Disability (working 30 hours)
• Short Term Disability (working 20 hours)
• Accident, Critical and Hospital Indemnity Insurance (working 20 hours)
• FSAs and HSA (working 30 hours)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan (with 6% company match after 1 year) (all employees are eligible)
• PTO (working 20 hours)
• 10 Holidays (working 20 hours)
• Employee Referral Programs (all employees are eligible)

Guest Services

• Provide high-quality customer service to create a welcoming atmosphere and positive environment.
• Monitor check-in process to verify eligibility and ensure all guests sign in for services daily.
• Conduct new guest intakes and orient guests to the facility and services offered.
• Respond to guests' needs and requests in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Make appropriate referrals for resources and services provided at the Beacon as well as in the community.
• Utilize trauma-informed care approaches to inform, educate, and enforce program guidelines with guests.
• Monitor guests' general well-being and provide support and assistance when needed; respond effectively to crisis situations.
• Ensure donations and supplies for guests are managed and well organized.
• Keep the Beacon property clean, sanitized, and in orderly condition throughout the day.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Operations

• Effectively assess situations, identify problems, and develop solutions within the framework of established program policies and procedures.
• Uphold ethical standards by maintaining guest confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Create and maintain accurate records of guest information, incidents, and other relevant information.
• Certify accurate intake and needs assessment procedures for each guest in compliance with Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) for the State of Wisconsin.
• Enhance relevant skills and stay informed of current research and best practices through ongoing educational opportunities and training provided by program.
• Work professionally and collaboratively with all Beacon staff, volunteers, and agency workers.
• Represent program and agency in a professional manner.

Bilingual Services

• Provide support in both English and Spanish via conversation, phone, email, fax, etc. when needed and/or requested.
• Translate relevant documents from English to Spanish.
• Create documents and other written materials in Spanish.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Professional fluency in both English and Spanish, including excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Friendly, welcoming, empathic, and tolerant with excellent listening and communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking, professional judgement, and ability to work effectively autonomously as well as part of a team.
• Competent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with MS Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with homelessness services is preferred but not required.
• Experience assisting people who have mental health and substance abuse issues is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of Dane County/Madison resources for people who are experiencing homelessness preferred but not required.

Physical and Mental Functions

• Must have the ability to lift or carry 30 pounds and tolerate medium to high physical effort including walking, standing, lifting, stooping, squatting, bending, reaching, pushing, and/or pulling.
• Occasionally bend/twist at waist/knees/neck to perform various duties.
• Constant mental alertness and attention to detail is required.

Catholic Charities is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining an atmosphere of equity and inclusion. We want our staff and programming to reflect the rich culture and diversity of our state and actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.