What are the responsibilities and job description for the Overnight Homeless Shelter Support position at Friendship Shelter?
Friendship Shelter is a non-profit homeless services agency founded in 1988 and dedicated to ending homelessness in South Orange County, one person at a time. Friendship Shelter operates a full spectrum of services to end homelessness, including street outreach, emergency shelter, housing navigation, financial assistance, and permanent housing with supportive services. We believe in a housing-first and harm-reduction approach and value the unique experience of each client we serve. Our programs employ trauma-informed principles and are housing-focused, low-barrier, and client-centered. We are committed to diversity in our workforce and endeavor to create a work experience that is inclusive, meaningful, and effective at ending homelessness.
Position Summary
This supportive Overnight Guest Advocate role will ensure a safe, housing-focused shelter community that is maintained with a positive and supportive culture following Friendship Shelter processes, procedures, mission, and philosophy. All client interactions will occur in a supportive, non-judgmental way that aligns with Housing First and Harm Reduction practices.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure the safety and security of the property at all times.
- As it is applicable, facilitates daily activity schedules.
- Model personal behaviors that reflect the problem-solving, communication, and life skills we expect of clients.
- Monitor and document client participation, progress, and incidents.
- Perform resident intakes using the Homeless Management Information System.
- Communicate pertinent program information through daily written logs.
- Communicate any maintenance or unit issues to management.
- Greet volunteers and guests and ensure they have a positive experience while serving the shelter.
- Assist clients by answering questions and providing guidance.
- Conduct de-escalation and crisis intervention as needed.
- Adhere to strict boundaries and professional ethics in the care of others.
- Participate in required staff meetings and training as directed.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Direct Reports
- This position does not have supervisory responsibilities for direct reports
Driving Requirements
- Driving is an essential duty or function of this job.
- Drive up to 25 %
Open Position:
- Thursday to Monday, 12am - 8am
Minimum Qualifications The following are the minimum job-related qualifications which an individual needs in order to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Empathy, discipline, focus, and organizational ability.
- A collaborative, positive, and mature approach, an ethic of teamwork, and a commitment to the mission of helping people experiencing homelessness.
- Ability to work in a very fast-paced, high demand and often crisis centered area with the ability to multi-task and stay organized.
- Be committed to upholding the Friendship Shelter values of compassion and acceptance, creativity and flexibility, integrity, responsibility, and community.
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Comfortable working in a Housing First and Harm Reduction setting
- Well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle a fast-paced work environment
- Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures
- Conflict management skills
- Decision-making skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Basic Computer Skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Outlook, & Web Browsers
Environmental & Physical Requirements
Shelter / Non-Sedentary Requirements
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Work will be performed in shared spaces within the shelter environment and may involve interaction with shelter guests. Typically requires the ability to spend 66% hours each workday doing the following activities: stand for extended periods of time, walk, bend, stoop, or climb. May require the ability to lift and/or push up to 25 pounds 33% - 66% of the time. Driving personal vehicle between sites during work hours is required.
Additional Information Regarding Friendship Shelter Job Duties and Job Descriptions
Job duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by one’s supervisor or other manager related to the position/department. This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The Company reserves the right at any time with or without notice to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities, subject to applicable law. The Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.
Any estimate, schedule, or guideline provided to associates in this job description or elsewhere in connection with their jobs is only intended to help describe job duties and for planning purposes. Regardless of any such estimate, schedule, or guideline, employees must always record all time worked for our company (which includes but is not limited to on-site work time at a shelter, office, or other work location; required waiting time; administrative time; and work-related travel time).
Work Remotely
- No
Pay: $21.85 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Ability to Commute:
- Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Laguna Beach, CA 92651: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $22