What are the responsibilities and job description for the SEASONAL SAFE HAVEN SHELTER - DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF position at IPH?
SEASONAL SAFE HAVEN SHELTER - DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF
IPH is currently accepting resumes for Full-Time Seasonal Direct Support Staff for our Safe Haven winter shelter. Safe Haven provides a low-barrier, low-demand environment for homeless adults who have no other options for shelter and would otherwise be staying on the street. Safe Haven’s harm reduction approach ensures the most vulnerable members of the community have a safe, supportive place to sleep and be out of the elements, regardless of substance use/active addictions, mental illness, medication adherence, or other challenges that often limit shelter options.
Direct Support Staff is responsible for maintaining an emotionally and physically safe and supportive environment for shelter guests and ensuring guests have access to basic accommodations and services, such as cots and linen, showers, laundry, dinner, hygiene items, etc.
Shifts include 4:30pm – 12:30 am, from October through early April.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES, ACCOUNTABILITIES, AND DUTIES:
Interacting with Guests
- Actively contribute to an emotionally and physically welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for shelter guests
- Engage guests using active listening, empathy, and patience
- Provide information about shelter services and communicate shelter expectations
- Manage interpersonal conflicts and misunderstandings between guests
- Implement de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques and respond effectively to emergency situations
- Maintain strict confidentiality in all areas: written, spoken, and observed communication
- Maintain professional boundaries
Providing Access to Shelter Services
- Facilitate the admission process each evening
- Serve meals and snacks for guests
- Provide access to showers, laundry, and hygiene items, as requested.
- Set up/break down/distribute cots, linens, and other supplies
- Label and store guests’ belongings in a secure storage room and provide access to belongings as needed
- Connect guests with case management services or other resources, as requested.
Oversight of Shelter Facility
- Ensure the security and safety of the building and shelter guests by completing regular hourly rounds, monitoring entrances, and answering the doorbell. ** Rounds require navigating staircases to the basement and second floors. The building is not equipped with a lift/elevator.
- Complete required documentation, including Shift Notes and Incident Reports
- Maintain a neat and clean environment by sweeping and mopping, dusting and wiping down surfaces, cleaning and organizing linens, emptying trash cans, and keeping storage areas tidy
- Ensure the dining area and dishes are cleaned following dinner service.
- Ensure entrances are kept free of snow, ice, and other hazardous conditions, as needed
Professional Development
- Participate in Staff Trainings, including First Aid, CPR, and Narcan
- Participate in Staff Meetings
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in a human services setting and/or experience with the homeless population preferred
- Sensitive to the needs of the homeless community
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Basic computer skills
- Able to lift/carry up to 30lbs
- Able to safely navigate stairs multiple times throughout each shift
- Ability to respond quickly, efficiently, and safely to crisis situations
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20