Shelter Support Staff PRN

Prevention Point Philadelphia

Position Title: Shelter Support Staff PRN

Reporting To: Shelter Shift Supervisor / Director of Homeless Services

Department: Housing

Organization Overview:

Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP) is a multi-service public health organization dedicated to protecting the health and welfare of the homeless, drug users, sex workers, and the uninsured. Using a harm reduction approach, PPP offers culturally sensitive, non-judgmental services to address the health and social service needs of drug users and sex workers in Philadelphia. PPP meets people where they are, providing information and access to resources with dignity and respect. PPP promotes harm reduction through mobile medical care, sterile syringe exchange, referrals to social services, and comprehensive prevention case management services.

Shelter Support Staff Position Overview:

PPP operates emergency shelter for up to 70 individuals experiencing homelessness and actively using drugs. Every day guests are provided housing, food, showers, and other supportive services. Our goal is to assist these individuals with accessing necessary resources including long-term housing.

Support staff are responsible for creating and maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for guests. Staff are expected to build trusting relationships with guests and assist them in their efforts to secure housing and other necessary services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enforce all program policies and procedures.
• Maintain the safety and security of shelter guests, co-workers, volunteers, equipment, and building. Regularly monitor the location and activity of all guests.
• Engage, interact with, and work toward fostering positive relationships with shelter guests.
• Possess the ability to make quick and sound decisions within the shelter environment.
• Provide support during emergent situations as needed, including participant de-escalation and medical emergencies.
• Be trained and willing to administer Narcan in the event of an opiate overdose.
• Assist Housing Coordinator and case management staff in connecting shelter guests to necessary social services and community resources.
• Support and assist guests in completing activities including laundry and personal space cleanliness and organization.
• Monitor all guest bathrooms.
• Complete shift checklist and logs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Assist in meal preparation and service.
• Assist with kitchen, bathroom, and common area clean-up as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications and Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of and experience working with persons experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health issues.
• Dedication to assisting others while fostering their self-esteem and dignity.
• Commitment to a harm reduction philosophy including meeting people where they are and creating a safe, non-judgmental environment.
• Bi-lingual/Spanish speaking preferred
• Willing to familiarize self with and implement crisis de-escalation, overdose reversal, and mental health emergency protocols.
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word and Excel is preferred.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you available to work weekends?
• Do you have experience or interest in working with people in varying stages of recovery?
• Are you familiar with the philosophy of "Harm Reduction" and the care of those living with substance use disorders?
• Why are you interested in working in Shelters?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $17