Shelter Support Staff

Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR SHELTER SUPPORT STAFF – FLEX Position

Status:  Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act                                           

Pay Rate:  $14.50 per hour.

Schedule:  The Shelter Support Staff – Flex Position works a variety of shifts to meet the needs of the shelter and to ensure adequate staff of all shifts.

Supervisory Relationships:  Is supervised by the Safe Haven Shelter Operations Manager. Position does not have supervisory duties.

Purpose:  The purpose of the Shelter Support Staff is to provide services to residents at the shelter, including crisis intervention services, and to ensure that the shelter is a safe, clean environment for the residents. Safe Haven provides shelter and advocacy services for residential and non-residential victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Additionally, other services are provided including parenting classes, co-parenting classes, and batterer’s intervention services.

The services at Safe Haven impact the mission of Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc. by providing support to victims that often have no other resources and are homeless.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

1.            Answers phone calls, including the crisis hotline. Documents all calls with appropriate billing codes. Enters data into Empower DB database. Completes all required paperwork.

2.            Provide support and crisis intervention for residents through trauma-informed care. Provides resource information to residents and callers. Completes all documentation required and obtains signatures. Completes client records and required reports for the facility.

3.            Follow and enforce Shelter Guidelines, Policies and Procedures. Support and assists residents with their shelter needs as they arise (ex. Questions, concerns, hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, bedding, food, and other needs).

4.            Maintain the cleanliness of shelter through performing housekeeping tasks outlined (sweeping, mopping, disinfecting, laundry). Performs routine maintenance such as changing light bulbs, filters, cleaning refrigerator, stove). Completes room checks each shift.

5.            Participates in meal planning and preparation as needed. Ensures that kitchen is cleaned. Helps to replenish supplies by adding needed items to the order list.

6.            Serves as a resource for residents. This includes conversing with a resident that is having insomnia or anxiety. May do activities with clients. Documents all items according to the proper billing codes.

7.            Responsible for shelter on-site maintenance, including inventory of household items. Conducts inspections as assigned. Ensures security of shelter by enforcing safety rules and procedures.

8.            Documents in shift notes with complete information required. Reads shift summary as required.

9.            Plans and facilitates house meetings as assigned. Attends scheduled staff meetings.

10.          Other related duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:

1.            Confidentiality of victim information is essential.

2.            Enforces safety rules and procedures of the facility.

3.            Comply with program, financial, and evaluation guidelines. Abides by SOCAG Personnel Policies.

4.            Attend training as required to include OCADVSA (Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault) Certification training and Annual OCADVSA conference. Training may include evenings and overnight travel. Must maintain any training or certification requirements.

5.            Responds in a responsible, calm manner to emergency, crisis, and stressful situations.

6.            Works independently and within a team.

7.            Listens and communicates effectively. Is able to relate in a non-judgmental manner with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Can establish rapport easily.

8.            Has knowledge of dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking victims. Is aware of the types of abuse. Has knowledge of applicable laws.

Qualifications:

1.            High School Diploma or GED.

2.            Experience in social services or human relations preferred. Must have knowledge of or be able to learn about laws regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Skills to provide trauma-informed care are a plus.

2.            Must obtain the VATT Online training within 30 days of employment.

3.            Oklahoma driver’s license and transportation with state minimum vehicle insurance.

4.            Oral and written communication skills are necessary.

5.            Technical skills in computer applications (Power Point, Excel, Access).

6.            Negative pre-employment drug screen prior to employment with a current photo identification. During employment, employees are subject to drug testing according to SOCAG Personnel Policies.

7.            Criminal background checks are required and performed according to Oklahoma statutes and any program regulations.

Working Conditions:

1.            Must be able to climb house stairs to the second floor to perform routine cleaning and monitoring for designated safety checks and to respond to any emergencies such as unusual noises, storm damage assessment, power outages, and client illness. Must be able to kneel, bend, twist to perform routine cleaning and maintenance to maintain physical upkeep of the shelter.

2.            Must be able to remain calm and focused when responding to emergency, crisis, and stressful situations.

3.            Must have flexible availability to work various shifts. The shelter operates 24/7, and all staff may work various shifts, especially during staff shortages. Staff are assigned to be on call for weekends and holidays on a rotating basis to assist with client pick up and/or transportation to another facility.

4.            Must be able to build rapport with people easily and have the ability to empathize with victims.

Salary : $15