Shelter Support Specialist

Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Shelter Support Specialist to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in providing assistance and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis. This position requires a strong commitment to helping others, along with the ability to handle various challenges that may arise in a supportive environment. The Shelter Support Specialist provides information and referral to callers, screens requests for shelter and services, ensures a safe and clean environment, and provides mentorship, support, and assistance to shelter residents. Working hours are primarily evenings, overnights, and weekends.

Availability Requirements

Shifts are evenings (4pm-12am) and overnights (12am-8am) during the week, and weekends (8am-4pm, 4pm-12am, and 12am-8am). Staff may take half shifts. Shelter Support Staff must be available for some weekend shifts.

Essential Job Duties:

• Oversee the shelter and maintain an active presence during assigned shifts; ensure all residents adhere to shelter rules and policies; monitor the shelter and office area for activity, safety, and security.
• Provide information and referral services to callers with relevant resource and contact information.
• Gather necessary information from callers requesting services, obtain shelter approvals, and complete entry in the data management system.
• Conduct intake and orientation with new residents as they arrive at the shelter; meet with residents for shelter discharge.
• Accurately document all contacts, engagement with residents, and complete necessary forms in the data management system.
• Actively engage with shelter residents in activities such as crafts, cooking, and other approved activities.
• Demonstrate non-violent, non-physical forms of discipline with children and support parents who are learning these techniques.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of support and assistance for all individuals and staff members.
• Help residents cope with the challenges of communal living; address resident problems equitably and in a timely manner, when the need arises.
• Ensure residents complete assigned daily chores and tasks.
• Assist cooperatively in the upkeep of the office area, including tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and organizing storage areas.
• Complete assigned reports in an accurate and timely manner, including data entry. Attend agency and other related meetings or trainings as directed by supervisor.
• Ensure individuals are treated with dignity and respect and that services are provided in a non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach; provide a non-violent, non-sexist role model to residents and their children.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with residents at all times.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the organization and program.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:

• Minimum high school diploma or GED; Bachelor’s degree in human services field preferred
• Experience in human services or public service is preferred
• Complete required internal and certification trainings for the position
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook and Word

Must demonstrate the following:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Approachable and open to direction
• Ability to function independently and as a team leader
• Personal integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to make independent decisions, exceptional problem-solving skills, and ability to provide creative solutions
• Highly organized, detail-oriented with strong time management skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends when needed, and arrive to work on time
• Maintain professional and personal boundaries
• Ability to enforce shelter rules, and act in a calm and helpful manner
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Demonstrate the necessary attitude, knowledge and skill to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi-cultural environment
• Strong commitment to agency’s mission

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to obtain criminal history background check, child abuse clearance and FBI background clearance
• Must have access to a vehicle and possess a valid PA driver’s license

The job duties will occur in a typical office environment and in the shelter facility and include sitting, standing, managing the telephone, operating basic office equipment, and lifting up to 10-15 pounds.

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

WHC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran, or disability status

Experience
The ideal candidate will have:

• sess the necessary skills, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role as a Support Specialist.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $11.00 - $12.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $11 - $12