POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direct supervision of the Shelter Coordinator, the Shelter Assistant provides support to shelter residents by providing a safe, clean environment, supportingand assisting families residing in the shelter, and documenting any safety/security concerns or rule violations.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create a welcoming environment for shelter clients, including greeting clients, orienting new clients to the shelter, and answering questions.
• Empower shelter clients and provide support and crisis intervention through a trauma-informed care lens.
• Provide resource information or triage questions for families residing in the shelter.
• Communicate necessary client information to Shelter staff to keep them informed.
• Follow and enforce Shelter Guidelines, Policies, and Procedures with Shelter clients.
• Support and assist guests with their shelter needs as they arise (ex. questions, concerns, hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, bedding, food and more).
• Maintain the safety and security of shelter property, and report concerns to Shelter Manager/On-Call or the authorities.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the shelter by performing housekeeping tasks outlined in SA Task Lists (ex. sweeping, mopping, disinfecting).
• Complete Shelter room checks.
• Complete shadowing tasks as assigned when new team members join the support staff team.
• Maintain positive, supportive, and respectful guest relations.
• Treat residential clients with respect and professionalism by practicing active listening, preserving client confidentiality, avoiding power struggles, and maintaining patience in difficult situations.
• Work individually and as a member of the shelter team to engage in effective de-escalation.
• Issue blankets, sheets, and towels; distribute other supplies according to BHS procedures.
• Assist with all aspects of food service during the shift, as needed.

Documentation

• Document shift notes at least once per shift and completes proper documentation, including but not limited to task list checks off lists, incident reports, reasonable suspicion forms, and mandated reporter documentation/reporting duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Team Participation

• Maintain family confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
• Participate in training, supervision, and team meetings.
• Works effectively with co-workers, participants, and others by sharing ideas constructively and positively; listening to and objectively considering the ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; addressing others by name, title, or other respectful identifiers; and respecting the diversity of our workforce in actions, words, and deeds.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of HS Diploma or equivalent
• One year of experience and a social service environment

SKILLS

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries while working with clients.
• Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced, and growth-oriented environment while maintaining a positive solution-oriented and client-centered approach.
• Experience in crisis intervention and problem solving with the ability to diffusing situations without heightening the conflict.
• Understanding and willingness to be trained in areas such as trauma-informed care, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of clients.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to be compassionate and firm towards clients.
• Ability to accurately record information for required client and staff documentation while maintaining confidentiality and strong boundaries.

• Ability to navigate Microsoft Office products, specifically, Outlook email, Word and Excel.
• Reliable and regular attendance
• Requires valid driver’s license and ability to meet BHS’s vehicle insurance requirements.
• Successful completion of BHS criminal background checks and drug tests.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Essential physical requirements of the job: kneeling, standing, pulling, climbing, balancing, crouching, walking, lifting, stooping, tactile sense, hearing, reaching with hands and arms, grasping, pushing, fingering, repetitive movements, talking.
• Exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Specific vision requirements: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Inside environmental conditions.
• Moderate noise level.