Job Description

POSITION: EMERGENCY HOMELESS SHELTER CLIENT SUPPORT SPECIALISTS

• We have a Full Time position open 40 hours per week 7 - 3 pm with great benefits.

• Rotating weekday and weekend shifts.

EMERGENCY SHELTER

ACCESS is dedicated to addressing the plight of homeless women and children in our community. The agency encourages the development of self-esteem and promotes the attainment of self-sufficiency through its commitment to providing a safe, supportive and holistic environment and through its programs of housing, education, advocacy and empowerment.

We are looking for a Client Support Specialist to join our 10 person strong team. Our ideal candidate is attentive, punctual, and engaged. The position is responsible for the safety and security of the clients and premises of the Emergency Shelter.

The position of Client Support Specialist is responsible for the safety and security of the residents and premises of the Emergency Shelter. This position offers both part-time and full-time hours.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: Demands a mature, responsible individual with experience in social services. They must possess excellent skills in crisis management, listening, verbal and written communication, maintaining professional and personal boundaries, conflict resolution and basic computer skills. Must be available for day shift as well as evenings, nights, weekends and holiday hours as assigned per the schedule rotation.

Preferred: Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and an understanding of issues affecting homeless individuals. Demonstrated knowledge of emergency medical procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Security Duties:

1. Maintain the safety and security of residents and facility.

2. Complete building checks at stipulated times (all doors, rooms, alarms, emergency exits, etc.) and document completion.

3. Maintain an active presence in the building by conducting required house checks, dining room checks, playroom and teen room checks and a walk through of the building.

4. Intervene, as necessary, to protect residents from injuring other residents, staff and/or themselves (according to policy.)

5. Ensure outside individuals have permission to be on property, document any visitor to the building in the ‘visitor log.’

6. Full understanding of emergency procedures including fire evacuation, gas and electricity shut off, power failure protocol, etc.

7. Distribute incoming mail (according to agency policy.)

8. Accept donations and document such items (according to agency policy.)

9. Keep staff workspace clean and organized.

10. Remain at his or her post until relieved by another employee. Brief incoming staff regarding all pertinent information. May assist in staff coverage.

11. De-escalate potentially volatile situations between residents when necessary (per agency protocol.)

12. Maintain telephone coverage during shift. Monitor security cameras.

13. Interact professionally and maintain appropriate boundaries with residents, employees, visitors and guests.

14. Follow all agency policy and procedures.

15. Document in the log all shelter activities and happenings during assigned shift

16. Responsible for adhering to all policy and procedures as outlined in the employee handbook and other departmental procedure manuals.

Client Support Specialist Duties:

1. Supervise residents during assigned shift. Enforce all regulations in the client handbook.

2. Assist residents in adjusting to their stay. Direct residents to whichever support staff they need to see for their needs.

3. Supervise the resident’s activities in the shelter for daily chores, signing in and out, mealtimes, usage of playrooms and teen activity rooms. Make sure residents are awake on time and in their rooms on time. Monitor curfew times by accurately accounting for each resident’s whereabouts.

4. Read and initial shift reports and daily logs. Complete all required paperwork for the shift including daily logs. Document verbal and written warnings as defined by agency protocol.

5. Maintain confidentiality of residents’ files and logs.

6. Obtain verification from residents to substantiate employment, curfew extensions, twelve step meetings, house restrictions, etc.

7. Comply with agency OTC medication and lock box procedures.

8. Monitor client usage of agency phones.

9. Maintain client property and storage (according to agency policy.) Inventory, pack and secure residents’ property until such time property may be discarded (48 hrs.). Prepare resident rooms as necessary.

10. Specific shifts may be asked to perform additional duties (example: 3rd shift must complete breakfast set-up for residents. 1st shift must put away breakfast items each morning.)

11. Attend staff meetings as scheduled.

12. Carry out all other duties as assigned by a supervisor.

13. Monitor dining room during mealtimes

14. Minor meal prep/cooking, plate and serve meals, as well as clean kitchen after mealtimes, when no cook is on duty.

Note: This position requires the employee to twist, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds and to negotiate stairs.

ACCOUNTABILITY: The Security / Client Support Specialist position is directly accountable to the Security Coordinator.