Emergency Shelter Support Staff

Emergency Shelter Support Staff

SUMMARY
In recognition of the dignity and value of every human life, the mission of IPH addresses the needs of the homeless and low-income community by providing a continuum of services to encourage self-sufficiency, empowerment, and stability.

IPH is currently accepting resumes for Full-Time, Part-Time, and Per Diem Direct Support Staff for Emergency Shelters. IPH’s Emergency Shelters in Albany serve individuals experiencing homelessness along with a broad range of other challenges, including poverty, mental health and substance use disorders, medical challenges, and legal issues. Services focus on improved health outcomes, education, and community connectivity. Each guest receives person-centered services and support that addresses a unique set of needs. IPH provides supportive shelter settings where guests can focus on addressing factors that have led to their homelessness.

Direct Support Staff are responsible for maintaining an emotionally and physically safe and supportive environment for shelter guests and ensuring guests have access to basic accommodations and services, such as cots and linens, showers, laundry, dinner, hygiene items, etc.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES, ACCOUNTABILITIES, AND DUTIES

Interacting with Guests

• Actively contribute to an emotionally and physically welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for shelter guests
• Engage guests using active listening, empathy, and patience
• Provide information about shelter services and communicate shelter expectations
• Manage interpersonal conflicts and misunderstandings between guests
• Implement de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques and respond effectively to emergency situations
• Maintain strict confidentiality in all areas; written, spoken, and observed communication
• Maintain professional boundaries

Providing Access to Shelter Services

• Facilitate the admission process each evening
• Serve meals and snacks for guests
• Provide access to showers, laundry, and hygiene items, as requested
• Set up/break down/distribute cots, linens, and other supplies
• Label and store guests’ belongings in a secure area and provide access to belongings as needed
• Connect guests with community resources, as requested

Oversight of Shelter Facility

• Ensure the security and safety of the building and shelter guests by completing regular hourly rounds, monitoring entrances, and answering the door(bell)
• Complete required documentation, including Shift Notes and Incident Reports
• Maintain a neat and clean environment by sweeping and mopping, dusting, wiping down surfaces, cleaning, organizing linens, emptying trash cans, and keeping storage areas tidy
• Ensure the dining area and dishes are cleaned following dinner service
• Ensure entrances are kept free of snow, ice, and other hazardous conditions, as needed

Professional Development

• Participate in Staff Trainings, including First Aid, CPR, and Narcan
• Participate in Staff Meetings

Physical Requirements
This work requires the following physical activities: climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting up to 30 lbs., finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing, and visual acuity.

Qualifications

• Experience in a human service setting and/or experience with the homeless population preferred
• Sensitive to the needs of the homeless community
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Basic computer skills
• Able to lift/carry up to 30lbs
• Ability to respond quickly, efficiently, and safely to crisis situations

Hours, Salary, & Benefits Information

• Hours: Days, evenings, overnights, and weekends
• Hourly position starting at $17.00/hour

IPH provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Overnight shift
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person