Shelter Staff

Position: Shelter Staff for Housing Services at Action Inc.
Location: Emergency Shelter in Gloucester
Hours: Per diem, 2nd shift and 3rd shift as needed (not a regular, fixed schedule)
2nd shift: 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm or 4:30 pm - 12:00 am
3rd shift: Overnight shift, 12:00 am - 8:00 am

Do you desire a flexible schedule within an organization that is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people in the community?

Do you have an innate ability to make people feel welcome and at ease, particularly during difficult times and when faced with less-than-ideal situations?

And do you personally want to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals who are faced with the reality of not having a place to call home?

If you answered yes to the above questions, then this is a wonderful opportunity for you to make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of others through your daily work!

What will you do as a Shelter Staff member?

For those individuals who find themselves without a home, Action Inc.'s Emergency Homeless Shelter in Gloucester is a safe haven, a place that not only provides temporary living quarters, but also provides support and resources to the Shelter's guests with the goal of gaining stability and paving the way into a more stable and secure future. As a per diem Shelter Staff member, you'll cover shifts as needed and will assist with the daily operations of the shelter and assist in cultivating a supportive, welcoming environment built on mutual respect.

Summary of Position: Shelter staff create a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment for shelter guests, and are responsible for providing direct, on-site support to individuals, while ensuring guest safety and adherence to shelter policies. As a member of the Shelter Staff Team, you'll work with broader shelter team and Action Inc. staff to assist guests in working towards their goals.

As a per diem Shelter Staff member, you'll provide relief as needed for open shifts at the shelter and will not have a regular, fixed schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Include but not limited to:

• Maintain the daily operations of the shelter, within the established written policies and procedures.
• Develop positive and collaborative relationships with guests, while upholding and equitably applying the rules of the shelter.
• Ensure that each guest's emergency and basic needs are met upon entry and during the entirety of their stay.
• Conduct rounds of the shelter to maintain safety and security, including monitoring the bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas.
• Assist with preparation, serving and cleanup of meals during the shift.
• Answer incoming calls, accept donations, oversee daily guest chores, and other routine tasks.
• Complete shelter intakes with new guests and coordinate referrals to the Homeless Services Navigator.
• Perform case management for guests as assigned by Shelter Manager and enter case notes into internal client database.
• Attend and actively participate in weekly shelter meeting.
• Communicate needs and concerns for guests as well as needs and concerns for the overall shelter in a timely manner to the Shelter Manager.
• Participate in ongoing training on topics including motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and de-escalation techniques.
• Act in the best interest of the organization, reflecting the values of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect.
• Other duties as needed and assigned.

Qualifications: Experience, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Associates degree in a related field OR High School Diploma and 1 years' experience providing direct service.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including those actively engaged in substance use, in high stress situations.
• Ability to respond safely, quickly, and calmly in emergencies and to emergency situations.
• Ability to develop and maintain appropriate boundaries with shelter guests and staff members.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift, move and carry up to 25 pounds.