Shelter House Coordinator 175 views

Abby Kelley Foster House is looking for a Shelter House Coordinator

Overview:

Founded in 1976, Abby’s House was one of the first shelters specifically for homeless women in the US. Our mission is “to provide shelter and affordable housing, as well as advocacy and support services, to homeless, abused and low-income women, with or without children.” Abby’s House currently has 77 units of affordable housing and nine overnight shelter beds that are supported by advocacy services. Abby’s House has a long and rich history of working with the complexities of homelessness and abuse and has developed an innovative and flexible program model based on respect and hospitality. Abby’s House provides a safe, trauma-sensitive, supportive, and welcoming environment. We help each woman to recognize her own inner strengths and abilities and to connect with the resources, information, and support to get her life back on track. Each woman’s story is unique, and staff advocates help her to develop an Individualized Service Plan to identify immediate needs and set goals, encouraging her toward a place of confidence and empowerment.

Location: USA

Job Type: Full-time

Salary & Benefits:

This position is a full-time position, scheduled 35 hours per week, Tuesday-Saturday 2:00-9:30 p.m. Rate of pay is $21-$25 per hour, commensurate with experience. Abby’s House provides 4 weeks of paid vacation time, and holiday time to regular, full-time staff and offers paid sick time. Abby’s House is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity at all levels of the organization.

Position Responsibilities:

The Shelter House Coordinator is responsible for managing the shelter environment and each individual guest’s needs while they stay in shelter. The Shelter House Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the Shelter Manager and is part of the advocacy team. The schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday 2:00-9:30 PM with some variations, as needed. The Shelter House Coordinator will participate in an on-call coverage rotation that may include occasional emergency overnight coverage at the shelter.

The following is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities and requirements associated with this position:

• Ensure that the shelter provides safe, sanitary, hospitable, and respectful temporary housing according to the policies set by Abby’s House.
• Work collaboratively with, and support, the shelter volunteers, student interns and Holy Cross student volunteers during the evening hours in the shelter.
• Provide orientation and assistance with the shelter program entry transition of guests upon acceptance to Abby’s House.
• Provide crisis intervention, coaching, and support to shelter guests as needed.
• Facilitate conflict resolution with shelter guests and mediate as needed.
• Respond to phone calls and offer active listening, support, and resource information to shelter guests. Provide support to guests in concert with their Individual Empowerment Plans.
• Develop and provide evening support, leisure, and other activities in collaboration with volunteers.
• Responsible for ongoing documentation in guest records and shelter logs.
• Follow established shelter guidelines and assist guests in adapting to program rights and responsibilities.
• Responsible for turn-over of guest rooms including laundering bedding, sanitation and cleaning protocols for the guests’ move in and out of shelter.
• Responsible for supply inventory, ordering, and maintenance of all needed household items. Coordinate with Property Management on replenishment and transport of items to shelter.
• Demonstrate high standard of cleanliness throughout the shelter residence.
• Work with guests to develop weekly meal plans and identify shopping needs.
• Inventory food and perishables and replenish and transport items to and from the shelter as needed.
• Coordinate with Abby’s Volunteer Coordinator to identify shelter supply needs. Supplement donations through regular shopping.
• Identify maintenance needs and complete maintenance request forms and follow up.
• Communicate with the Shelter Manager on an on-going basis and participate in advocacy team meetings.
• Monitor sign-in log and conduct visual inspection procedures with shelter guests at entry from 5:30 to 7:00 PM daily.
• Process requests for shelter, interviews, and practice substance use screening protocol.
• Provide on-call coverage in person or via telephone on a rotating basis, as determined by the monthly on call coverage schedule.
• Review shelter guest/resident concerns with Shelter Manager.

Qualifications:

Candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of an associate degree or certificate in human services, or comparable prior experience in an overnight shelter or similar setting.
• Knowledge of the impact of trauma with the ability to provide trauma informed care.
• 2 years’ experience working in the human services field, preferably in a shelter program setting.
• Prior direct service work with populations affected by addiction, trauma and/or mental illness.
• CPR First Aid Certified (or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire).
• NARCAN certified (or ability to certify within 90 days of hire).
• Driver’s license and personal vehicle.
• Ability to use computer software including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to be sensitive to the needs of diverse women and maintain confidentiality standards and exemplify compassion, hospitality, inclusiveness, and respect.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform cleaning duties and other duties or special assignments as directed.
• Ability to communicate effectively, problem-solve and demonstrate sound judgment.
• Bi-lingual abilities preferred, specifically in Spanish or an African language.

Interested candidates please apply with resume and cover letter