Shelter Support Relief Staff – Residential Programs (E)

SUMMARY

The Residential Relief position provides “as needed coverage” to the Residential, Youth and Emergency Services (RYES) Residential programs. The Residential Relief position is directly responsible for the management of the facility (during the shift(s) they are covering). The programs under Residential Relief purview serve multiple populations in different programs: a Safe Haven for chronically homeless women with mental health concerns, a family shelter, a respite program, a Grant Per Diem program for Veteran Families and unaccompanied individuals, and a shelter for older women. Service modalities for all programs under RYES include Housing First Trauma Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, and Crisis De-escalation. Job duties include supporting and coordinating with other staff in the delivery of appropriate housing stability and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including ensuring participants needs are met, maintaining the safety and wellbeing of program participants, and maintaining the cleanliness of the facility. Further, Relief staff will have a basic understanding of mental health services and may have the opportunity to develop in specialty areas including housing, employment, legal services, benefits, or others as indicated by the needs of the program(s).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures that the program participants’ voices are heard, and when appropriate the participants ideas play a prominent role in programming.
• Responsible for possessing an in-depth knowledge regarding program requirements, including the referral process, support services, and field-relevant best practices.
• Demonstrates knowledge of participant-specific resources, a passion for serving the population and people experiencing homelessness, and the ability to contribute to the program-wide objectives of a diverse and dynamic team.
• Coordinates with the entire team to deliver services most appropriate to meet the needs of the participants.
• Clearly documents all participant interactions along with required eligibility and demographic information. Can develop specialized knowledge related to service delivery database systems within the organization including Service Point and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Performs duties in a professional manner by maintaining the confidentiality of all information and by participating effectively within and across teams.
• Maintains physical and emotional safety of all program participants in the facility. Manages the milieu and addresses any program participant conflicts immediately to de-escalate. Will contact emergency personnel as necessary and will accurately and adequately complete any reports or documentation required.
• Supports team members by serving as a resource for analyzing and solving problems and staying abreast of current issues and theories within the field.
• Oversees and participates in general program facility maintenance such as assisting in cooking, cleaning, supplying linen and personal items, conducting building walk-throughs, enforcing rules, checking chore completion, setting and checking alarms, etc.
• Assists in the training and supervision of volunteers during shifts worked. Ensures proper volunteer tracking documentation and indemnity forms are completed.
• Maintains regular front desk duties that include but are not limited to answering phone calls, taking messages, implementing participant intakes, accepting donations, handling mail, handing out bus pass and/or bus tickets, if applicable to the program.
• Attends quarterly Residential Relief team meetings.
• Serves as a mentor to junior personnel to develop knowledge and experience regarding best practice standards within their workgroup. May be responsible for training staff members assigned to the shift being covered.
• Performs job responsibilities in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.