Shelter Aide

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division is seeking a Shelter Aide in Peoria to provide direct client support in a residential setting. You will conduct intake, ensure safety, and help coordinate referrals while maintaining accurate HMIS records.

Responsibilities include enforcing policies, de-escalating conflicts, and supporting meals, cleanliness, and daily operations with a professional, confidential approach.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; associate degree preferred in human services or related field.
• 1-3 years shelter/human services experience preferred.
• Experience with client intake, assessments, and confidential records.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, secure environment for clients and contact emergency responders when needed.
• Offer client referrals and information on community programs.
• Enforce program guidelines and de-escalate conflicts as required.
• Conduct initial intake and program orientation for new clients.
• Record data in HMIS and maintain daily logs and required paperwork.
• Prepare and serve meals as dictated by program policies.
• Ensure facility remains clean, safe, and well-maintained.
• Monitor facility perimeter and stay on duty until relieved or additional staff arrive.

Skills

Communication

Confidentiality

Multi-tasking

Diversity sensitivity

Policy implementation

Computer proficiency

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

HMIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to "Doing the Most Good". We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for youth after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

THE SALVATION ARMY
North and Central Illinois Division
Job Description
JOB TITLE: Shelter Aide
LOCATION/DEPT: Peoria Family Services
REPORTS TO: Shelter Operations Manager
PEOPLE MANAGER: No
FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt, Hourly
PAY GRADE: 202
PAY RATE: $16.30 - $19.56 Hourly

Who We Are

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to "Doing the Most Good". We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for youth after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

Job Summary

Provide direct support and supervision for clients in a residential or shelter setting by maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. Conduct client intake, eligibility assessments, program orientations, and maintain accurate documentation in HMIS and other required records. Enforce program policies, de-escalate conflicts, coordinate crisis response and community referrals, assist with meal service, and ensure facility cleanliness and safety while collaborating with staff to support daily operations and client success.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and secure environment for clients to include contacting emergency responders or crisis intervention personnel as needed.
• Provide clients with referrals and information of community programs as needed.
• Enforce program guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Deescalate situations and provide conflict resolution techniques as needed.
• Determine client eligibility.
• Conduct an initial intake and program orientation for new clients.
• Record data into the HMIS system.
• Maintain daily log, forms and paperwork as required.
• Prepare and serve meals to clients as program dictates.
• Ensure the facility is clean and sanitary at the end of a shift.
• Monitor the perimeter of the facility to ensure a safe and clean environment.
• Remain on duty if there is a problem with the relieving shift (sick employee) or until another staff member arrives.
• Attend staff meetings as scheduled.

Administrative Expectations

• Successfully satisfy the training requirements associated to the position and as required by The Salvation Army.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
High School Diploma or equivalent. Significant experience may be considered in lieu of. Associate’s degree in human services, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• One to three years of experience working in a shelter, residential program, behavioral health, social services, crisis intervention, customer service, or a related human services environment preferred.
• Experience conducting client intakes, assessments, and maintaining confidential client records.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and crisis response procedures.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or housing instability preferred.
• Basic computer proficiency, including experience with case management databases (HMIS experience preferred) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment in emergencies, and maintain professional boundaries in a fast-paced environment.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to multi-task several projects concurrently
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications.

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit resources of The Salvation Army that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. The individual will keep the designated Supervisor informed of all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position may be required to do light to moderate physical work. Sometimes heavier.
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment including a PC and potentially make public presentations/interactions.
• The work environment for this position includes a local shelter and administrative office environment with a moderate noise level.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports to the Shelter Operations Manager.
• In context related to this position’s duties, this individual will interact with a wide range of contacts both internal and external. In these contacts he/she will act as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

COMPETENCIES

• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
• Treat staff, clients, and visitors with courtesy.
• Respect others’ property and person.
• Use professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates.
• Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved. Timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed. An evaluation of how effective service is provided. Performance will also be determined by outcome information provided during weekly staff meetings and monthly reports.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.