Shelter Support Specialist (Per Diem) – Trauma-Informed

GGI; Pahokee, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Goodwill is seeking a per diem Shelter Assistant to monitor interim housing, assist with chores, and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for participants, guided by trauma-informed care. The position is per diem or as needed with no set schedule.

Responsibilities include orienting guests to the facility, de-escalation, safety monitoring, and assisting with medication logs and incident reporting. Applicants with residential or customer service experience are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent people skills.
• 1 year in a residential setting and/or 2 years in customer service.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and ability to take direction.
• Individuals who are formerly homeless encouraged to apply.
• Team player capable of positive interactions with diverse people.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Orient guests to facility and personal areas and review assignments.
• Create a welcoming environment for guests.
• Support trauma-informed care within the facility.
• Use de-escalation skills to manage guest conflicts.
• Manage weekend/evening phone line.
• Review arrival/departure procedures with guests.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

People skills

Team player

Fast-paced environment

De-escalation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computer

Office equipment

Kitchen appliances

Laundry appliances

Safety equipment

Job description

Description

Perform duties to monitor and provide assistance and a safe, secure, welcoming environment to participants in interim housing; assist with household chores; and contribute to the mission of Goodwill by providing a safe environment for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, guided by established standards and procedures. The position is per diem or as needed with no set schedule.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Orient guests to facility and personal areas. Review guest assignments and responsibilities of guests. Assist guests in use of facility amenities; including but not limited to the laundry, recreational, and all applicable common areas.
2. Create a welcoming environment for guests.
3. Implement and support the principles of a trauma informed care environment.
4. Utilize de-escalation skills to manage guest conflict.
5. Manage the phone line on weekend and evening shifts only.
6. Review arrival/departure procedures with guest, including emergency exits and procedure.
7. Escort guests as needed within the facility buildings and grounds.
8. Monitor guests while they are in the waiting area or residence, and maintain vigilance for their safety and security.
9. Assist entering guests with placing items in Hot Box.
10. Assist with entry and maintenance of medication logs along with LPNs.
11. Maintain logs and make accurate and specific documentation of events occurring during shift including incident reports and notice of infractions.
12. Ability to support and advocate for inclusion for the LGBTQ and other vulnerable communities most at risk for homelessness
13. Make sure that common area is welcoming; encourage participants in maintaining chores to ensure cleanliness of shelter space for group program events/classes.
14. Participate in training to upgrade skills as courses become available. Complete all GGI required trainings within 6 months of hire
15. Perform any range of departmental assignments or special projects as requested.

OTHER DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Demonstrate by words and actions a commitment to the Goodwill mission to help people experiencing homelessness to become self-sufficient, working members of the community.
2. Perform or assist with any duties or operations, as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules and quality requirements.
3. Maintain safe work area and comply with safety procedures and equipment operating rules, keeping work area in a clean and orderly condition.
4. Participate in any variety of meetings and task force groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, and policies.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Excellent verbal communication skills and good written communication skills
3. Excellent people skills
4. One year experience in a residential setting and/or two years of customer service.
5. Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and take direction
6. Individuals who are formerly homeless encourage to apply
7. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to deal with a wide variety of people in a positive manner.
8. Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Residential setting
2. Repetitive pushing, pulling, stretching, reaching, kneeling stooping, and bending
3. Prolonged periods of standing and walking
4. Ability to lift and carry up to 45 lbs. minimum

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, standard peripherals and office equipment, kitchen and laundry appliances, and safety equipment.