Shelter Support Staff in Chicago, Illinois at Franciscan Outreach

FLSA: Non Exempt
Work Schedule: 5:30pm - 06:30am, working three days per week. Schedules may vary, and employee receive one weekend off on a rotating schedule.

Organization Summary
Franciscan Outreach’s mission is to provide healthy meals, safe shelter and critical services that affirm the dignity of men and women who are marginalized and homeless and empower them to gain the stability they need to transition into permanent housing.

Position Description
The Shelter Support Staff is considered an essential position and supports this mission by providing direct services, assuring the safety and security of program participants, helping them adapt to community living and program policies, and ensuring the effective operation of the shelter program. Hours vary depending on the shelter location.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Complete daily reports, sign-in sheets, incident reports and other paperwork as assigned
Performs general administrative functions such as noting within the communication log, answering the phone, and responding to in-person inquiries in a professional manner
Receives new guests, verifies homelessness status, completes intake paperwork, creates proper client files, completes HMIS intake, and orients new clients to the shelter and its policies
Assist guests in the development of daily independent living skills, including laundry, meal preparation and clean up, personal hygiene, and maintaining a schedule of activities
Provides appropriate requested information and directs requests for service to case managers
Monitors the activities of clients to ensure the safety of guests, volunteers, and staff
Perform security-oriented duties including periodic checks of the facility and surrounding property
Maintains overall cleanliness and sanitation of the shelter
Records guest attendance, maintains bed count and ensures shelter capacity
Assist guests and encourage compliance with shelter routines and rules
Holds shelter guests accountable for upholding program rules and expectations
Communicates any guest related issues or concerns to shelter management
Help guests work through conflict with others living in shelter
Conduct bed check during the night
Assist with maintaining the shelter clean, restocking supplies, and completing shelter laundry
Communicate observations and interactions with guests to shelter management and shelter case managers through documentation in the daily log, record any unusual happenings
Become familiar with events that have occurred since his/her last shift
Prepare and set up meals, following all food safety guidelines
Provides crisis intervention as needed, including determining when it is necessary to involve other staff, management or the authorities
Collaborate with community and full-time volunteers during shift and help with questions or issues when necessary
Sort and distribute mail according to policies and procedures
Complete documentation for in-kind donations as needed
Report any facility or equipment maintenance needs to appropriate staff
Treat guests in a culturally sensitive manner
Participating in program, department and agency meetings and relevant training
Adherent to agency policies, procedures and professional code of ethics
Completes accurate work time sheets weekly
Performs all duties as assigned, including other duties as required

Skills needed
Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to the organization’s mission, vision, and core values
Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries in working with guests
Ability to work effectively in constantly changing and sometimes demanding, high-paced and stressful environment
Ability to work with a diverse population, with sensitivity to differences in culture, religion, sexual orientation, race, age, and physical and mental illness
Ability to manage multiple projects with demanding and competing deadlines, superior organizational skills, and the ability to maintain quality work
Ability to work independently or in a team
Demonstrates a positive attitude, self-motivation, organization, and resourcefulness while maintaining a reputation through proven action of being team and guest oriented and willing to assist where/when needed.
Ability to negotiate with different personalities and work under competing priorities
Ability to assess emergencies and respond effectively.
Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other applications as well as experience using and entering data into HMIS or other client databases
Must have the ability to obtain a HMIS/Service Point license
Ability to work with individuals who are experiencing homelessness
Ability to remain alert and on duty throughout shifts
Ability to effectively use conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
Ability to communicate well both orally and in written form, and follow detailed instructions
Ability to accurately record information for required guests and staff documentation
Ability to apply policies fairly and consistently
Physical ability to lift 25 pounds, sit, stand, bend, reach, and perform cleaning duties

Qualifications
High school diploma or GED
Maintain Food Managers Certification
Basic computer skills including use of Windows Office Suite programs
May be required to become First Aid/CPR certified
May be required to become certified in overdose prevention and administer Naloxone
General knowledge of substance uses and mental health disorders
Knowledge of Housing First, Trauma Informed Care, and Harm Reduction principles
Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record a plus

Benefits We Offer
Generous vacation program based on years of service.
Paid holidays based on position and eligibility
Paid Sick Leave days annually
Paid Leave days annually
Medical, dental and vision coverage
Accident & Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage
Complimentary life insurance
Complimentary short-term disability
403b retirement savings plan
Pet Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Health and Safety Requirements:
- COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all employees. Accommodation requests will be considered in compliance with applicable laws

Additional Requirements:
All staff are expected to abide by the policies of Franciscan Outreach including, but not limited to rules governing ethics, confidentiality, dual relationships, honesty, and integrity. All staff are expected to always act in good faith and in keeping with the mission and values of Franciscan Outreach. Staff must have a commitment to serving the guests of Franciscan Outreach and to contributing to a positive, respectful, and accepting environment.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This description provides a summary of the major duties and responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities. The employee holding this position may be required to perform additional duties to meet the needs of the organization.