HS SUPPORT STAFF at Interfaith Works – Olympia, Washington

Job Title: Homeless Shelter Support Staff-Sergio's

Employment Type: .75 FTE, 30 hours weekly, full-time, benefited

Shift: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday's On-Call

Supervisor: Linnea Baier-Sergio's Program Coordinator

FLSA Status: Hourly, non-exempt

Hourly Rate: $21.50; with step rate increases based on tenure in position

About Interfaith Works:

Interfaith Works (IW) is a non-profit organization located in Olympia, WA. IW is dedicated to advancing the social inclusion and empowerment of people experiencing homelessness. This is accomplished through innovative practices that integrate services such as sheltering, emergency basic needs coordination, and mental health. IW views their work not as charity but as social justice. Interfaith Works Homeless Services Program offers 24/7 shelter services, day services for adults who are homeless, and coordination of basic needs. The organization's mission-driven workplace embraces collaboration and compassion and focuses on the growth of all of its workers.

Program Description-Sergio's:

Interfaith Works Homeless Services program has three core programs: The Unity Commons Shelter, Sergio’s Place Service Center, and the Navigation Team. We provide 24/7 shelter services, basic needs coordination, and daytime services for adult individuals/couples without children of all genders experiencing homelessness. We support our neighbors living on the streets, in wooded areas, cars, under awnings, in alcoves, and in abandoned buildings. The IW homeless services are dedicated to providing emergency services and support to those in need, not as charity but as an act of social justice.

Position Summary:

As a Homeless Shelter Support Staff, you will be responsible for providing support, guidance, and assistance to our clients who are experiencing homelessness. Your role is that of a homeless advocate and ally, and your duties include the following:

• Manage the premises and ensure that staff and clients follow the house rules.
• Address any conflicts that arise.
• Be a safe space for people to be heard.
• Collect and report data.
• Assist with laundry.
• Listen to people’s concerns.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Attend all staff trainings, supervision meetings, workshops and weekly staff meetings.
• Keep track of all work obligations. Complete all required reading, stay engaged with regular email and phone communications, and complete all tasks assigned by a supervisor on and off site.
• Staff the front desk to include sharing the scheduled services, sign up sheets, and monitoring the security of the building.
• You are expected to engage in trauma informed, harm reduction based conflict mediation and de-escalation when conflict arises.
• Cleaning duties are required including but not limited to sweeping, mopping, cleaning showers between each use, picking up the outdoor area, responding to biohazard emergencies, laundry support, helping guests with personal belongings, and more.
• Your voice is important and you will be looked to for identifying needed changes in the on the ground policies and procedures. You are expected to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people both inside and outside of our agency.
• We expect that all IW Homeless services employees will have an open and accepting outlook of working with many different types of people, utilizing harm reduction principles for every person we interact with in our programs including co-workers, other service providers, volunteers, law enforcement/first responders, neighbors, and the wider community.
• Monitor and perform tasks necessary for all supportive services on site that IW is responsible for including the laundry/shower distribution, cleaning showers, and clothing closet,
• Monitor and enforce the space use agreement policies with shelter guests, volunteers and visitors to the shelter.
• Conduct safety & perimeter checks of all entrances, exits, and the entire property grounds.
• Maintain facility upkeep and work together to ensure that the facility is well cared for and work orders are clearly and quickly communicated.
• Inform appropriate personnel of problems with operation of appliances, plumbing, heating and electrical systems to ensure the site remains safe and operational.
• Maintain an environment of safety, security and loving respect for all guests, staff and volunteers that is conducive to respite and healing.
• Address challenging and potentially violent behavior while maintaining unconditional respect and care for all involved.
• Maintain updated knowledge and awareness of homeless services resources. Ability to simplify and recite those services to a vulnerable population.
• Serve as a liaison between partner providers and visiting guests.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge, skills, willingness and self-awareness to deliver culturally humble services and work effectively in multicultural situations. This includes addressing and interrupting oppression in all forms on an ongoing basis.
• Experience in direct service and community organizing is desirable; personal experience and understanding of homelessness may be substituted.
• Ability to work effectively with guests displaying a varying range of social behaviors.
• Ability to perform light administrative duties and navigate Google Suite.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Familiarize yourself and maintain professional rapport with our partner agencies and providers that we will be collaborating with at Sergio’s Place.
• Must be able to think on your feet in a fast paced, sometimes stressful environment and be willing and able to make sound judgments without onsite supervision.
• Must be a good communicator, good listener, and maintain kindness within a hectic environment.
• Must work well with others in close teams of two or more staff members, volunteers and partner agencies.
• Ability to meet our guests “where they’re at” without judgment or prejudice.
• Flexibility, creativity, and resourcefulness are necessary skills to have in this job.
• Ability to practice self-care, have good boundaries, a good sense of humor, and an ability to roll with the punches of a very hectic environment are key qualities that we are looking for in a new hire.
• Must successfully pass required background checks prior to an offer of employment.
• Support and uphold the mission, vision and philosophical foundation of all the IW Homeless Services programs.

Experience Requirements:

Experience serving individuals who have endured a variety of traumatizing experiences is required for this position. Direct experience in a direct service and community organization is preferred, along with having the capability to effectively collaborate with a diverse group of people in a stressful environment. Also preferred are prior experiences with the homeless and/or displaced populations, an emphasis on harm reduction, and conflict mediation and de-escalation experience. Finally, you must have access to reliable transportation to be able to arrive on time each day.

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting and Carrying:

The physical requirements of this job may include standing, stooping, and bending. You must be able to move objects and lift up to 30 lbs.

• Communication:

Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to all levels of the organization

• Working Conditions:

This is a climate-controlled indoor environment. At times working in this environment can be loud and chaotic. This position involves communicating with

others to exchange information. The position is primarily sedentary and requires sitting and standing with occasional bending, stooping, and reaching.

Interfaith Works is an equal opportunity employer that encourages members of the LGBTQIA+ community to apply. If at any time during the interview and hiring process you need assistance with accommodations, please reach out to the HR Manager at Interfaith Works at hr-interfaithworks.org.