HS SUPPORT STAFF at Interfaith Works – Olympia, Washington

Job Title: Shelter Support Staff

Organization: Interfaith Works

Employment Type: 0.5-0.75 FTE, 25-35 hours weekly, on-call expectations

Reports To: Shelter Management Team

Compensation: $21.50/hour

About Interfaith Works Homeless Services

Interfaith Works Homeless Services (IWHS) operates two core programs: the 24/7 Integrative Shelter at Unity Commons and the daytime program Sergios Service Center. IWHS is dedicated to providing emergency services and support to those in need, not as charity but as an act of social justice.

Position Summary

Support Staff play a crucial role in these programs by providing overnight shelter services, basic needs coordination, and daytime services to adult individuals and couples without dependent children of all genders experiencing homelessness. Support Staff directly support guests, ensure daily operations are being met, and maintain the spatial safety of the shelter buildings. Support Staff comprise the majority of IWHS employees.

Key Responsibilities

1. Guest Support and Resource Coordination: Monitor and perform tasks necessary for all supportive services on-site, including distributing mail, facilitating access to showers and laundry, assisting guests with using the shared kitchen, and cleaning tasks.

2. Policy Enforcement and Safety Monitoring: Monitor and enforce the good neighbor and guest agreement policies with shelter guests, volunteers, and visitors to the shelter. Conduct safety and perimeter checks of the entire property grounds, including inside and outside the shelter. Maintain an environment of safety, security, and respect for all guests, staff, and volunteers that is conducive to respite and care. Address challenging behaviors while maintaining unconditional positive regard for all involved. Staff may need to conduct rapid COVID-19 testing on-site when necessary.

3. Conflict Mediation and De-Escalation: Engage in trauma-informed, harm reduction-based conflict mediation and de-escalation when conflict arises. Staff are responsible for maintaining the tone for

4. Teamwork and Communication: Staff are expected to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people both inside and outside our agency. Expectation to always be kind and warm to volunteers.

5. Emergency Response and Back-Up: Responsible for providing back-up/fill-in/on-call if shift staffing levels are required. Staff are trained in opioid overdose prevention and naloxone training and may be required to administer naloxone in the event of an overdose. Staff may need to call 911 for emergency medical response when guests have medical needs beyond the scope of shelter staff.

Qualifications

• Applicants must successfully pass a background check before an offer of employment.

• Ability to spend significant portions of an 8-10 hour work shift on your feet and lift up to 25 pounds.

• Availability to work on-call, with a working phone and the ability to check email.

• Demonstrate the necessary attitudes, knowledge, skills, willingness, and self-awareness to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in a multicultural environment. 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 the homeless population may be substituted.

• Ability to perform light administrative duties and navigate Google Suite.

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

• Must be able to think on your feet in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment. Must be willing and able to make sound judgments without on-site supervision.

• Ability to practice self-care, have good boundaries, a good sense of humor, and an ability to roll with the punches in a very hectic environment.

Compensations and Benefits

• Starting compensation at $21.50/hour, with built-in annual raises capping at $26.00/hour at 4 years of service

• Benefits package includes health insurance with 100% employer-paid premiums at average of 25 worked hours per week

• Generous PTO rate

• A supportive and mission-driven work environment