Shelter Staff

DEPARTMENT: Social Services

REPORT TO: Lead Shelter Staff

POSITION TITLE: Shelter Staff Opening/Night/Closing

STATUS: Temporary/Seasonal- Non-exempt/On Call

LENGTH OF ASSIGNMENT:

Start date: October 15^th, 2024- End date: April 30^th, 2025

The Salvation Army is an inspiring place to work. With offices in every major US city and over 120 countries around the globe, it's a place where people can invest in people on every level. In the Northwest region of the US, we serve people with food, shelter opportunities, and almost everything in between. We are committed to being an efficient and effective network of local offices that make up a huge Western regional team. In other words, we're committed to being big and small at the same time. That makes us a seriously great place to work. As one of the most impactful social service organizations in the world, we hire people who constantly seek new ways to keep us moving forward. We welcome you on finding your place to offer opportunities for people in need!

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT:

The Salvation Army is an international movement that is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible, and its ministry is motivated by God's love. Its mission is to preach Jesus Christ's gospel and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Documented experience in public contact / Customer Service
• Documented experience in homeless services (or related experience).
• Strong Human relations skills; trauma-informed care

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• An ability to engage with diverse populations in a respectful and culturally responsive manner
• Demonstrates a commitment to the values of equity and inclusion by honoring diverse characteristics and expressions of personal identity.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to consistently communicate and work well with staff and residents from a variety of racial, cultural and economic backgrounds and with various religious beliefs, traditions, lifestyles, sexual orientations, age variance and differing abilities.
• Self-starter, persuasive, and compassionate.
• Understanding of basic conflict resolution.
• Detail oriented - highly organized - multitasker.
• Strong use of the English language in verbal and written
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain poise under pressure.
• Client-centered mindset.
• Commitment to keeping client information confidential.
• Must successfully pass the background/reference check process
• Ability and willingness to understand and fully comply with mandatory reporting requirements and laws pertaining to vulnerable adults and children.

SOFTWARE-RELATED SKILLS:

• Outlook, Microsoft Word
• Working knowledge of integrated database applications and/or ability to use new software programs with basic training

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Within the Severe Weather Shelter, the Shelter Opening and Night Staff are responsible for the completion of various assigned tasks including, but not limited to:

• Pre-Opening Preparation: Ensure all logistical aspects are in place, such as setting up the facility, arranging furniture, and stocking supplies.
• Transport any items needed to and from the Longview Salvation Army Corps building to the shelter. Prepare all dinner items for service.
• Team Briefing: Conduct meetings with staff and volunteers to review their roles, responsibilities, and emergency procedures.
• Coordination: Oversee the initial setup and ensure that all systems, including security, health and safety measures, and communication channels, are operational.
• Set Up Registration Area: Prepare the intake area with necessary forms, supplies, and equipment.
• Process Initial Admissions: Conduct the intake process for the first group of residents, including registration, needs assessment, and orientation.
• Create Records: Establish and maintain accurate records of all residents, including personal information and any immediate needs.
• Monitor Entry Points: Ensure that entrances and exits are monitored to maintain a secure environment.
• Address Security Issues: Handle any security concerns or incidents, coordinating with local law enforcement as needed.
• Ensure that the Good Neighbor Agreement is upheld.
• All other duties as assigned.

Within the Severe Weather Shelter, the Shelter Closing Staff are responsible for the completion of various assigned tasks including, but not limited to:

• Oversee Closing Procedures: Ensure that all closing tasks are completed according to established protocols.
• Staff Briefing: Conduct a debriefing with closing shift staff to review any issues or incidents from the day and ensure all tasks are completed.
• Facility Check: Perform a final walkthrough of the shelter to ensure all areas are clean, secure, and ready for the next day.
• Ensure that the Good Neighbor Agreement is upheld.
• Documentation: Complete and submit any necessary reports or documentation related to the day's operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
• Ability to grasp, push, and pull objects such as files and file cabinet drawers and reach overhead
• Ability to operate telephone
• Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer
• Ability to lift up to 45 lbs.
• Ability to understand written information

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result

DRIVING CRITERIA AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License.
• Must be able to pass Washington State MVR check.
• Must be able to pass The Salvation Army's in-house driving test.
• Ability to drive own and/or assigned TSA vehicles. (Based on availability)
• Transporting supplies from Corps to Shelter.

Working Conditions: Work is primarily conducted in a sheltered environment, with occasional outdoor duties. The indoor setting ensures a consistent and predictable work environment, free from the discomfort of inclement weather changes. However, some discomfort may be related to noise, dust, dirt, and similar factors. For the occasional outdoor tasks, please dress according to the weather forecast.

The Salvation Army reserves the right to reassign, review the job, or require that different or additional tasks be performed based on the organization's needs or when circumstances change.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as employees to undermine the Salvation Army's religious mission.

Work Schedule / Location: This position is located at our shelter in Longview, Washington. The schedule is on-call and is based on the outside temperature reaching 33 degrees or lower for two consecutive days. You must be readily available and prepared to work when called upon.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Salvation Army is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified job applicants, job candidates, and employees with disabilities to ensure they enjoy equal access to all employment opportunities and benefits of employment as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO is the Law.

SUPERVISOR: Lead Shelter Staff