Program Staff/Safety Coordinator

Position Title: Program Staff, Safety Coordinator

Shift Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday (9 pm - 5 am)

Note: We are also hiring for other similar positions at the Interim Housing Program which have evening and overnight schedules. You may view currently open positions here: https://sarahs-circle.org/employment-opportunities/.

About us: Sarah's Circle is a non-profit organization working to end homelessness for women in Chicago. Our programs utilize the Housing First model, have no barriers to entry, and use a trauma-informed approach. The programs have three overarching goals:

• We welcome all women with safety, respect, and community.
• Support women’s growth in all aspects of wellness: physical, emotional, life skills, economic, and the realization of their unique potential.
• Help each woman find her home.

This position primarily works at Sarah's on Lakeside, a newly opened building with 28 studio apartments that will be used as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for women experiencing homelessness. This role provides support during the overnight hours to women living in the building and monitors the building for safety.

Please note: Sarah’s Circle provides homeless services to to individuals who identify as female and are 18 years of age or older. Due to the nature of this position, only female applicants will be considered for this role. Applicants of all genders are welcome to apply to many positions within our organization, including similar roles in our Daytime Support Center. View currently open positions at https://sarahs-circle.org/employment-opportunities/.

Summary

The Program Staff, Safety Coordinator is responsible for fostering a safe and trauma informed environment for the women in Sarah’s Circle housing programs. The Coordinator welcomes clients and visitors to the building, proactively assists clients with concerns and questions, and monitors the building to ensure safety. The Coordinator is responsible for responding to and de-escalating incidents and conflicts when they arise, approaching clients with empathy and a commitment to honoring each individual’s dignity. In emergency situations, the Coordinator is responsible for contacting the appropriate emergency service(s) and Program management. The Coordinator also assists with daily operations including administrative tasks, cleaning, and supporting Staff at other nearby housing locations. This position is unarmed (no weapons) and does not use physical restraint.

Responsibilities

• Monitor traffic in and out of the building, welcoming all clients and visitors. Answer client questions and address immediate needs, such as lockouts. Provide information and notices such as copies of program policies, maintenance request forms, and the grievance procedure.
• Respond to conflicts and incidents throughout the building by engaging clients who are angry or in distress in de-escalation. Use nonjudgmental language, listen, and validate a wide range of emotions expressed by clients. Encourage clients to communicate with their case manager and program management for follow-up support when needed.
• Monitor security footage and conduct scheduled patrols of the entire complex/common areas and surroundings. Ensure that doors and gates are closed and locked. Check trash room/chute to prevent safety and fire hazards. Monitor Loading Zone in back of building and enforce policy.
• Respond to emergency situations by calling the appropriate emergency service (e.g. police, fire department, ambulance, paramedics). Convey accurate information to the appropriate authorities and contact appropriate staff.
• Perform administrative tasks including keeping accurate logs of all visitors, answering phones and taking messages, organizing and distributing mail, photocopying and replenishing forms.
• Report malfunctioning equipment and needed facility repairs to designated staff member(s).
• Keep front desk, front entry door area, lobby areas, general purpose area, kitchen area, and elevator floor clean and neat. Clean fridge weekly.
• Complete daily Shift Reports documenting building activity.
• Complete Incident Reports documenting when an emergency or incident occurs that is outside of normal operations.
• Review email correspondence regularly to remain aware of all recent activity and announcements. Respond promptly to email correspondence as needed.
• Remain in regular communication with Staff members working at nearby location(s). Quickly respond to requests for assistance.
• Assist staff at nearby programs/locations with general operations, as needed. When assisting at the Interim Housing Program, this may include assisting with shelter operations such as completing new client intakes, cooking and serving meals, inventory, and assisting with laundry.
• Attend staff meetings, supervisory meetings, and staff trainings as instructed by supervisor
• Attend and participate in significant Sarah’s Circle events including Winter Walk, as requested.
• Perform other duties, as assigned by supervisor

Competencies

• Dependability: attends work regularly, submits accurate documentation, and seeks guidance when needed
• Teamwork: establishes collaborative relationships with staff and volunteers
• Receptiveness: accepts feedback and identifies areas of growth
• Interpersonal Skills: communicates clearly (both written and verbally), seeks solutions, and demonstrates flexibility
• Integrity: keeps sensitive information confidential and adheres to personnel policies
• Initiative: brings questions to supervisor and seeks opportunities for further development

Job Experience

• At least one year of experience working as a security/safety professional or in a related position requiring frequent de-escalation
• At least one year of experience in social services, direct client care, and/or customer service required
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, a history of trauma, and/or mental illness strongly preferred

Education & Skills

• High school diploma (or equivalent) required; Higher education degree in psychology, social work, or related social service field a plus
• Basic computer skills required including use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Ability to independently perform job duties and make sound judgements and decisions with minimal supervision
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Crisis intervention training preferred

Additional Requirements

• Must identify as female, due to the nature of the role and associated job duties
• Sarah’s Circle housing programs operate 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Staff may be required to work on weekends and holidays as instructed by supervisor.
• Required to obtain Food Handler certificate within 30 days of hire
• Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling materials
• Physical ability to lift approximately 35lbs, sit, stand, bend, reach, and perform cleaning duties
• Ability to travel between multiple buildings within a few block radius
• Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through administrative updates compliant with federal law.

Sarah’s Circle believes homelessness is complex and that our work requires the expertise of people with different life experiences, skills, and perspectives. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that brings together people with different identities & backgrounds and enables all of us to be successful in our work to end homelessness for women in our city. Your unique experience is valuable, so if it aligns with this role and you are excited about the work we do, please apply!