Program Assistant - Domestic Violence Shelter, Prelude

Summary:

The Safe Horizon DV Shelter Program provides safe and confidential spaces for DV Survivors and their children. We are committed to providing these services with empathy, compassion, professionalism, non-judgement, and respect. Our spaces respect survivors’ right to self-determination and focus on giving families and individuals the space, both emotional and physical, to heal from the victimization and trauma they have experienced.

Client Services Specialist are engaged in maintaining a safe, secure, healing and orderly environment in Safe Horizon’s residential facilities.

The schedule is Monday - Friday from 8am-4pm. Off on Saturday and Sunday.

Responsibilities:

• Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients. Identify when a client is experiencing trauma reactions and help client stabilize;
• Conduct emergency shelter intakes for site vacancies and vacancies at sister sites as part of the Central Intake team;
• Assess immediate safety needs and develop a risk management plan during intake of shelter placement calls; Using neutral and non-judgmental language when responding to the needs and requests of clients;
• Provide crisis intervention including mediation and de-escalation skills to diffuse situations between residents’ family members and/or roommates;
• Participate in training to improve client centered practice skills and knowledge about self-care and vicarious trauma and its impact;
• Plan, implement and/or research self-care and other social activities for clients and their children;
• Actively participate in donor tours and help with special client events and holiday parties;
• Conduct regular health and safety facility checks;
• Understand and follow emergency procedures, including fire procedures;
• Sort and organize donations of food, clothing, or items/projects as assigned;
• Distribute supplies to clients in accordance with established guidelines and/or emergency requests from clients;
• During the orientation process, determine clients’ immediate needs and provide referrals for basic needs;
• Provide referrals for clients following their initial Case Management session;
• Assist with basic office tasks such as archiving, filing, collating, updating lists or as assigned;
• Enter activity log information, shift notes and Case Management System (CMS), in a timely fashion and accurate manner;
• Provide starter kits, assisting with bed utilization by helping with apartment preparation and cleaning; moving clients’ belongings as assigned;
• Provide childcare as requested by clients or staff in accordance with written policies;
• Provide client accompaniment to important appointments when requested;
• Assist with admission and discharge of clients. This may include, providing childcare, assisting with client belongings if facility staff is unavailable and other tasks assigned by management.
• Complete discharge paperwork which includes completing discharge checklist with clients, and all related discharge procedures;
• Comply and adhere to funders’ fire and health safety mandates by obtaining and maintaining Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and Red Cross certifications as indicated by shelter leadership.

Qualifications/Certification Requirements:

• High School Diploma/GED and two years relevant experience.
• Basic computer skills necessary.
• Candidate must have or obtain the following certifications within 3 months of employment: At Emergency Shelters, obtain the F07-Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor and S95-Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems. At Transitional Shelters, obtain F80- Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters, Pediatric CPR/ First Aid Certification, and Security Guard License.

Physical demands:

This position has certain physical demand requirements, which include, but may not be limited to, remaining in a stationary position for long hours, lifting up to 40lbs, and climbing up to 6 flights of stairs.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf