Shelter Staff (Daytime shift)

Position Title: Program Staff

Shift Schedule: Thursday - Monday (7 am - 3 pm); Full-time

Wage: Wage for 1st shift (7 am - 3 pm) is $19.00/hr. If bilingual English/Spanish, employee is eligible for additional $1/hr for providing Spanish translation services (must pass on-site language assessment). Eligible for overtime opportunities and double-time pay on holidays.

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 works primarily in the Interim Housing (IH) Program which is a 50 bed, long-term shelter that serves women who are homeless and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Women living in the program have access to resources to meet basic needs, 3 meals a day, supportive services, and case management to help them find permanent housing.

Please note: Sarah’s Circle provides homeless services to women ages 18 and above. Due to the nature of this position, only female applicants will be considered for this role. All applicants are welcome to apply to many positions within our organization, including similar Program Staff roles at our Daytime Support Center. View currently open positions at https://sarahs-circle.org/employment-opportunities/.

Summary

Program Staff are responsible for fostering a safe and trauma informed environment. This includes welcoming all clients, providing information about services, and maintaining a respectful culture. When working at the front desk, Program Staff oversee administrative duties and client activities. Assistance with meals and support of volunteers is required. Program Staff must be comfortable working with individuals with a history of trauma and mental illness. Program Staff proactively address client concerns and de-escalate conflict when it arises within the space.

Responsibilities

Services

• Welcome clients: Greet all individuals that enter the program; address immediate needs such as food, clothing, and medical attention, provide a facility tour and facilitate introductions with other staff.
• Provide information: Provide a program orientation; provide copies of client rights and responsibilities and the grievance procedure; assess for language barriers
• Maintain a respectful culture: Respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe; interact with clients that are in distress without immediately giving consequences; use nonjudgmental language; listen and validate a wide range of emotions expressed by clients; handle de-escalation within program space
• Complete administrative duties and client activities: Answer the phone; monitor program entrance; organize and distribute mail; provide hygiene items; assist with laundry and cleaning; oversee phones & computers; complete bed assignments
• Volunteer Collaboration: Welcome volunteers to the program; share information about services; provide guidance as needed; request that they sign in/out; communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator about volunteer activities
• Prepare meals: Assistance with cooking and serving meals is required; meal preparation may be daily depending on shift

Administration

• Maintain program related data
• When facility repairs are needed, ensure complete reporting to the designated staff member
• Perform other duties, as assigned by supervisor

Education & Skills

• High school diploma (or equivalent) required; Higher education degree in psychology, social work, or related social service field a plus
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Crisis intervention training a plus
• Basic computer skills required, including use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Job Experience

• 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 highly preferred

Additional Requirements

• Must identify as female, due to the nature of the role and associated job duties
• The Interim Housing Program is open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Program Staff may be required to work on weekends and holidays.
• 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