Code Blue Shelter Coordinator

Hudson River Housing Inc•City of Poughkeepsie, NY

About The Position

Hudson River Housing improves lives and communities through affordable housing and support services. The Code Blue Shelter Coordinator oversees guests of the Warming Center in accordance with program policies, procedures, and regulations, helping ensure their essential needs are met and safety is maintained. Guests may experience mental health issues, substance use disorders, prior incarceration, medical issues, or trauma-related issues. The role includes providing general information and crisis services, housekeeping, documentation, and other work needed for shelter operations. The coordinator orients and intakes guests, explains shelter operations and assigns beds, monitors compliance and safety, and responds to crises using de-escalation techniques. The role also involves housekeeping, food distribution, transportation when applicable, bed and curfew checks, maintaining records and incident reports, and communicating with staff across shifts. Staff must follow applicable laws and regulations and maintain social-distancing, masking, and handwashing practices. The coordinator may cover duties normally assigned to property protection personnel when staffing is short and performs other duties requested by a supervisor or HRH administrative staff. This position is based in Poughkeepsie, New York, and works weekends and overnights. It pays $18.50 per hour and reports to the Code Blue Shelter Manager.

Requirements

Two years of related work experience with the homeless population.
If the applicant has a high school diploma, five years of related work experience is required, along with competent reading and writing skills and strong communication skills.
Ability to remain calm during stressful situations.
Sensitivity toward people experiencing homelessness and ability to relate comfortably and effectively to people from diverse backgrounds while respecting cultural differences.
Responsible, organized, non-judgmental, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong commitment to personal and professional ethics and standards, with ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries.
Must remain respectful to clients at all times.
Valid New York State driver's license, including a valid license to transport clients as necessary.
Ability to climb multiple sets of stairs and lift at least 25 pounds.
Home or cellular telephone required.
Basic computer literacy required.
Specific clearances may be necessary depending on the position hired for.

Nice To Haves

BA/BS in a human services field preferred.

Responsibilities

Orient guests and conduct intakes to collect information and assess service needs and strengths.
Explain shelter operations, rules, and regulations, and assign beds.
Monitor guest compliance with shelter rules and requirements; respond to crises using de-escalation, seeking assistance rather than acting alone when a situation may be dangerous.
Monitor sleeping areas for compliance with health and safety requirements.
Clean and maintain the shelter and common areas.
Review daily logs, make entries each shift, and complete required nightly paperwork.
Coordinate breakfast and dinner food distribution.
Transport guests when applicable.
Conduct and document half-hour bed checks for all guests.
Conduct curfew checks to ensure guests are present and accounted for.
Monitor confidential participant files, case notes, records, and reports as requested.
Document incidents on HRH Incident Report forms and obtain appropriate signatures, including incidents involving emergency or governmental agencies and on-site altercations, major rule violations, disturbances, or questionable behavior.
Meet with the previous shift at the beginning of each shift to receive updates about guests and related issues.
Participate in required and necessary ongoing training.
Attend and participate in staff meetings as required.
Follow laws and regulations that affect people experiencing homelessness and emergency shelters.
Ensure social-distancing guidelines, mask wearing, and handwashing are maintained.
Fill in for tasks normally assigned to property protection personnel when staffing shortages require it.
Perform other duties requested by the supervisor or HRH administrative staff.