Code Blue Shelter Coordinator

Hudson River Housing•Poughkeepsie, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Hudson River Housing works to improve lives and communities through affordable housing development and preservation, and by helping individuals and families obtain and maintain housing through education, advocacy, and support services. The Code Blue Shelter Coordinator oversees guests at the Warming Center in accordance with program policies, procedures, and regulations. The role helps ensure guests’ essential needs are met and safety is maintained. Guests may experience mental health issues, substance use disorder, prior incarceration, medical concerns, or trauma-related issues. Services include providing information and crisis support, housekeeping, documentation, and other tasks necessary to operate the shelter.

Requirements

Two years of related work experience with the homeless population.
If relying on a high school diploma, five years of related work experience, competent reading and writing skills, and strong communication skills are required.
Remain calm during stressful situations; be sensitive toward the homeless population and relate comfortably and effectively to people from diverse backgrounds while respecting cultural differences.
Be responsible, organized, non-judgmental, able to work independently and as part of a team, committed to personal and professional ethics and standards, and able to set and maintain appropriate boundaries.
Remain respectful to clients at all times.
Valid New York State driver’s license; must be licensed 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.

Nice To Haves

BA/BS in a human service field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Orient guests and conduct intake upon arrival, collecting information and assessing their needs and strengths.
Explain shelter operations, rules, and regulations, and assign beds.
Monitor guest compliance with shelter rules and requirements, and use de-escalation techniques to stabilize crises, directly or with assistance from other staff. Do not act alone in situations that may be dangerous.
Monitor sleeping areas to ensure health and safety requirements are met.
Clean and maintain the shelter and common areas.
Review daily logs, make entries each shift, and complete necessary nightly paperwork.
Coordinate breakfast and dinner food distribution.
Provide transportation to guests, if applicable.
Conduct and document half-hour bed checks for all guests.
Conduct curfew checks to ensure all guests are present and accounted for.
Monitor confidential participant files, case notes, records, and reports as requested.
Record incidents accurately on an HRH Incident Report form and submit reports for appropriate signatures. Document incidents involving calls to police, fire departments, CPS, APS, or other government agencies, as well as on-site altercations, major rule violations, disturbances, or questionable behavior.
Meet with staff from the previous shift at the beginning of each shift to receive updates about guests and related issues.
Participate in required or necessary ongoing training and attend and participate in staff meetings as required.
Follow laws and regulations affecting homeless individuals and emergency shelters.
Ensure social-distancing guidelines, mask wearing, and hand washing 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.