Shelter Assistant (Part-time)

FORKIDS INC•Chesapeake, VA

5d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

Shelter Assistants are considered Essential Personnel and are required to cover scheduled shifts even when the agency’s administrative office is closed. The shelter operates 365 days a year, including holidays. Shelter Assistants are expected to cover their shifts on holidays unless a coverage plan has been approved by their supervisor. Hours for this position are Tuesday, Wednesday & Fridays 5pm-10pm, and every other weekend 8am-3pm. The Shelter Assistant ensures the safety and well-being of the families living at Sokol Place, implements emergency procedures, when necessary, oversees chores and enforces policies and expectations as needed, supervises shelter meal preparation, and ensures that the shelter remains clean and well-maintained. Performs other duties as assigned. This position reports to the Shelter Coordinator at Sokol Place.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Prior experience working in the human services field is necessary.
Must be familiar with and abide by the general program guidelines and grant requirements for each program of the continuum of care.
Able to work and engage with a diverse population and knowledge of at-risk populations.
Ability to communicate effectively and accurately in writing and verbally.
Ability to be objective and remain calm in a stressful environment.
Ability to motivate others and diffuse conflict.
Computer knowledge and literacy.
Must have the ability to lift at least 50 pounds, climb stairs or ladders, stoop, bend, crouch, sit at the computer for long periods, drive agency vehicles, and handle food items.
Ability to work weekend or holiday shifts.
Valid driver’s license with no more than three minor driving violations and/or accidents combined within the last three years, and no major moving violations in the past three years.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Respond to family emergencies, following agency protocol.
Answer front desk phone and handle calls in a courteous and professional manner.
Complete all necessary shift documentation.
Document consistently and accurately, completing all relevant forms as needed.
Complete light clerical tasks as requested; to include data entry, collating, copying, etc.
Respond to residents’ service needs as instructed by Case Managers and other services staff.
Attend services team meetings or trainings as directed by supervisor.
Ensure that household laundry is laundered, maintained and stored appropriately.
Organize and oversee the donation closet.
Coordinate and facilitate volunteers needed for shelter activities and volunteer projects at the shelter in conjunction with the agency’s Volunteer Coordinator and the facilities team. Including, but not limited to, large groups for landscaping projects and individual volunteers for childcare and general clerical duties.
Maintain ongoing communication with other Shelter Assistants, Shelter Operations Manager and/or Program Manager to ensure tasks are prioritized appropriately and pertinent information is shared with the appropriate parties.
Oversee the cleanliness of the emergency shelter.
Clean and prepare rooms for incoming residents, following bed bug protocol.
Ensure resident rooms are safe and clean by performing regular room inspections and informing Case Manager of safety concerns or cleanliness issues.
Monitor alarms and security systems in accordance with agency protocol.
Make routine inspection of the property and address maintenance and repair needs.
Make minor shelter facility repairs and maintenance needs (e.g., replace light bulbs, plunge toilets); report major repair and maintenance issues to operations team using maintenance software.
Ensure shelters are operated and maintained in compliance with applicable safety requirements.
Conduct regular rounds to ensure outlet plugs are secured properly and perform routine checks to make certain screens are secured, smoke detectors are working, etc.
Ensure evacuation maps, exit signs and other safety postings are prominently displayed in appropriate locations and kept up to date.
Ensure interior and exterior premises are kept clean by removing trash, keeping trash area cleared of debris and picking up litter as needed.
Complete severe weather preparations in coordination with the Operations team and ensure all necessary supplies are on site prior to inclement weather (e.g. flashlights, snow shovels, salt).
Provides service to internal and external customers according to standards as outlined in ForKids Customer CARE Manual.
Uses agency resources (financial and non-financial) prudently.
Acknowledges and follow financial policies of the agency.
Accurately completes all required data reporting in accordance with established guidelines.
Participates in all scheduled data collection trainings.
Participate in development and fundraising activities as needed and requested (ex: meeting with donors, providing tours, attending fundraising events).
Regularly engage, support and collaborate with volunteers to provide a meaningful experience.