Shelter Support Relief Staff – Residential Programs (E)

Volunteers of America Colorado•Denver, CO

13d

About The Position

The Residential Relief position provides as-needed coverage for Residential, Youth and Emergency Services (RYES) Residential programs and is responsible for managing the facility during the shifts covered. Programs serve diverse populations, including chronically homeless women with mental health concerns, families, veterans and unaccompanied individuals, and older women. Services use Housing First, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and crisis de-escalation approaches. Relief staff support and coordinate the delivery of housing stability and support services, help ensure participants’ needs are met, maintain participant safety and wellbeing, and help keep facilities clean. The role requires a basic understanding of mental health services, with opportunities to develop specialized knowledge in areas such as housing, employment, legal services, and benefits. Relief work is as needed; staff must pick up at least one shift every three months to remain active on the relief roster. Staff are likely to work alone while on duty and are expected to stay for the entirety of a shift unless approved coverage has been arranged. Residential staff are essential staff and are required to work scheduled shifts regardless of holidays or inclement weather; holiday compensation is determined by HR.

Requirements

Associate degree in a related area or equivalent experience in human services.
One year of direct human services experience in addition to the degree or equivalent experience used to meet the education qualification.
Good organizational and planning skills; ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Complete the program credentialing process, including criminal and civil background checks within 30 days of hire and fingerprinting.
Willingness to obtain first aid, automated external defibrillator (AED), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and Narcan utilization training.
Good written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
High competency with Microsoft Office suite and cloud-based applications.
Strong time-management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
Ability to work as the sole staff member in the facility while responsible for participant safety.
Ability to safely and quickly use stairs regularly for perimeter checks and emergencies.
Ability to lift items, rarely exceeding 50 pounds.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of self or others.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness or severe and persistent mental health concerns.
Case management experience.
Residential experience and/or milieu management experience.
Crisis intervention skills.

Responsibilities

Ensure participants’ voices are heard and, when appropriate, that their ideas play a prominent role in programming.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of program requirements, including referrals, support services, and relevant best practices.
Coordinate with the full team to deliver services appropriate to participants’ needs and contribute to program objectives.
Document participant interactions and required eligibility and demographic information.
Maintain confidentiality and participate effectively within and across teams.
Maintain the physical and emotional safety of participants, manage the milieu, and promptly de-escalate participant conflicts.
Contact emergency personnel when necessary and complete required reports and documentation.
Support team members in analyzing and solving problems and staying informed about current issues and theories in the field.
Oversee and participate in facility maintenance, including cooking, cleaning, supplying linens and personal items, building walk-throughs, enforcing rules, checking chore completion, and setting and checking alarms.
Assist with training and supervising volunteers during shifts and ensure volunteer tracking documents and indemnity forms are completed.
Perform front desk duties, including answering calls, taking messages, conducting participant intakes, accepting donations, handling mail, and distributing bus passes or tickets when applicable.
Attend quarterly Residential Relief team meetings.
Mentor junior personnel and, when assigned, train staff working the covered shift.
Perform responsibilities in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics and carry out other duties as assigned.
Pick up at least one shift every three months to remain active on the relief roster and follow the on-call protocol if unable to work a shift.
Remain at the facility for the entirety of a shift unless approved coverage has been arranged.