Temporary Cold Weather Shelter Support Staff

Orange County Government•Housing Department, NC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Orange County is hiring Temporary Cold Weather Cot Support Staff. The shelter operates on an as-needed basis when temperatures drop to 32 degrees or below, and hours are not guaranteed as shifts depend on weather conditions. This position will primarily provide administrative support to the operations of Cold Weather Cots and will be overnight staff when needed. The hours of this position will be flexible, primarily during business hours. As overnight staff when needed, you will be on-site from approximately 7pm to 7am, and this is an awake position. The program provides trauma-informed, low-barrier shelter services with no substance testing requirements. All employees must strictly adhere to confidentiality guidelines. This position requires an SBI background check with fingerprinting.

Requirements

One year of experience working in human services.
Must pass an SBI background check with fingerprinting.
Ability to physically perform basic life operational functions (with or without reasonable accommodation) of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.
Ability to perform light work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 5 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Ability to endure emotional stress related to the nature of interactions with residents and/or family members who may be hostile, resistant or violent.
Possess the visual acuity to operate a passenger vehicle when applicable, prepare and analyze data and figures, perform work on a computer terminal, and perform extensive reading.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with people from marginalized populations is strongly preferred, including but not limited to those who are unhoused, justice-involved, have issues of mental health, have issues of substance use, or have experienced sexual assault.
Direct lived experience of housing instability or homelessness preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete data entry of shelter guests in the homelessness database (Homelessness Management Information System - HMIS).
Routinely take lead on shelter laundry with support from the Street Outreach Team.
In partnership with permanent housing staff, be part of the regular rotation in opening (6:00pm-8:00pm) and closing (6:00am-8am) shelter.
Manage shelter supply inventory and work with the Homeless Programs Coordinator in obtaining these supplies, via donations and/or shopping.
Provide overnight coverage when overnight staff is not available.
Welcome shelter guests and sign them in.
Provide blanket, cot, food, and water to shelter guests.
Provide client support via the Street Outreach program, in collaboration with the Chapel Hill Police Crisis Unit.
Perform Fire Watch functions as well as periodic bathroom checks during overnight hours.
Collect individual identifying information for data collection and housing coordination purposes.
Maintain shelter cleanliness and tidiness.
Enforce safety guidelines for the shelter, including calling emergency services for excessively disruptive and/or dangerous behaviors.
Perform other shelter-related duties as requested.