Full Time Warming Center Assistant

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory•City of Lockport, NY

About The Position

The Warming Center Assistant provides supervision and monitoring of warming center guests and the program, which operates seasonally during cold winter months, seven days per week. The position supports the general management of the program and helps maintain a safe, secure, comfortable, and supportive environment consistent with a low-barrier approach to care for homeless individuals. The program is co-located with the Lockport Corps. This is a seasonal full-time opportunity; temporary opportunities offer sick time. Work schedules are based on program operations, with at least two weeks’ advance commitment required. On-call duties may be required in addition to regularly scheduled hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One to two years of experience working in human services with homeless people, people living in poverty, or individuals experiencing substance use disorder or mental health conditions.
Ability to achieve and maintain CPR certification.
Ability to defuse crisis situations independently and in team settings.
Ability to document program events and carry out scheduled or spontaneous tasks.
Ability to apply training and skill-building information.

Nice To Haves

Additional education and training.

Responsibilities

Supervise program guests, coach them on program policies and rules, and explain potential consequences for violations.
Address immediate basic needs and orient guests to the warming center program.
Provide basic-needs supplies, including snacks or meals, linens, containers for belongings, and hygiene supplies.
Provide conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and support as needed.
Assist community providers and social services in addressing guests’ individual service needs; promote activities that build daily-living and independent-living skills.
Plan, conduct, and monitor guest group meetings and other activities.
Maintain statistical accountability, write clear daily log entries, and keep the daily log and census up to date.
Complete shift-specific duties such as chore assignments, cleaning, laundry, and intake sheets.
Maintain shift-to-shift communication in the staff journal.
Answer the telephone, respond to inquiries, and provide resources and referrals.
Conduct facility safety checks at least once per night, including in sleeping and resting areas; document maintenance or repair needs and immediately address safety concerns.
Monitor the fire, security, and alarm systems.
Commit to a work schedule at least two weeks in advance and fulfill on-call duties as applicable.
Attend mandatory staff meetings and required training sessions.
Collect basic intake information for each new guest.
Demonstrate cultural competence and apply that understanding in daily responsibilities.
Perform other duties as required; duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.