On Call Warming Center Assistants

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory•City of Lockport, NY

About The Position

Seasonal, on-call Warming Center Assistants provide supervision and monitoring of guests and program operations at the warming center located within the Lockport Corps. The center operates seasonally during cold winter months, seven days per week. Assistants help manage the program and maintain a safe, secure, comfortable, and supportive environment consistent with a low-barrier approach to care for homeless individuals.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Additional education and training.

Responsibilities

Supervise program guests, explain policies and rules, and coach guests on 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, and promote activities that build daily living and independent living skills.
Plan, conduct, and monitor guest group meetings and other activities.
Maintain statistical accountability and clear, concise daily log entries, and keep the daily log and census current.
Complete shift-specific tasks, including 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 each night, including checks of sleeping and resting areas; report maintenance or repair needs and promptly address immediate safety concerns.
Monitor the fire, security, and alarm systems.
Commit to a work schedule at least two weeks in advance; perform on-call duties as well as regularly scheduled hours as program operations require.
Attend mandatory staff meetings and required training sessions.
Collect basic intake information from each new guest.
Demonstrate cultural competence and apply that understanding in daily responsibilities.
Perform other duties and activities as needed; duties may change based on business needs.