JOB TITLE: Shelter Assistant
SUPERVISED BY: Residential Program Manager
HOURS: Part-Time Non-Exempt; 16-24 hours per week, Saturday & Sunday 12am-8am
SALARY & BENEFITS: $18.00 per hour ($2/hr for Bilingual Abilities)
We are hiring for the following shifts:
Position Overview
Under general supervision of the Residential Program Manager, shelter assistants are responsible for crisis intervention and ensuring safety and security of the domestic violence emergency safe shelter. Shelter Assistants are also responsible for providing trauma-informed, client-centered supportive services as needed for residents and their children residing in Safe Haven’s shelter. This role also helps with general cleaning, room flips and inventory upkeep.
Organizational Overview
Safe Haven Ministries—a nonprofit organization located in Grand Rapids, Michigan—believes in a multi-faceted approach to serving victims/survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, while also working to prevent violence in our community. Safe Haven offers confidential housing services; emergency safe shelter; individual case management; support groups; children’s programming; and primary prevention training and technical assistance for the entire community. Safe Haven is committed to serving all individuals impacted by domestic violence, sex trafficking and labor trafficking, and values creating a safe haven for all.
Summary of Duties (Essential Functions)
Strive to create a caring and safe environment marked by empathy, understanding and acceptance
Provide intensive crisis intervention, support and referral to individuals reaching out for crisis support
Provide training and onboarding information to incoming shelter assistants through shadow shifts and other learning opportunities requested by supervisor
Be available to clients to discuss problems and concerns by using active listening, problem solving skills, and empathy in a professional manner
Complete emergency intake and exit procedures, including intake coordination for referrals coming from the high risk team
Maintain appropriate and accurate data collection and documentation
Assist with monitoring and ensuring the safety and well-being of the residential facility, including, but not limited to, routine health and safety checks, fire and tornado drills, as well as, implementing preventative measures needed to ensure the safety of clients and their children
Ensure room flips are completed in a timely manner, which includes cleaning and staging residential rooms when a resident exits, preparing the room for the next resident
Assist with monitoring the status and condition of shelter safety products, such as smoke detectors, carbon dioxide, fire extinguishers, fire aid kit
Assist with monitoring, completing and delegating general tasks related to the shelter facility, including cleanliness and organization, maintenance issues, supply inventory, and building and grounds upkeep
Communicate health and safety needs of shelter to the Residential Program Manager
Ensure shelter policies/procedures are followed by all residents and provide support to residents through an empathetic and trauma-informed approach
Employ de-escalation and conflict resolution strategies to help resolve difficulties among/between clients as they arise
Assist with tasks such as sorting donations, taking inventory, cleaning, and laundering in order to maintain an organized and safe shelter environment
Maintain and inventory current needs of current perishable foods, and regularly rotate and dispose of old perishable/frozen food
Assist with seasonal tasks such as shoveling snow and salting designated areas
Observe professional confidentiality; protect the rights of clients and their families, and observe the Safe Haven Ministries Code of Ethics at all times
Attend and participate in monthly professional development, individual supervision meetings, shelter assistant meetings, and other meetings as assigned
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required or Preferred
A minimum of a high school diploma/or GED is required
Additional education in social work, psychology, behavior health or related field preferred
Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence &/or human trafficking preferred
Active listening, crisis intervention, and problem resolutions skills required
Strong organizational and administrative skills required
Ability to work independently required
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
Good written and oral communication skills
Ability to communicate with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds
Bilingual is preferred but not required; $2/hour pay differential
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Employees are required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
Safe Haven is an equal opportunity employer and dedicated to a policy and culture of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. Safe Haven does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, gender identification or expression, sexual orientation, partisan considerations, or genetic information.