What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shelter Direct Care Staff position at Somerville Homeless Coalition?

********Shelter is open from 4pm-8am daily. Only shift available are 4pm-12am Monday - Friday ******

General Summary

The congregate Direct Care Shelter Staff member oversees the total operation of a work shift within the shelter environment and facility. This includes, but is not limited to, general shelter activities, enforcing rules and policies, conflict resolution, making appropriate referrals, ensuring health and safety standards, addressing medical issues, maintaining accurate records, answering phones and door, regularly checking-in with guests and seeing to it that guests’ needs are identified and attended to in an appropriate manner

Primary Responsibilities

Create and maintain a positive environment for guests, staff, service providers, volunteers and visitors
Available to listen to guests and offer support, encouragement and empathy within context of healthy boundaries
Conduct initial screenings and formal intakes of new guests
Thoroughly orient new guests to the general shelter environment
Coordinate and report on all types of activities within shelter environment (e.g. “Mandated Reporting-DCF”)
Maintain clear, detailed and objective records during shift
Replace supplies on a daily basis (e.g. maintaining organization and upkeep of food and supply areas)
Check all guest chores, including overseeing and participating in trash removal system
Responsible for the safe and secure storage of guests’ prescription medications
Facilitate house meetings and other meeting venues (when applicable)
Attend staff meetings, regular staff supervisions, in-service trainings and professional development
Appropriately respond to, address and follow through with all situations and issues that arise during a shift
Conduct regular safety and security checks
Understand and enforce all the rules and policies of the shelter and agency
Answer phones, take messages and answer door
Perform necessary labor, maintenance and shopping tasks for shelter
Identify, troubleshoot and follow through with resolutions of problems that arise within shelter
Work as a team member by assisting in other areas necessary for maintaining quality care of guests/facility