Safety and Program Assistant, Part-Time

Program Description And Job Summary

Primavera is co-creating pathways out of poverty through safe, affordable housing, workforce development, financial empowerment and homeownership, and civic and community building and engagement.

The Safety and Program Assistant position is in the Men’s Shelter Drop-In Program. This position plays a vital role, in actively ensuring a calm, safe, and productive environment and assisting in program functions and flow for efficient day-to-day operations. The Safety and Program Assistant must be a courteous, personable individual who will always act ethically and professionally.

The successful candidate will be most comfortable working as part of a team and will be outgoing, enthusiastic, and personable, driven to achieve results and enable the success of others, and conscientious about following guidelines and established parameters.

Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by leadership):

• Provide an active presence, during program hours, inside and outside, to ensure that program participants honor agency behavior guidelines and that a safe, respectful, peaceful environment is maintained.
• Assist staff with setting up and maintaining an organized program flow, intervening with participants when confrontational situations arise, and by working to de-escalate agitated participants utilizing non-violent de-escalation skills.
• Proactively engage with participants in both programs, utilizing motivational interviewing techniques while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Perform reception tasks for drop-in center including signing in participants, responding to inquiries, stocking and maintaining supply areas.
• Submit monthly inventory sheets to Program Manager and Senior Kitchen Team Member
• Open drop-in center, set up daily and lock up at the end of drop-in hours.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of program indoor areas, and outside the building.
• Sanitize, disinfect and clean facility including dining area, laundry facilities, bathrooms and other areas, as needed.
• Provide an active presence inside and outside during Men’s Shelter Drop-in hours and complete perimeter checks outside a minimum of once every 30 minutes during drop-in center hours
• Work productively with and provide support to staff and volunteers, including task cross training.
• Conducts bag searches and facility searches for contraband at entry.
• Conduct COVID-19 tests for participants, when needed.
• Maintain the confidentiality of staff, participants, and volunteers.
• Attend agency and team staff meetings and other training sessions as requested.
• Complete intake paperwork and housing assessments (VI-SPDATs) with new participants.
• Enter and record all tracking of services for the program by end of day and complete shift reports.
• Enter data into HMIS/Service Point or other systems as funders require and per Primavera Foundation policy.
• Assist with assessing the needs of participants entering the program, making appropriate referrals in a timely manner, and contributing to and utilizing a network of social service providers offering services appropriate for the participant.
• Refer and assist participants with resources that support obtaining identification documents and accessing public assistance.
• Enter data into HMIS as funders require and maintain 99% accuracy and completeness per Primavera Foundation policy.
• Maintain a presence inside and outside the Drop-In area to ensure that program participants honor agency behavior guidelines and a safe, peaceful environment is maintained.
• Cross-training in all duties in the Drop-In Center and shelter services
• Adherence to and demonstration of Primavera’s guiding principles of integrity, respect, accountability, compassion, and leadership.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Excellent verbal communication and people skills.
• Exceptional skills in conflict resolution.
• Ability to work professionally and respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds who may present in challenging ways.
• Working knowledge of emergency procedures, including fire evacuation, non-violent de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, participant medical and behavioral concerns.
• Self-motivated with good organizational skills.
• Proficiency with basic computer skills and office software including Microsoft Office Outlook and Word programs.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency
• 1 year of experience working with people experiencing mental health concerns, substance use, housing insecurities, or lived experience.
• Proficiency with computer systems and software, including database programs.
• Ability to work afternoon into the evening and on the weekend as needed to meet program needs.
• Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and proof of current registration and insurance coverage to attend off-site meetings and travel between locations.
• ServSafe Certification, or ability to obtain.
• Mental Health First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain.
• First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain.
• Level 1 Fingerprint clearance card, or ability to obtain.
• Non-violent de-escalation training certification or willingness to obtain as provided by Primavera.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual – English/Spanish
• One year of experience working with people in a shelter setting, trauma-related work experience, or direct behavioral health services.
• Extensive Knowledge working with people experiencing addiction or mental health issues.
• Extensive Knowledge of community services and ability to coordinate.
• Knowledge of ServicePoint (HMIS) system to easily transition into position.
  
  

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

• Ability to stand and maneuver for 5-6 hour shifts, both indoors and outdoors in a desert climate
• Ability to work in a busy environment with moderate noise and desert climate.
• Ability to work at desk workstation, bending, stooping, and ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Visual acuity to discern data and information and hand dexterity to enter information into computer systems
  
  

(This job description is intended to indicate the basic nature of the position and examples of typical duties that may be assigned. It does not imply that all positions within the job description perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned. Successful candidates will be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.)

The Primavera Foundation is committed to a discrimination-free workplace and to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, pregnancy, mental or physical challenging condition, marital/family status, amnesty, political affiliation, status as a covered veteran, or other protected characteristic(s) in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.