What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shelter Worker position at The Salvation Army Northwest Division?

Job Description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet the needs in His name without discrimination.

Shelter in Place Lewis County Shelter Mission Statement :

To provide emergency shelter with a minimum of barriers for attendance. To see the wholeness of a person as a priority and to come alongside individuals to resource them with the tools necessary to end the cycle of poverty.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Must be able to pass criminal background check
Must be a team player committed to the common purpose of assisting individuals in need.
Must be sensitive and act accordingly to program participants who may be dealing with multiple traumas and stressors which may or may not be a contributing factor to their housing situation.
Must possess the ability to create a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. In doing so, develop helpful relationships with program participants as well as with other staff and volunteers.
Must possess the ability to describe in writing all incidents and activities in shelter in a clear and understandable manner in a daily shelter log and incident reports.
Must be able to describe emergency situations by telephone to emergency responders and supervisory personnel.
No level of education is required for the position. However, the employee must be able to demonstrate an understanding of a variety of human behaviors and be able to adapt to any given situation. The employee must be able to show strength of character in the face of individuals in crisis, trauma and undefined housing status.

Summary of Duties

It is the goal of the corps officer that the shelter be the extension of the services and care provided from The Salvation Army Centralia. The Shelter Supervisor would be the main contact person on all employee and volunteer concerns in the program and would respond appropriately. If there are any concerns or requests that cannot be handled, then it would need to be brought to the immediate attention of the Corps Officer.

Summary of Job Duties (Performing Nightly Shelter Duties as Needed)

Staffing and scheduling requirements might require employee to work different shifts, as required. There are to be two standard shifts, first (opening shift) and second (closing shift). Each shift will be 6.5 hours in length with a 30-minute lunch bread that will be required to take each workday. Requirements for the safety, staff, and clients will be the same for each shift worked. There will be different responsibilities between opening and closing shifts.

The employee will need to follow basic rules of operation as posted by The Salvation Army for both clients and staff. This includes but is not limited to admittance of clients into the program for the night, enforcement of what personal items can and cannot be included in their personal space, the issuing of bedding to each client upon their arrival, general cleaning and maintaining of building property.

Performing the outlined tasks for either the opening or closing of the shelter operation for the night. This would be accomplished by completing the task sheet for a particular shift, for which has been assigned.

Abide by The Salvation Army’s Social Services Code of Ethics. This would include any appearance of conflict of interest with program participants and / or volunteers (see attached)

Provide a warm, caring and courteous environment that encourages cooperation, respect and a feeling of community.

Enter pertinent information of all activities and events into the shelter daily log during your assigned shift.

Provide all program participants, staff, and volunteers with a safe and secure environment. This includes but is not limited to regular walk throughs of the shelter sleeping area, checking the bathrooms, monitoring the shower / hygiene area, and maintaining a presence in the client areas. Diffuse any conflicts as they arise and communication with other staff and the Corps Officer any findings or concerns.

Distribute personal necessities to the clients as needed and as items are available.

As time permits, launder excess blankets, towels and bedding as needed.

Support volunteers who are assigned during your shifts by orienting them to the safety guidelines and responsibilities.

Attend any and all meetings scheduled by the shelter supervisory for training, planning, and operations.

Maintain strict client confidentiality keeping records secure and notifying the Shelter Supervisor of any issues / problems that they may need to be aware of during or after any given shift.

Perform other tasks as necessary as assigned or requested by a supervisor.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, kneel and / or twist on an intermittent or continual basis

Ability to grasp, push, or pull objects such as files, bins, drawers.

Ability to reach overhead.

Ability to carry and place sleeping cots, storage carts, and personal possessions in the proper place as needed.

Ability to lift 35 pounds.

Ability to operate a telephone, tablet, and basic electronic equipment

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations. A qualified person with a disability may request modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodations needed are reasonable and cause no undue hardship.

The Salvation Army will comply with all governmental orders and any contractual obligations relative to COVID-19 safety measures, including mandatory vaccination of staff, if required. The Salvation Army will consider requests for exemptions from any such requirements on either religious or medical grounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Minorities / Women / Veterans / People with Disabilities.

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