HOUSING ASSOCIATE

About the role

Under general supervision, establishes and maintains a safe and supportive environment for staff and residents of a shelter for individuals. Effectively supports ongoing and collaborative communication among all program staff and is responsible for ensuring a trauma-informed care environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversees operation of the residence.
• Conducts intakes for individuals entering the residence.
• Acts as liaison with other community service providers/referral sources.
• Provides information and referral service for telephone inquiries.
• In absence of a cook, supervises preparation of meals by residents to assure sanitation & nutritional standards are met.
• Provides crisis intervention and conflict management to residents.
• Maintains record-keeping responsibilities including client census and database system.
• Notifies Residence Manager of any emergency situations immediately.
• Assists with providing support and direction for both clients and volunteers engaged in program activities.
• Thoroughly completes incident reports within one hour of the occurrence of the incident; all pertinent information must be included such as client behaviors, observations, correct identification of all involved parties, and must include documentation of the proper notifications.
• Thoroughly documents any shift or client observations/activities as outlined per communication log procedures.
• Ensures that all clients meet with the onsite medical providers to ensure that clients are free of any health problems that may be a potential risk to other clients and staff.
• Monitors facility and activities of the residents to ensure safety and location of all residents.
• Conducts hourly rounds, inspections, and overnight visual checks (if working the overnight shift) to ensure presence of residents.
• Reports to Residence Manager any serious incidents or violations.
• Visually verifies presence of all clients as well as ensuring accurate documentation of the presence of all residents by completing sign in/out sheets.
• Assists Residence Manager when needed.
• Engages security system to provide safety and security of the premises at all times.
• In the event of client discharge, notifies Residence Manager and/or Program Manager and Department Director.
• Maintains safety and organizational cleanliness of residence during shift.
• Performs laundry, room preparation, and housekeeping tasks, if needed.
• Conducts monthly fire drills.
• Carries out emergency procedures to assure safety of residents and staff when required.
• Participates in relevant Agency meetings and/or trainings.
• Actively pursues development of professional competencies related to job role performance through reading, supervision, in-service training, and attendance at conferences and workshops.
• Awareness and active support of the Agency's Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Plan, including but not limited to supporting the Agency's Core Competency initiatives of being Collaborative and Community Focused, Innovative and Entrepreneurial, and Culturally Competent and Diverse.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid and clean NYS Driver’s License.
• Two years of experience in the human services field, crisis intervention, residential setting, or emergency services.
• Knowledge of homeless client issues preferred.
• Experience with conflict resolution techniques preferred.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to type, and/or perform light lifting.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and 403b retirement plan.
• Generous time off package and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Supportive and collaborative environment.
• Opportunities for growth and development.
• Intrinsic reward of truly making a difference in people's lives.

Pay

$19.25–$19.75/hour

Schedule

Sun–Thurs, 4pm–12am