Shelter Attendant

Duties and Responsibilities

• Investigates clients to determine shelter eligibility, social history, residency status, and employment/disability status.
• Makes referrals for finance, health, and other needs requiring assistance.
• Works closely with shelter support staff ensuring residents with special needs receive individualized attention.
• Aids in appointment scheduling for support services staff.
• Conferences with staff from other social service agencies and shelters.
• Documents client activity for permanent record reports and enters all necessary client information into shelter database.
• Completes regular shelter checks and monitors shelter residents.
• Performs cleaning duties including bathrooms, vacuuming and sweeping, emptying trash, and organizing common areas.
• Affords assistance in crisis situations at the shelter.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Skills & Experience

• High School completion required with any equivalent combination of education, experience, and relevant training.
• Working knowledge of shelter methods/techniques.
• Working knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to aid people in solving problems.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, case managers, residents, social workers, institutional and public officials, and other community contacts.
• Ability to work as a member of a three-person team without on-site supervision.
• Ability to work awake overnight shifts if schedule requires.
• Evidence of a positive attitude that supports the goals of the City.
• Experience working with low-income and homeless individuals.
• Ability and willingness to utilize available translation services to serve clients with limited or no English proficiency.
• Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse clientele.
• Must submit to annual TB screening.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree encouraged.
• Previous experience working in a homeless shelter.
• Proficiency with data entry and word processing.
• Experience with crisis intervention, mental illness, and substance use.

Hours/Available Schedules

Schedules vary based on shelter needs. Full time positions operate on a 37.5 hour work-week, and Shelter Attendants typically work three days a week. Day shift and overnight schedules are available!

In addition, a monthly two - hour staff meeting is required. The following schedules are available:

• Sunday through Tuesday (Day) 7 am - 8 pm
• Saturday through Monday (Day) 7 am - 8 pm
• Sunday, Saturday, Wednesday (Day) 7 am - 8 pm
• Friday through Sunday (Night) 7 pm - 8 am
• Thursday through Saturday (Night) 7 pm - 8 am
• Sunday, Saturday, Wednesday (Night) 7 pm - 8 am

Salary & Benefits

This is a union position, CEBA (Grade 9) - Pay rate starting at $22.00 hourly. An additional $2.00/hour shift differential in effect for nights after 7 PM and all weekend hours. The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment. City benefits include:

• Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
• Thirteen paid holidays
• Sick, vacation, and personal leave
• Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
• Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Use of City recreation facilities
• Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College