Shelter Entry Coordinator

About the Role

The Shelter Entry Coordinator serves as the initial point of contact for new clients seeking refuge and support within the Emergency Shelter program. This position is responsible for warmly welcoming clients, facilitating the intake process, addressing immediate needs, providing essential program information, and seamlessly transitioning clients to their assigned case worker. Additionally, the role serves as a liaison between programs and departments to ensure holistic support for survivors and assists in addressing client needs while not engaged in intake duties.

Responsibilities

• Equity and Inclusion:
  • Reflect on how identities may create advantages or disadvantages in the workplace.
  • Build awareness and compassion to foster an equitable and inclusive environment.
  • Ensure clients and employees feel respected, valued, and safe from abuse and harassment.
• Client Welcoming and Intake Process:
  • Provide crisis intervention services for phone-in and walk-in survivors.
  • Greet new clients with empathy, respect, and sensitivity.
  • Provide comprehensive information about the Emergency Shelter program, including services, rules, and expectations.
  • Orient clients to the shelter environment to ensure they feel safe and informed.
  • Address questions or concerns to promote client understanding and comfort.
  • Perform intakes, needs assessments, and make referrals to community resources.
  • Document and maintain resident files according to DVIS guidelines.
  • Promote a positive environment for residents and employees.
  • Provide supportive services, including safety planning, introducing other DVIS services, and transporting clients in imminent danger.
• Collaboration and Liaison:
  • Serve as a liaison between the Emergency Shelter program and other service providers.
  • Communicate with external agencies to coordinate referrals and ensure seamless transitions for clients.
  • Participate in case conferences or meetings to facilitate holistic support for clients.
  • Collaborate with other DVIS departments and federal, state, and local agencies.
• Client Support and Assistance:
  • Provide coverage for Safe Housing on-call rotation.
  • Assist clients in obtaining needed services and completing paperwork for safe housing.
  • Act as an advocate for survivors with external agencies.
  • Organize and conduct supportive activities for shelter residents.
  • Serve as an educator on pertinent topics such as life skills.
• Perform other duties to support the overall goals of the department and organization.

Requirements

• Education: 4-year degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience: 1 year of supervised experience working with individuals and groups in a social service or mental health environment; nonprofit experience preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of or experience with social justice issues, including intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, trauma, mental health, substance abuse, and issues related to race, class, gender, and sexual orientation strongly preferred.
  • Spanish bilingual preferred.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; database experience preferred.
  • Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong negotiation skills and ability to handle sensitive information diplomatically.
  • Experience applying an equitable analysis to duties to support diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism.
• Schedule Availability: Monday through Friday with some evenings, weekends, and on-call rotation.
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid Oklahoma driver’s license required; current CPR and First Aid certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (and Spanish preferred) in person and in writing.
• Ability to hear adequately in person and by phone, in personal and group settings, with periodic distractions.
• Ability to process information from various sources (e.g., computers, printed materials) and sit/stand for extended periods.
• Mobility to access various offices and settings, including intermittent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, bending, and twisting.
• Ability to reach, move, and/or lift up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent repetitive movement, such as extended periods of keyboarding.