Site Assistant - ARCHES Nest - Day Shift

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty. We envision a just future where our communities are empowered to reach positive outcomes and everyone is respected for their infinite worth. Working at MWVCAA means becoming part of a mission-driven community dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all.

About the role

This position provides direct support to sheltering services at the ARCHES Project sites in Polk and Marion counties. Responsibilities include supporting daily operations including cleaning and laundry services, clerical duties, data collection & entry, assisting clients with navigation to resources, and other special projects as needed. This is a grant-funded, full-time position offering growth opportunities and professional development through hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides program support, such as cleaning, site upkeep, laundry, and supportive services.
• Provides client engagement and assistance, including answering the telephone and monitoring client and facility safety.
• Works with support staff regarding follow-up to services, assisting with meal preparation and distribution.
• Facilitates access to guest laundry and computers.
• Opens and distributes incoming mail; handles outgoing mail.
• Employs de-escalation techniques and makes quick decisions in response to guest or client incidents.
• Provides support services for the programs offered through the ARCHES Project.
• Assists with program operations including HMIS data entry for clients, follow-up with clients, assisting clients with navigation to resources, general data entry, and other special projects as needed.
• Attends and engages in required annual trainings.
• Performs cleaning, janitorial, and laundry tasks in support of day-to-day sheltering operations.
• Supports nutrition staff as needed by completing various kitchen tasks, including cooking meals.
• Participates in Community Outreach to local organizations, camps, and groups as directed by supervisor.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers at all times.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Two years of work experience in a public or social service role.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Bilingual skill preferred.
• Must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
• Must pass Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check.
• Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification is required within first 30 days of hire.
• Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

Skills

• Knowledge of or experience working with the homeless, vulnerable, or at-risk populations is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, in both written and oral form.
• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy, and empathy when communicating formally and informally with clients, staff, and program partners.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
• Specific vision abilities are required of this position.
• Frequently required to hear and speak.
• Regularly lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling personal items, food, clothing, sacks, carts, and use of computers and written intake processing.
• Incidental driving tasks may be requested for employees with a personal vehicle and proof of current auto insurance.
• Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.
• Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.
• Handles pressure of frequent demands for attention, time, and work tasks as outlined by a supervisor.
• Requires multi-tasking, including the ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers, and guests.

Work Environment

• Indoor and outdoor work environments with frequent interruptions, demands, and noise.
• Close quarters, often with a public client population experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.
• Exposure to trash and potential biohazards.
• This position requires on-site work and is not eligible for remote work.
• Shift options may vary between early morning, evening, and nights.
• Ability to accept on-call work, frequently with short notice (for example, same day for a call-out).

Benefits

• 401k contribution after 1 year.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Life insurance.
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• For some positions, employees may be eligible for company-sponsored continuing education.