The Shelter Associate is responsible for providing a safe and welcoming environment for guests at the Housing Navigation Center, a resource center that provides services to people experiencing homelessness. The role requires flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts, and involves working with highly vulnerable individuals and people experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Associate will use a Housing First focus to assist in overnight shelter operations and tasks, including checking in and out guests, preparing sleeping areas, and maintaining shelter cleanliness and organization. The role also requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs, as well as experience with HMIS or related data systems.
Requirements
- Work with people experiencing homelessness during shelter hours to provide a welcoming shelter environment, ensuring guest and staff safety, and providing guests with appropriate resources
- Maintain overnight shift availability, including the ability to fill in shifts when needed
- Perform shelter check-in/check-out responsibilities including completing intakes, assisting with meal service, preparing sleeping areas, handing out donations, and maintaining shelter cleanliness and organization
- Carry out HNC policies and procedures for overnight shelter activities including COVID-19 procedures, shelter safety policies, and general operational procedures
- Direct and guide new guests to orient them to the space and policies as needed
- Utilize trauma-informed de-escalation techniques to address guest concerns and mitigate conflict
- Maintain relationships among community partner agencies, key stakeholders, and the Weld County community to increase awareness of shelter resources and to maintain shelter stability
- Coordinate with the HNC staff to ensure seamless service delivery between daytime and night-time operations
- Assist in staffing extreme weather days during daytime shelter hours, when required
- Assist in staffing offsite overflow shelter if activated during weather emergencies
- Maintain neighborhood relationships around the HNC
- Participate in training around Housing First, Trauma-Informed Care, Mental Health First Aid, and other necessary topics
- Accurately records services, intake, and assessment data for the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
- Support and promote the mission, values, goals and objectives of United Way, including representing United Way in professional organizations and the community (as assigned).
- Support fundraising efforts of United Way and activities that support United Way.
- Support United Way annual events, disaster response, and other activities as assigned.
- Participate in staff meetings and in service opportunities.
- Contribute to organizational promotions including writing promotional copy, proofreading informational and campaign materials, participation in outreach, etc.
- Other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Flexible schedule
- Holiday pay
