A Shelter Assistant ensures, and maintains a safe environment and efficient operations of Belknap House, in compliance with the shelter's goals, mission, and vision. The role includes working directly with families, maintaining the property's integrity through organization and upkeep, and assisting our volunteers to meet the needs of Belknap House.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Create a safe and welcoming environment for all BH residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
- Treat residents with respect and professionalism by practicing active listening, preserving confidentiality, minimizing conflicts over authority, and maintaining patience under challenging situations.
- Work effectively as a member of the shelter team by maintaining open lines of communication, consulting with senior staff about resident needs or situations, and cooperating when needed to complete tasks.
- Speak with the Shelter Assistant leaving their shift for any updates, read Shift Notes, and record new Shift Notes by the end of every shift - detail daily activities, questions, and comments.
- Coordinate with staff and volunteers to implement shelter rules and procedures that encourage safety and security.
- Identify, intervene, and appropriately report emergencies and resident interpersonal conflicts.
- Support, encourage, and hold families accountable to help them attain their goals.
- Answer phone calls professionally, provide/acquire accurate information for callers, and record detailed messages.
- Carry out tasks and assignments associated with your assigned shift, such as Child Care Forms, assisting in property maintenance, assisting case workers, and recording all in-kind donations received following the procedures outlined in the Staff Binder.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings.
- Ability to effectively communicate, organize, and manage time.
- Sensitivity to the experiences and struggles of residents.
- Basic word processing skills and computer literacy skills
- Maintain confidentiality and a strictly professional relationship with residents.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff and residents from various backgrounds.
- Minimum of 2 years experience in a social service setting with families in crisis.
- Ability to climb a flight of stairs at an average pace.
- Ability to lift to 20 lbs.
