JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Shelter Supervisor, the Evening Direct Care Specialist provides support and supervision to youth experiencing homelessness during the evening shifts at The PLACE shelter. This role requires a compassionate and responsible individual who can ensure the safety and well-being of residents while fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. The primary responsibilities include monitoring resident activities, addressing any immediate needs or concerns, enforcing shelter rules and guidelines, and facilitating a sense of community among residents. The Evening Direct Care Specialist will also be responsible for maintaining proper documentation, communicating effectively with team members, and assisting with any necessary crisis intervention.

This position will ensure that interactions, interventions and environments at The PLACE are trauma informed and emphasize the physical and emotional safety of youth and staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and monitor youth during evening shifts to ensure their safety and well-being.
•  Enforce shelter rules and guidelines in a fair and consistent manner.
•  Facilitate daytime programming to include life skills trainings, partner agency interaction, and resource provision.
•  Track program participation and record notes in HMIS on behalf of the facilitators.
•  Address any immediate needs or concerns of residents, including providing emotional support and assistance with basic necessities.
•  Prepare and serve lunch or oversee volunteers who prepare and serve lunch.
•  Greet and welcome shelter visitors and youth in a friendly and helpful manner.
• Cultivate a culturally responsive environment that promotes a sense of belonging for youth with diverse backgrounds.
• Understand and embrace trauma-informed care as a best practice in serving youth experiencing homelessness.
• Support positive youth development and youth involvement in decision-making processes.
• Facilitate activities and programs to promote a positive and supportive environment.
• Document incidents, observations, and interactions with youth accurately and thoroughly across all tracking mechanisms, including HMIS.
• Communicate effectively with team members and other staff members to ensure continuity of care.
• Assist in crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed, following established protocols and procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization within the shelter facility.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities as required.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees performing this job. Furthermore, this job description does not establish a contract of employment. The PLACE may change job descriptions at any time, with or without notice as service needs require.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least two years of college education OR
• A high school diploma/equivalent at least one year’s experience in the human services field
• Must be QMAP certified or eligible for QMAP certification.
• Must pass both federal and state background checks.
• Must pass pre-employment TB screening.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and to assess and change priorities based upon agency and client needs.
• Use of discretion and independent judgment in the performance of duties.
• Consistent data collection
• Ability to maintain accurate and thorough client files
• Experience in HMIS database
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative partner to other agencies
• Function as a member of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to manage tasks and activities in an unpredictable environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•  Employee frequently is required to sit. Employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch
•  Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
•  Able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
•  Requires the ability to use department equipment, such as telephones, personal computers, adding machines, copiers, fax machines, etc. Position requires frequent use of computer and phone.
•  Able to hear well enough to communicate with employees and others.
•  Able to be on feet and mobile up to 10 hours per day.
•  Able to lift up to 50 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees in this position are subject to long hours on their feet in a shelter environment that may include physical conditions such as encountering drugs and paraphernalia, sharps, and interpersonal contact from non-employees that include sexual innuendo and raw, abusive or threatening language. Employees must be comfortable providing safer sex supplies and bleach kits to youth.

The PLACE provides personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training to prepare and protect The PLACE employees in these uncontrolled environments. Compliance with safety protocol is required, which may include the use of PPE, involvement of law enforcement, and/or enactment of emergency protocols, detailed in The PLACE’s Emergency Operations Plan.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position typically works between the hours of 4:00pm - 1:00am on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with up to 5 hours/week of flex shit/coverage and/or staff development/training. Requires some flexibility to attend meetings and tend to urgent situations.