Shelter Coordinators: The Nature of this Work

This is an organization where skills and knowledge of shelter aides are found in many forms. Shelter Aides believe that accurate relevant info must flow freely in a fully connected network of people that Dorothy’s Place. They are proactive, problem solvers and that true learning of this work come from a spirituality that is pragmatically discovered.  Both task and relationships orientation are they key for doing this work.

Although normally shelter/guest aids do not have formal trainings as psychiatric clinicians, many of them have unsurpassed experience and excellent judgment, intuition and the ability to form therapeutic alliances. They may not have all the answers but they must provide temporary stability and emotional reassurance while the answer is being worked out.  In the WA Program guest/shelter aides and guests work things out together and pretty much no one is consider being an ‘expert’ enough to provide an answer. They deal with special emotional issues that arise in the work, they frequently and naturally help the guests to identify the emotional issues and deal with them. Guest Aides do a difficult ‘psychological work’ that is challenging: they often absorb and contain the anxiety that is unleashed when things do not work as they should; they deal with disconfirmation, guilt and anxiety and the urgency to create psychological safety.

Since the WA Program organization is constantly changing, shelter/guest aides require to constantly be learning and find ways to provide support to the woman homeless, particularly in understanding behavioral features of mental illness and, in general, mental conditions and associated behaviors (e.g. social withdraw, paranoia, etc) as well as in being specific in reporting problematic behavior and communicating information back to the shelter

The nature of the work of Shelter/Guest Aides have the greatest natural psychological contract with guests and can often provide a wealth of information about the shelter’s functioning. They obtain feedback from their learning at work and develop the ability to induce cognitive redefinition by articulating new visions and concepts that leads to revitalization, continuous growth and renewal for the mission and vision of this program.

To gain participation and trust from the part of the guests, Guest Aides approach a person with respect and hope, balancing respect for privacy with the need for contact and discuss individual concerns on how the woman is doing in the shelter.

Shelter Coordinator or Shelter Aide

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Shelter Aide is a part-time staff member of Women Alive! works in scheduled shifts and shows hospitality to the women guests by meeting and engaging them in the activities of the shelter: she participates in the implementation of the WA program and transformational efforts.  Staff ‘hold the space’ in the room by considering the needs of all who are present and make decisions on a moment-to-moment basis. New staff members is trained and familiarized with the shelter operations.

Qualifications:

1.   Knowledge and ability to work with the poor, with a diverse population of homeless women; including personal commitment to carrying out the mission of the Franciscan Workers: (1) to live, to love, to work together in harmony, to serve the marginalized, to create partnerships which are mutually liberating and to pursue social justice with respect and dignity for all. (2) “Imagine Paradise, Practice Beauty.”

2.   Ideally, has been exposed to some type of diversity in either formal or informal training, understands gender differences and inequalities and knows about the particularity of women’s psychological and social challenges.

3.   Previous social service experience, including group leadership, is a plus.

4.   Openness to reflect on issues of social and economic class and power. Enthusiasm for develop one’s personal interests and skills in the service of connection, empowerment, expression, and social change!

5.   Excellent listening skills; oral and written communication skills.

6.   Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn additional applications in a timely manner as needed.

Responsibilities:

1.   Participate in the design and implementation of the WA staff, volunteer and community meetings, to maintain ongoing dialogue between guests, volunteers, and staff.

2.   Strive for the highest level of accuracy in work performed, while maintaining safe, neat, and orderly work stations. Maintain a clean office and keep any paperwork organized and accessible for your fellow staff members.

3.   Maintain a clean, neat appearance and attire consistent with the type of work been performed in the shelter and with safety considerations, well-organized work; Attendance & Punctuality

4.   Practice a work based on personal proud and commitment, perform systematic report, reflection of action, and feedback with the team, individual and collaborative decision making.

5.   Maintain confidentiality in regards to the services, volunteers, and grantors.

6.   Commit to monthly schedules Capable to work both short shifts and overnight shifts.

7.   Model and support behavior that facilitate self awareness and personal development of our guests

8.   Available for “on call” in case of emergencies.

9.   Communicate and/or meet weekly with the Shelter Aid Coordinator to ensure the efficiency and progress of our mission.

10. Write in the online log book a summary of what happened during the night after doing an overnight shift and report by phone to the Guest coordinator and the WA Director any special issues that have arisen.

11. Provide support for the guests, volunteers and administrative personnel of the WA Program as needed. Embrace a security perspective: practice self protection and protection of others

12. Refer any guests that need further help from the advocate.

13. Be informed about the volunteer incentive program and promote it to our guests.

14. Participate in Performance Evaluation and Developmental Feedback every three months.

15. Exchange common courtesies, to respect the rights of others and work as a member of the organization’s work team.

16. Contribute any innovative organizational strategies, solutions and positive initiatives as organizational challenges arise; e.g. Provide constructive recommendations to coworkers and guests in problem solving situations in order to accomplish and sustain an efficient and productive working environment.