Senior Center Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: SENIOR CENTER ASSISTANT

LOCATION: Punawai Rest Stop

RESPONSIBLE TO: Program Director or Designee

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

Are you a compassionate and dedicated professional with extensive experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders? Do you possess a naturally kind-hearted demeanor, coupled with a strong sense of empathy and the ability to make tough, informed decisions? If so, we invite you to join our team at Punawai Rest Stop.

We are seeking an experienced individual who understands the delicate balance between adhering to established rules and embracing the "greater good principle" to provide the best possible support for our clients. Your role will be pivotal in fostering a welcoming and respectful environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of both staff and clients, while delivering essential services with compassion and integrity.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need and are ready to contribute your expertise and heart to our mission, we encourage you to apply.

POSITION GOALS:

Under the direction of the Punawai Rest Stop Program Director, supervises weekend operations and manages safety with Punawai Rest Stop personnel and guests experiencing homelessness within the community living.

To provide sufficient support and promote a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment where homeless guests can best be motivated into utilizing any available services which will advance movement towards community living.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Senior Center Assistant Functions

1. Supervision. Assists the Punawai Rest Stop Program Director with overseeing the weekend supervision of Center Assistants, staff scheduling, and provides training to Center Assistants.

1. Safety. Respond to emergency situations according to MHK policies. Contact police department for criminal activity and/or escalating behavioral activity around Punawai Rest Stop. Reports unusual incidents to Punawai Rest Stop Program Director and complete incident report according to MHK policy.

1. Operations. Assist with daily operations such as assignment of personnel to hygiene center areas; maintenance and related safety, health, and sanitation measures; and facilitates change of shift by documenting issues in the communication log. Monitors and reports any plumbing, electrical, safety or carpentry problems, and arrange for repairs and upkeep as indicated to the Punawai Rest Stop Program Director.

1. Program Description. Adheres to MHK’s community housing program description and playbook, including service philosophy, services offered, MHK work rules and ethics.

1. Performs other duties as assigned Punawai Rest Stop Program Director.

Center Assistant Functions

1. Perform Punawai Rest Stop daily operations as assigned in three zones. The Center Assistant is expected to assist guests and accurately document zone utilization on applicable forms:

1. Zone 1 includes promoting and maintaining order and harmony while assisting guests with the laundry, storage and animal kennels and accurately documenting usage. Maintain a safe and hazard free area by continually monitoring guests and facility. General cleaning of Zone 1 is conducted by the Center Assistant. Continuous disinfection and sanitation are needed.

1. Zone 2 includes promoting and maintaining order and harmony while welcoming guests at the front entrance and discovering guest needs, documenting all services and giving direction to guests to expedite appointments in a timely manner. Answering appointment line and scheduling appointments. Monitoring property perimeter. Maintain a safe and hazard free area by continually monitoring guests and property. General cleaning of Zone 2 is conducted by the Center Assistant. Continuous disinfection and sanitation are needed.

1. Zone 3 includes promoting and maintaining order and harmony while assisting guests with use of the showers, distribution of mail as needed, use of PRS phone and assisting with chargeable devices and documenting ownership of said items. General cleaning of showers after every use. Maintain a safe and sanitary environment by continually monitoring floors, and restrooms.

1. Maintain an orderly environment inside the hygiene center and enforcing House Rules. Disallow raised voices, physical gestures of threats, and possession of harmful objects, e.g., weapons and/or objects that could be used as weapons. This includes objects such as umbrellas and skateboards.

1. Greet each guest with dignity and respect. Use communication skills of understanding, active listening, clarification and problem solving.

1. Assists guests with basic recovery needs; e.g., social skills, appropriate communication, personal grooming, and interpersonal relationships. Make referrals to Punawai Case Managers as applicable.

1. Report incidents immediately by completing an MHK Incident Report and submit to the Center Manager. Incident Reports are defined by policy. Illegal activity is reported immediately to supervisor and calling 911.

1. Assist with on-going operations such as maintenance, and related sanitation measures. Monitor and report any plumbing, electrical, safety or carpentry problems; and arrange for repairs and upkeep as indicated.

1. Monitor front, outside parameter of building as assigned. Disallow guests from congregating on the sidewalk of the building, maintaining clear pedestrian access, and compliance with City ordinances.

1. Complies with MHK safety procedures and personal safety protocols.

1. Performs other related duties as assigned by Management/Supervisory staff.

CORE EXPECTATIONS

1. Customer Service. Is proactive to create, adapt and develop services that are responsive to customer needs/ expectations. Maximizes customer satisfaction.

1. Adheres to and maintains current MHK work rules. Reports and/or resolves issues of non-compliance.

1. Adheres to and maintain current knowledge of MHK code of conduct/ethics, applicable federal and state laws and regulations, accreditation and MHK policies and procedures. Reports and/or resolves issues of non-compliance.

1. Adaptability/ Change Management. Is flexible and open to new ideas. Creates/ supports new initiatives. Assists others. Exhibits optimism in adapting to change. Seeks opportunities to try new ways of doing things. Begins projects with the end in mind.

1. Communication & Listening Skills. Uses current MHK transparent communication model. Keeps others informed. Writes and speaks clearly, concisely, and effectively. Uses active listening. Genuinely strives to understand other viewpoints first before speaking. Respects differing viewpoints.

1. Conflict Resolution & Negotiation. Uses current MHK conflict resolution model. Goes first to the person with whom there is a problem. Focuses on the operating issues, separating out the personal issues. Seeks clear, equitable solutions that benefit the greater organization.

1. Problem Solving. Uses current MHK problem solving model. Resolves problems timely, with win-win solutions that benefit the greater organization. Follow through, applies solutions, and is accountable.

1. Teamwork. Participates and supports the collective MHK goals and offers ideas to synergize solutions.

1. Systems Thinking. Expresses opinions, offers solutions and makes decisions based on clinical/ business principles; corporate goals; and current MHK values/ ethics.

1. Organizational Alignment. Offers opinion, solutions and decisions for individual programs that are aligned with the mission, values, and goals of the greater MHK organization.

1. Accountability & Compliance. Is accountable for assignments. Offers to assist others. Holds self and others accountable for business functions. Complies with MHK work rules, and corporate compliance policy.

1. Utilizing Resources & Stewardship. Is proactive to create, adapt and develop services that are responsive to customer needs/ expectations. Maximizes customer satisfaction.

QUALIFICATIONS

Expectations:

Ability to assist people who are homeless with a variety of social, economic and cultural issues. Assist homeless people with psychiatric disabilities ranging from transitional issues such as anxiety and depression, to life-long, serious mental illness; e.g., schizophrenia; bi-polar disorders; and behaviors that may involve psychosis (i.e., hearing voices; visual hallucinations; delusions, etc.). To facilitate conflict resolution to stressful situations and emotional conflicts with persons served and other stakeholders.

To facilitate stressful situations and emotional conflicts with persons served and other stakeholders as part of your job.

Education & Experience:

Minimum Qualifications: High school education. Computer literate.

Preferred Qualifications: College graduate in Human Services programs.

Professional/Personal Skills: Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision. Work productively, and complete assignments on a timely basis. Ability to relate to the public, staff and clients effectively and tactfully. Maintain confidentiality related to staff, client and fiscal matters. Work cooperatively with project and agency staff.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

Pre-employment:

• Criminal Background Check
• Health Clearance
• High school diploma or equivalent and/or official College Transcripts (mailed from the school directly to MHK)

Required:

• Current CPR & First Aid Certificates
• Current TB Clearance or TB X-Ray (two-step TB Clearance is required for TLP location)

If applicable for the position:

• Copies of current professional licenses held
• Current valid Hawaii driver’s license, vehicle insurance & safety inspection
• Current safe driving record as documented by a Traffic Abstract

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

May occasionally be required to lift up to 25 pounds in a work setting. Must talk and hear frequently for telephone use and basic communication. May periodically sit, stand, bend, stoop, twist, reach, walk and climb stairs. Must be able to drive to different locations, which requires the use of a personal vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Variable, depending on need.