Shelter Assistant

The Program:

YWCA Sojourner's Shelter for Homeless Women & Families provides emergency shelter and supportive services around the clock, every day of the year for homeless single women, women with children, and men with custody of their children, and intact families. This 75-bed facility offers a secure, healthy environment with crisis intervention, case management, and counseling to help individuals achieve long-term self-sufficiency. We maintain a successful recidivism rate of about five (5) percent annually, well below the national average of individuals returning to shelters. Children’s programs include computer and art classes, tutoring, drug-free education, supportive counseling, and field trips. Recovering from and preventing future homelessness is our goal for all who take shelter with us.

The Position:

The Shelter Assistant works closely with their peers under the direction of the Program and Assistant Directors. The SA will work directly with struggling current and new residents to provide support, promote health and safety, provide growth opportunities, and encourage resilience, recovery, and self-sufficiency while working to ensure the long-term success of individuals and/or families seeking shelter.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED: and/or experience in working with others in a supervisory role

Additional Requisites: 

• Good oral/written communication skills 
• Ability to effectively manage homeless individuals in a non-judgmental manner and with sensitivity to the problems of homeless individuals
• Ability to work non-traditional hours must be willing to work (Day, Evening, and night shifts) as scheduled.
• Ability to handle crisis situations 
• Ability to enforce shelter rules and policies 
• Ability to document and complete written reports in a timely manner
• Must pass a criminal background check

Responsibilities:

• Be committed to and follow the YWCA of Charleston Employee Handbook as well as the Rules, Procedures and Protocols governing the YWCA Sojourner’s Shelter Program including, but not limited to, maintenance of professional boundaries with the clients and residents.
• Enforce all rules and regulations of the YWCA Sojourner’s Shelter Program in a professional manner
• Coordinate, cooperate, and communicate with other agencies in a positive, effective, and professional manner
• Accepts crisis referrals and makes appropriate arrangements
• Conduct intake and follow preventative procedures with all individuals entering the facility during your shift
• Provide supportive services to participants as needed in support of their goals toward self-sufficiency
• Complete required documentation during the scheduled shift
• Assist all donors with the completion of a donation form
• Assist with meal preparation including all aspects of the kitchen, monitoring temperature in the freezer, and dry storage areas, labeling food, and cleaning
• Assign resident appreciation tasks, provide instruction/education if residents are having difficulty completing their tasks, and monitor to ensure task completion
• Clean common areas of the building, empty rooms, make beds, washing linens, and ensure that the outside of the facility is presentable
• Maintain assignment sheets and other required records such as voucher and meal sheets and appreciation lists
• Conduct room inspections in accordance with protocols
• Be consistent with program guidelines. Be solution driven with general knowledge and understanding of the YWCA Sojourner’s Policy and DHHR homeless Policy  
• Other duties as assigned 

A complete job description is provided at the time of the interview.
Why Should You Apply?

• You want to make a difference and see positive change in a person’s life
• You are passionate about helping people become empowered to be self-sufficient
• You want to be part of a team that collaborates for the greater good of an individual and the organization

Compensation: $12.00 per hour w/ Shift Differential Pay

About YWCA Charleston:

The YWCA Charleston has been fostering self-sufficiency and independence. Originally designed as safe lodging for young women from rural communities coming to Charleston to pursue careers, the YWCA has evolved into the city’s most diverse and comprehensive network of social service programs. YWCA programs, facilities, and services assist more than 5,000 individuals annually. Equal opportunity is given to all applicants. The YWCA was built upon our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. We can continue to be successful when people are treated fairly and allowed to grow and achieve their potential. We take pride in treating people equally, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, blindness, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status.

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