Program Assistant SFH

Program Assistant

Type: Full Time

Location: South Ferry House

Hourly Rate: $21.54 per hour

Summary

IPH's emergency shelters in Albany serve individuals experiencing homelessness along with a broad range of other challenges, including poverty, mental health and substance use disorders, medical diagnoses, and legal issues. Services focus on improved social determinants of health, education, and community connectivity. Each guest receives strengths-based services and support that addresses a unique set of needs. IPH provides supportive shelter settings where guests can focus on addressing factors that have led to their homelessness.

The Program Assistant is responsible for effectively administering the program and ensuring efficient and effective services to support positive outcomes for guests.

Principle Responsibilities, Accountabilities, & Duties

The Program Assistant is responsible for supporting effective service delivery and program safety through the following functions and other duties as assigned:

Administrative

• Answer program phone calls and provide requested information or direct individuals to the appropriate Team Member.
• Monitor the entrances to the program and provide access into the building as appropriate.
• Greet volunteers, visitors, and providers and direct individuals accordingly.
• Utilize the web-based Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database to enter data regarding guest demographics and intakes.
• Regularly communicate with the local Department of Social Services regarding admissions
• Oversee shelter census for both the Emergency Shelter beds.
• Assist Shelter Director & Manager with monthly billing and reporting requirements.
• Create emergency contact forms and medication lists for program guests at admission.
• Create physical charts for new admissions and close out charts at discharge.
• Assist with documenting daily shift notes and completing incident reports.
• Monitor paperwork needs in the program and ensure copies of all documentation are available to team members.
• Receive, organize, and distribute guest mail.
• Update the Daily Census and distribute via email.
• On rare occasions another shelter needs daytime coverage, they may go to another shelter (e.g., if Mercy House needed an extra hand and we are fully staffed, they could go there- last resort, but it's tough having few staff there and on rare occasions we need that too).

Guest Services

• Observe changes in guests' demeanor, mood, or health and communicate with Team Members.
• De-escalation and respond effectively to emergency situations.
• Conduct regular rounds of the shelter and document observations and incidents.
• Complete admission/intake paperwork with new guests.
• Assist with access to meals, laundry, linens, hygiene supplies, and general needs.
• Provide guests with access to their medications (for self-administration).
• Monitor guests' adherence to Shelter Guidelines.
• Assist Case Management Team with scheduling guests' appointments and transportation and maintaining the appointment schedule.
• Assist Case Management Team with supporting guests with completing housing and job searches and applications.
• Assist guests with contacting the pharmacy regarding prescription needs and refills.

Environmental

• Complete weekly inventory of program supply needs, including hygiene, office, COVID, linen, and cleaning supplies.
• Ensure safe storage of guest and program medications and medical supplies.
• Offer secure storage to guests for personal belongings and maintain locker assignment list.
• Maintain the confidentiality of guest records within the Staff Office.
• Conduct safety checks throughout the day to ensure the well-being of guests and environmental safety.
• Complete IT and Maintenance Tickets when repairs/needs arise for the program.
• Maintaining an emotionally and physically safe and supportive environment.
• Conduct light housekeeping duties to ensure the cleanliness of the building.
• Changing over beds, as needed.

Professional Development

• Participate in internal and external trainings in further develop skills.
• Engage in monthly shelter team meetings and daytime shelter team meetings.
• Attend agency wide staff meetings.
• Participate in regular supervision with the Shelter Supervisor.
• Honor and maintain strict confidentiality in all areas: written, spoken and observed communication.
• Maintain First Aid/CPR certification and Narcan training.
• Exhibit sound judgement and ability to respond effectively.
• All other assigned duties.

IPH provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.54 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person