Shelter Services Specialist

Description

We are looking for a compassionate and team-oriented Shelter Services Specialist to join our Residential Services team providing onsite coverage at the agency emergency shelters. The Shelter Services Specialist provides supportive services to shelter residents and provides crisis intervention via telephone with crisis line callers and face to face for shelter residents. Addresses shelter residents’ immediate and basic needs. This position requires evening and weekend availability.

Reports to: Shelter Services Coordinator

Supervises: Assigned volunteers and interns

Primary Functions:

• Provide safety planning and crisis intervention for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
• Provide supportive services to shelter residents, including but not limited to transportation, childcare, linkage to community resources and psycho-education.
• Provide telephone screening for shelter eligibility
• Coordinate and provide transportation to shelter for eligible persons
• Dispatch Survivor Advocates to Denton County Hospitals for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
• Provide callers with appropriate community resource referrals
• Provide callers with information regarding protective orders, crime victim’s compensation, Child Protective services, and all DCFOF agency services
• Coordinate connection with mobile crisis unit when necessary for caller’s with suicidal ideation
• Provide conflict resolution for residents
• Conduct shelter intakes with new residents
• Assist in ongoing cleaning and maintenance of shelter facility
• Assist in supervision of household responsibilities and supplies
• Conduct house meetings
• Collect and report statistical data reflecting services provided and outcomes
• Manage resident needs and crisis
• Maintain order in the house by upholding all household expectations
• Participate in DCFOF staff and education meetings as requested

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by staff assigned to this position. This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

This position is grant-funded and will continue only if sufficient grant or external funds are available.

Denton County Friends of the Family, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in Office applications such as Word and Excel
• Must be at least 23 years old
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record

Preferences:

• Bilingual in Spanish
• College coursework in child development, psychology, social work , or related field

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Ability to easily climb stairs
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time