Operations Specialist - Contingent - Shelter Association of Washtenaw County

he Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982, and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually.

Mission:

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Position Profile:

This position works as an active member of the Shelter Operations Team and is charged with the smooth operation of the shelter floors during their assigned shift. Responsibilities include ensuring the safety of all guests and performing duties in a manner that is consistent with the overall mission of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County.

Pay & Benefits:

This is a Contingent, hourly, non-exempt position. The salary range for the position is $ 17.75-18.75/hr depending on the shift worked. This contingent role does not have a set schedule though there are ample opportunities to pick up shift sometimes at an overtime pay rate (1.5 times base pay). We have three shifts a day AM (typically 7:45am - 4:15pm), 2nd shift (typically 3:45pm - 12:15am), and 3rd shift (typically 11:45pm - 8:15am). This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a 2nd job, a student, or anyone looking to get their foot in the door in human service work. The work is challenging but rewarding helping neighbors who are experiencing homelessness!

General Responsibilities:

1. Committed to SAWC’s mission of ending homelessness
2. Interacting with clients in a non-judgmental ethical manner (see NASW Code of Ethics)
3. Responsible for the operation of various floors in the Shelter.
4. Supervise volunteers, including making position assignments for the evening. Ensure all current clients have checked in to the building appropriately.
5. Supportive, empathetic, confidential listening, and offering clients general assistance.
6. Implement SAWC operations policies and procedures
7. Document various client information and activities in our records system and in staff note professionally and appropriately.
8. Responsible for light cleaning in the facility and the ordering of supplies.
9. Welcome and orient new clients to the rules and responsibilities of the floor and congregate living.
10. Appropriate communication with Manager regarding client Leaves of Absences, Late Arrivals, and other client policy questions.
11. Must be on time for work, and use a time clock to document hours
12. Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

Associates Degree, professional certification, or alternative equivalent experience. Related experience preferred. Knowledge of housing, mental health, chemical dependency, and poverty issues helpful. Experience in social work, social services, or human services helpful as well.

Additionally, the person that fills this position must:

• Be able to work as a team member

• Utilize good judgment and clear thinking in crisis situations

• Have a high degree of cultural competency and equity lens

• Be able to be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations, and the primacy of client needs.

• Have a commitment to economic justice, civil and human rights issues.

• Be mature in nature and professional in action.

Health and Safety

The Shelter Association is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our clients and staff post COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially imperative as we work with a vulnerable population and this position requires in-person work. To do this we are partnered with our local Public Health department and have enacted significant health and safety measures including:

• Health and Safety training provided for all new and current staff

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training and supplies provided

• COVID-19 testing for clients and staff

• Rigorous onsite cleaning protocols

• Health and safety screening as needed

• Coordination with local hospital systems and Public Health

Application Process:

Please go to annarborshelter.org/employment to submit your resume and cover letter. You may also apply on job sites directly. Please note that the application deadline is Feb. 28, 2024. Please apply early as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.