Job Description

Position Title: Program Staff

Status: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)

Shift Schedule: Sunday - Thursday (7 am - 3 pm)

Wage: Wage for 1st shift (7 am - 3 pm) is $18.00/hr.

About us: Sarah's Circle is a non-profit organization working to end homelessness for women in Chicago. Located in Uptown, Sarah's Circle has provided support for thousands of women since 1979. The Interim Housing Program is an overnight facility that provides 24-hour access to supportive services. It is designed to transition women into permanent housing as quickly as possible.

Summary

Program staff is responsible for fostering a safe and trauma informed environment. This includes welcoming all clients, providing information about services, and maintaining a respectful culture. When working at the front desk, program staff oversees administrative duties and clients activities. Occasional assistance with meals and support of volunteers is required. Specific work hours are determined based on program need and related flexibility.

Responsibilities

Services (approximately 90% of the time)

• Welcome clients: Greet all individuals that enter the program; address immediate needs such as food, clothing, and medical attention; during initial visits, provide a facility tour and facilitate introductions with other staff (these activities might take place during multiple visits, depending on client’s stated priority)
• Provide information: Provide a program orientation; provide copies of client rights and responsibilities and the grievance procedure; assess for language barriers
• Maintain a respectful culture: Respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe; interact with clients that are in distress without immediately giving consequences; use nonjudgmental language; listen and validate a wide range of emotions expressed by clients; handle de-escalation within program space
• Complete administrative duties and client activities: Answer the phone; monitor program entrance; organize and distribute mail; provide hygiene items; assist with laundry; oversee phones & computers; complete bed assignments (applies to Interim Housing)
• Volunteer Collaboration: Welcome volunteers to the program; share information about services; provide guidance as needed; request that they sign in/out; communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator about volunteer activities
• Prepare meals: Assistance with cooking and providing meals is required; meal preparation may be daily depending on shift

Administration (approximately 10% of the time)

• Maintain program related data
• When facility repairs are needed, ensure complete reporting to the designated staff member

Other

• Attend staff meetings and supervisory meetings as instructed by supervisor
• Attend staff trainings as instructed by supervisor (minimum of 4 per year)
• Attend and participate in significant Sarah’s Circle events including Winter Walk
• Maintain current knowledge base by participating in educational or training opportunities, reading relevant publications, and maintaining professional networks
• Perform other duties, as assigned by supervisor
• The Interim Housing Program(s) are open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Program Staff may be required to work on weekends and holidays.

Competencies

• Dependability: attends work regularly, submits accurate documentation, and seeks guidance when needed
• Teamwork: establishes collaborative relationships with staff and volunteers
• Receptiveness: accepts feedback and identifies areas of growth
• Interpersonal Skills: communicates clearly (both written and verbally), seeks solutions, and demonstrates flexibility
• Integrity: keeps sensitive information confidential and adheres to personnel policies
• Initiative: brings questions to supervisor and seeks opportunities for further development

Qualifications

• High school diploma (or equivalent) required; Higher education degree in psychology, social work, or related social service field a plus
• At least one year of experience in social services required
• Basic computer skills required including use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or a history of trauma preferred

Health and Safety Requirements

• May be required to obtain Food Service Manager Certification and City of Chicago License based on the program’s meal preparation needs
• Physical ability to lift approximately 35lbs, sit, stand, bend, reach, and perform cleaning duties
• Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through administrative updates compliant with federal law.

Sarah's Circle is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, sex, age, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• No nights
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
Masking is required when working in client areas and is required in other areas when unable to consistently maintain six feet of separation from other individuals.

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or a history of trauma?
• Are you available to work Sunday - Thursday (7 am - 3 pm)?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: One location

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