Program Staff (Daytime Support Center)

Position Title: Program Staff (Daytime Support Center)

Status: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)

Shift Schedule: Monday - Friday (9 am - 5 pm)

Wage: $19.00/hr. If bilingual English/Spanish, employee is eligible for additional $1/hr for providing Spanish translation services (must pass on-site language assessment).

About us: Sarah's Circle is a non-profit organization working to end homelessness for women in Chicago. We provide services to individuals who identify as female and are 18 years of age or older. Our programs utilize the Housing First model, have no barriers to entry, and use a trauma-informed approach. Located in Uptown, Sarah's Circle has provided support for thousands of women since 1979.

The Daytime Support Center is a drop-in center where women can eat breakfast & lunch while accessing essentials such as showers, laundry, computers, and case management to help find housing.

Summary

Program Staff provide front-line services and support to women visiting the Daytime Support Center. This includes welcoming all clients, providing information about services, de-escalating conflict when it arises, and ensuring the program space is clean, orderly, and free of hazards. This position assists in daily operations including overseeing client activities, completing front-desk administrative duties, cooking, and cleaning. Program Staff provide services to clients in a trauma-informed manner and must be comfortable working with individuals experiencing severe mental illness.

Responsibilities

Services

• Welcome clients & provide information: Greet all individuals that enter the program; address immediate needs such as food, clothing, and medical attention; provide a program orientation and facility tour; provide copies of client rights and responsibilities and the grievance procedure; assess for language barriers.
• De-escalate conflict: Respond to conflict and incidents by proactively engaging clients who are angry or in distress in de-escalation and redirection. Use nonjudgmental language, listen, and validate a wide range of emotions expressed by clients. Collaborate with clients to find solutions instead of immediately giving consequences.
• Monitor and assist daily client activities: Monitor program entrances and client spaces; provide hygiene items; assist with laundry; oversee phones & computers; respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe.
• Administrative duties: Answer the phone; organize and distribute mail; complete intakes; keep accurate logs of visitors; submit work orders; maintain program related data.
• Volunteer collaboration: Welcome volunteers to the program; share information about services; provide guidance as needed; request that they sign in/out
• Prepare meals: Cook, serve meals, and unload food deliveries, as requested
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment: Wash dishes, clean program spaces, take out trash, etc. Staff may come into contact with hazardous materials upon occasion including bodily fluids, spoiled food, etc. Staff are provided with PPE and required to wear it while addressing such issues.
• Respond to crises and emergency situations: Call the appropriate services (e.g. mental health crisis line, police, fire department, paramedics). Convey accurate information to the appropriate authorities and contact appropriate staff.
• Assist clients and staff in nearby locations: Assist clients with lockouts. Remain in regular communication with Staff working at nearby location(s) and respond to requests for assistance.

Other

• Review email correspondence regularly to remain aware of all recent activity and announcements. Respond promptly to email correspondence as needed.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, supervisory meetings, and Sarah’s Circle events as instructed by supervisor
• Perform other duties, as assigned by supervisor

Competencies

• Dependability: able to work independently, submits accurate documentation, and seeks guidance when needed.
• Teamwork: establishes collaborative relationships with staff and volunteers, provides leadership when appropriate
• Receptive: accepts feedback, takes ownership of responsibilities, and identifies areas of growth
• Interpersonal Skills: communicates clearly (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

Education & Skills

• High school diploma (or equivalent) required; Higher education degree in psychology, social work, or related social service field a plus
• Prior frontline service experience required, ideally in a social services setting
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, a history of trauma, and/or mental illness highly preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to maintain clear professional boundaries
• Able to react quickly and demonstrate good judgment in emergencies or stressful situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Crisis intervention training a plus

Health and Safety Requirements

• Required to obtain Food Handler certificate within 30 days of hire
• Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling materials
• 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 believes homelessness is complex and that our work requires the expertise of people with different life experiences, skills, and perspectives. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that brings together people with different identities & backgrounds and enables all of us to be successful in our work to end homelessness for women in our city. Your unique experience is valuable, so if it aligns with this role and you are excited about the work we do, please apply!