Shelter Monitor (1st shift)

Reports to: Shelter Manager 

Work Location: Downtown Oakland Campus 

Hours: Regular Part-Time  

Status: Non-Exempt / Hourly   

Starting Salary: $23.73   

Schedule: 5:00pm – 1:00am (Mon. – Sun.)  Rotating Weekends Required 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County (SVdP) provides direct assistance to those in need within Alameda County, regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation or origin. The position of shelter monitor is a direct client engagement role to which Shelter Monitors perform a variety of duties that support guests residing in SVdP’s emergency shelter. The organization's motto is "Neighbors Helping Neighbors," which succinctly sums up the charitable work that is done throughout the county, through our programs, and through the support of our donors, volunteers, community networks and SVdP staff that work in many different roles to serve those in need in our community. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES:  

• Ensure the shelter is a welcoming environment, which includes maintaining a space in which harassment and discriminatory actions or remarks are not tolerated.  
• Monitor and maintain the safety of guests residing in the shelter. 
• Prepare for each shift by meeting with shift supervisor prior to reporting to designated work area to become informed of any night shift concerns.    
• Consistently enforce shelter rules and guidelines with all guests. 
• Utilize de-escalation tactics and harm reduction intervention when dealing with upset or frustrated guests. 
• Thoroughly and accurately document all pertinent incidents that take place throughout the shift as well as make any referrals or supportive services to case manager. 
• Take on the role of listener, guide, and role model for guests residing in shelter. 
• Escorts guests from building to building during essential service times of the shelter. 
• Assist staff with medical emergencies by calling 911, opening secured doors, and clearing space for paramedics to treat guests. 
• Maintain familiarity with emergency contact information, property maps, and emergency exits for evacuation. 
• Assist guests in securing personal belongings in shelter storage facility. 
• Report any facility issues such as fire hazards, blocked doorways, or unsecure areas in SVdP. 
• Facilitate daily database check in process at front gate for all guests entering SVdP. 
• Maintain daily guests records in Knack database. 
• Sort, wash, and fold shelter linen daily. 
• Support Chef and Shelter Cook in preparing and serving dinner for up to 65 guests. 

• Minimum of 1 – 2 years of experience working with unhoused adults in a supportive capacity. 
• Ability to work well with diverse groups of people from various environments, including those that are unhoused, addressing substance abuse issues, people from diverse social economic background, undocumented residents, and people with disabilities including HIV/AIDS.   
• Strong work ethics and willingness to work hard to accomplish difficult tasks. 
• May occasionally be required to lift items up to 10 pounds to a height up to 6 feet and 11-25 pounds to a height of 3 feet.  
• May occasionally be required to carry items up to 30 pounds for distances up to 25 feet. 
• Complies with written and verbal instruction and willingly performs tasks assigned by supervisor on duty. 
• Positive attitude and ability to be a positive influence on a team.   
• Demonstrates proactivity, flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm.   
• Professionalism, maturity, good decision-making and problem-solving abilities.   
• Dependable and trustworthy. 
• Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced and growth-oriented environment, while maintaining a sense of humor and a positive, solution-oriented approach. 
• Maintains a professional friendly helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. 
• Is willing to take ownership of job’s responsibilities.   
• Can identify and resolve guests quarrels before they escalate.  

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITiES ON NIGHT SHIFT: 

• Stay alert throughout the entire shift to ensure safety and security of shelter program staff and all guests.  
• Facilitate evening schedule (including turning off lights and making announcements about wake-up time and morning showers). 
• Ensuring all participants are situated in cots during quite hours. 
• Document all guests entering the shelter for the night and complete an HMIS assessment for any new guest staying in the shelter for the first time.   
• Complete full “nightly checklist” on each shift. 

PREFERRED SKILLS: 

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills, and demonstrated capacity to make safety-driven, effective decisions in crisis situations. 
• Must be able to respond in clear, calm manner to crises that may arise, including incidents of confrontation, violence or medical crises. 
• Must be computer literate (Word, Excel, etc.). 
• Must be a team player with the ability to work collaboratively with other staff members, program participants, and volunteers. 

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• High School Diploma or GED.