Downtown Engagement Center Program Coordinator

Position Description

The Program Coordinator works with shelter guests by providing information, referrals, and follow-up to other agencies and services. Work includes developing relationships with community agencies, developing on-site drop-in services, and working on homeless prevention with guests and the community. The Gladys Ray Shelter is a free shelter for unaccompanied homeless adults regardless of physical or emotional conditions. Short-term goals are to provide and enhance safe emergency shelter and to meet the immediate needs of homeless persons that cannot access other shelter options in the community. The shelter’s long-term goal is to provide and enhance resource services, programming and assistance to move participants beyond homelessness and poverty toward sustainable independent living. The shelter seeks to be a single point of outreach and coordinates on-site services for shelter guests. The shelter also maintains a broad network of community resources supportive of efforts to assist the homeless.

Scope of Responsibility:
The Program Coordinator uses professional knowledge and skills to serve and assist guests and others who may be referred to other providers, maintains data related to programming, and promotes a comprehensive drop-in service component. The Coordinator provides work direction for Shelter Advocates and may act as a Shelter Advocate or Team Lead as necessary.

Primary Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of tasks that enhance the quality of life for guests, including collaboration with local agencies and individualized guidance and determination of what assistance they may need.
  • Works with shelter employees and provide information for staff meetings;
  • Attends community meetings and events related to homelessness; actively works with other agencies on homelessness prevention programs;
  • Focus on building relationships with guests; this includes but is not limited to meeting basic needs, identifying additional needs based on their current situation, being available to answer questions, and assisting with problem solving, while demonstrating empathy and acceptance;
  • Utilizes strategies consistent with the Harm Reduction philosophy when working with shelter guests; effectively manages crisis and conflict situations;
  • Manages crisis and conflict situations; reports and relay information appropriately;
  • Completes required training and developmental activities, including continuous learning about issues regarding homelessness, availability of social support systems.
  • Maintains HMIS and program data related to everyday operations and programming, individual programs and guest follow up.
    
• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
  • Assists the Executive Director and Assistant Director in developing and maintaining positive working relationships with all shelter employees, homeless network affiliates, law enforcement, and other relevant parties;
  • Interaction with the public, vendors or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work-related objective;
  • Communications include responsibility for maintaining relationships that are key to the operation and sustainability of the shelter;
  • Continuously develops understanding and knowledge of area resources in order to refer and connect guests to services, and build drop-in services component
  • Maintains strong connections with other social service agencies, healthcare providers and public safety in order to provide appropriate referrals and obtain services;
  • Performs community education and outreach in order to foster strong relationships and support for the shelter mission.
    
• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
  • Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
  • Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
    • Uses protective measures when administering first aid to clients or searching persons or their belongings;
    • Ensures that others in the shelter use proper protective equipment;
  • When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable, seeking outside assistance as needed.
    
• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The job requires a bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, counseling, or related field and a minimum of three years of experience in related field such as working with low income and homeless populations, chemical dependency, and/or mental health programs. The job requires a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, skills and ability include:

• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have strong public relations skills;
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations and codes relating to social service activities;
• Ability to supervise personnel in a manner conducive to efficient performance and high morale;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries;
• Commitment to developing cultural competencies and respect for diversity and the differences between people and groups;
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications.

Physical Demands

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Medium Work: Most work is performed in a homeless shelter environment or in locations frequented by homeless persons. Work is generally medium with considerable variety. Daily work often involves moving within the facility and traveling within the City. Daily driving is required. The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue or have behaviors associated with substance abuse or mental health. Occasionally there is a requirement to participate in day-to-day maintenance and operations activities actively. Intermittent exposure to disagreeable working conditions may be associated with guest behavior, illness or hygiene. Given the nature of the low-barrier shelter environment and other harm reduction services, exposure to high-risk individuals who may be under the influence of substances or have significant mental or behavioral health challenges is expected at any time in this environment. Also, as services are often provided in a congregate setting, escalation or behaviors in one individual may influence behavior changes in others, which can intensify a situation quickly. Although duties involve more oversight of staff, the primary job frequently involves direct care services with exposure to guests and the environment.

This job works primarily daytime hours, but may include evening, overnight, and weekend shifts as needed.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.