Open Arms - On-Call Support Staff - Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, Inc.

WHO WE ARE: Established locally in 1911, Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA NCNN) is one of the region's largest providers of social services. Our professional staff operates more than 40 locally managed and delivered programs. Services include food and shelter, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance-abuse treatment and rehabilitation, and job training. Every night VOA NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence, through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: We are currently recruiting Support Staff positions for the Open Arms program. Open Arms provides immediate safety to those diagnosed as HIV-Positive or those living with AIDS in Sacramento. Singles diagnosed as HIV-positive, or those who are living with AIDS, are eligible for this emergency housing facility which offers case management for life-skills training, health education, permanent housing assessment, and referrals to needed other services.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Support Staff is responsible for assuring quality service in a safe, non-judgmental manner to all program participants compassionately and professionally as it relates to the specific program objectives. Objectives include supportive interaction with program participants and team members, assessment of participant’s needs, and performance of all work duties as required. Work is performed in a cost-effective and service-oriented manner as it relates to established organizational standards.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Explain program rules and regulations to residents and facilitate residents’ observance of the rules.
2. Medication monitoring.
3. Coordinate meal preparation/service, bed/sleeping assignments, showers, laundering, and other daily routines.
4. Provide “awake” shift coverage and maintain grounds security at all times.
5. Conduct hourly safety and security checks during designated periods.
6. De-escalate crisis before it develops and respond to the problem appropriately, providing emergency assistance to clients and co-workers as necessary.
7. Maintain daily reports to provide statistical information.
8. Perform housekeeping and other maintenance tasks, i.e., change light bulb, plunge toilet, etc. 
9. Prepare rooms for next resident; maintain/monitor staff area cleanliness, etc., to meet health/sanitation requirements of city and county. 
10. Respond to all client questions and concerns.
11. Perform clerical duties on shift, i.e., answer telephone, record messages, and file as necessary.
12. Maintain clear, thorough, routine communication with all residents.
13. May perform other duties as assigned.

B. Responsible for assistance with client development.

1. Support the Case Manager, Program Manager, and other Volunteers of America Staff in implementing plans to assist the residents in successfully completing the program.
2. Role model positive behavior to help clients as they work towards self-sufficiency.

C. Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Document and report all client concerns and/or infractions that can affect the program’s security. 
2. Complete all shift logs, observation logs, and incident reports. 
3. Monitor inventory of program equipment and supplies and take appropriate action to replace or restock as needed.
4. Secure approval for exceptions to standard policy.
5. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resource needs necessary to attain performance standards. 
6. Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and accomplish program objectives.  
7. Communicate with on-site staff, Program Manager, service providers and external county/state/city program representatives as required.
8. Direct available resources as required.

9. Comprehend and adhere to ethical standards, program philosophy guidelines, and confidentiality laws. 

D. Responsible for the assistance of training and development of new staff.

1. Assist the Program Manager in department orientation and training new employees as requested to assure quality work outcomes. 
2. Identify ongoing training for new and existing staff and report needs to management.
3. Maintain an above-average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure a safe work environment for clients and all personnel.

E. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid, etc.

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

This position requires demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide services to clients without ethnic or social prejudices. It requires general knowledge of issues and challenges unique to homelessness, substance abuse, young adults, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Prior experience might include medical assistance, in-home care, child and elder attendance, and/or homeless shelter duties. A High School diploma or equivalent is required. Specific knowledge and experience with housing first approach, addiction and recovery, and dysfunctional family dynamics is preferred. Must be able to utilize a range of interventions to work with clients with varying needs and levels of functioning. Must have the flexibility to work irregular hours. Must be able to function both independently and in a team environment. Tact, discretion, and resourcefulness are required at all times. Requires CPR and First Aid training within ninety (90) days of employment, re-certification as necessary, and T.B. testing annually. A valid California driver’s license and the ability to meet the organization's insurance carrier guidelines are preferred. Must undergo a criminal background check.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills
Oral and written communication skills
Ability to de-escalate crises and assist residents and staff in emergencies
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 25 pounds
Physically able to safely maneuver the weight distribution of a client in an emergency 
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently 
Kneel occasionally
Climb stairs where programs have more than one level
Be able to maneuver quickly in emergencies to assist clients as needed