Seasonal Program Support Staff- Lon's House

Title: Seasonal Program Support Staff

Reports to: Program Support Manager

Employment Status: Seasonal (March - June 2024) with a likelihood of becoming permanent staff

Shift schedule: Multiple shifts available

FSLA Status: Non-exempt

Pay rate: $20/hour

Since 1972, Interfaith Works (IW) has been meeting people where they are regardless of their challenges. We provide emergency shelter, supportive housing, essential needs, and employment programs to over 35,000 Montgomery County, MD, residents each year.

Our mission is to support our neighbors by providing vital services and a pathway to greater stability. Our clients and residents are served by 190 trained and professional staff members, as well as 7,000 volunteers. We also advocate for policies and programs that enhance the stability and opportunities of our neighbors.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Seasonal Program Support Staff (SPSS) is a temporary position. This position is responsible for supervising the day-to-day program activities to ensure safety and compliance with program guidelines. Under the direction of the management team, the seasonal program support staff implements procedures as needed, monitors medication and communicates activities using the communication log. Additionally, the PSS is accountable for persons entering and exiting the program during their shift, including volunteers, visitors, and other service providers. The PSS must provide excellent customer service to all individuals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• • Provide excellent customer service and trauma informed care by treating everyone with dignity and honoring personal choice.
  • Provide ongoing emotional support to highly vulnerable clients in shelter or supportive hosing programs while monitoring their safety and well-being.
  • Following training, use motivational interviewing, harm-reduction models, and other client-centered interventions to support clients in their goals and daily routines.
  • Consistently employ crisis intervention, de-escalation, and mediation skills to maintain physically and emotionally safe environment. This includes calling 911 and the Crisis Center when appropriate.
  • Monitor and prompt clients to take scheduled medication consumption; regularly communicate to case managers and program directors relevant concerns regarding client medication consumption.
  • Provide detailed incident reports and log notes about both crisis events and routine client interactions.
  • Monitor program related activities. This includes signing in/out of the program, medication consumption, meals, chores, and laundry.
  • Ensure proper documentation of daily activities including incident reports and grievances
  • Ensure safety of the program by conducting room searches.
  • Greet, direct, and provide support to volunteers providing dinner and other supplies.
  • Attend and participate in mandatory staff meetings and trainings as required by contract.
  • Assume the responsibility for heating up and serving dinner in the absence of volunteers.
  • Understanding and display of cultural humility and sensitivity.
  • Perform other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES)

• Minimum of a High School diploma with at least two years experiences working in any service delivery field, social service field.
• Excellent communication skills. Ability to listen well and refer guest/resident to the appropriate resources. Ability to document important behavior.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Proficient with word processor, search engines, and other computer programs.
• Ability to interact well with volunteers and other visitors to the program (able to answer questions).
• Ability to recognize psychiatric or medical emergencies and contact the proper resource.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

Due to the vulnerable population we serve in a congregate setting, it is required that both staff and clients complete COVID testing. This will aid in ensuring that we maintain a safe working environment.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates must submit a resume with their application to be considered. Applicants must apply through this link. Please send any questions about the application process to info@iworksmc.org.

Interfaith Works is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to a continued focus on equitable hiring, training, promotional practices, and policies. We are a drug free workplace and comply with ADA regulations, as applicable.