Friendship Center Coordinator

Company: Mercy Housing and Shelter
Location: Hartford
Posted on: April 11, 2021

Job Description:

Community Housing AdvocatesAn Affiliate of Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp. and My Sisters' Place
Job Title: Friendship Center CoordinatorDepartment: Friendship Center - St. Elizabeth's HouseReports to: Director of Client ServicesFSLA Status: Full-Time Nonexempt Scheduled Work Times: Tuesday - Saturday, 6:30am - 2:30pmLocation: 118 Main Street, Hartford, CT Job Summary The Friendship Center Coordinator is a key member of the St. Elizabeth's House Team who oversees the operation and smooth day-to-day functioning of Mercy Housing's Friendship Center. This position will assist all guests with meeting their needs while establishing and maintaining an environment for clients that is consistent with agency values. Specific duties include oversite of day shelter activities including food distribution, volunteer engagement, monitoring safety/security of the facility, case management, and data collection. This position will work in conjunction with the day shelter monitors, volunteer coordinator, outreach worker and Director of Client Services. This position is classified as ESSENTIAL; therefore, the employee must report for work when scheduled, regardless of weather or other conditions that affect travel. Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitors and supervises the Friendship Center and client affairs; assists clients with needs and questions; and maintains shelter order in accordance with policies.
• Welcomes new Friendship Center clients, completes data paperwork, creates client files in HMIS, and orients new clients
• Enforces shelter policies and follows staff policies and procedures. Follows all established security procedures. Interacts with ambulance and police department according to established policies
• Performs general administrative functions such as noting within the communication log, answering the phone, and responding to in-person inquiries in a professional manner. Provides appropriate information and referrals for those who need other resources.
• Provides in-house referrals in writing to Outreach Worker and works in conjunction with worker as needed.
• Works with Director of Client Services and Cook to assure food served is sufficient and of quality.
• Monitors the activities of clients to ensure the safety of clients, volunteers, and staff.
• Helps clients resolve any issues as they may arise.
• Helps volunteers with questions or issues when necessary.
• Provides crisis intervention as needed, including determining when it is necessary to involve other staff, administration, or the authorities. Demonstrates the ability to deescalate situations and maintain control of the group.
• Maintains written and oral communication of incidents in accordance with policies.
• Completes and/or assures completion of COVID protocols including cleaning & disinfecting Friendship Center Room.
• Attends staff meetings and participates in activities designated by the director or management
• Check the first aid kit monthly to ensure that all necessary supplies are available in case of need.
• Perform any other tasks as assigned that will assist the agency in carrying out its mission.
• Treat all clients with dignity and respect, prioritize client needs, and advocate for the people we serve.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information.
• Promote the human dignity, rights, safety, and wellbeing of clients served.
• Professionally and ethically handle agency and client property.
• Fulfill all responsibilities as a mandatory reporter.
• Display a positive attitude towards clients, programs, and the agency.
• Demonstrate good communication with clients, supervisors, peers, outside resources and family/guardians.
• Adhere to all applicable regulations, laws and policies/procedures and know and understand your job description.
• Submit paperwork and meet job responsibility deadlines as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities: This position will supervise the Friendship Center Monitor position as well as assist the Volunteer Coordinator with supervision of community service workers and/or volunteers. Education and Experience
• As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of Mercy Housing & Shelter and be driven by the mission of the organization.
• Minimum bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or Criminal Justice
• At least two years' experience working in Human Services working with one or more of the following: individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health related issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS related issues, and with those living in poverty preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries in working with clients.
• Knowledge of community resources in the Hartford metro area.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with demanding and competing deadlines, superior organizational skills, and the ability to maintain a quality workplace in a diverse, fast paced, stressful and changing environment.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude, self-motivation, organization, and resourcefulness while maintaining a reputation through proven action of being team and client oriented and willing to assist where/when needed.
• Ability to negotiate different personalities and work under competing priorities.
• Ability to assess emergency situations and respond effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal skills in the English language. Bilingual English-Spanish preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other applications as well as experience using and entering data into HMIS or other client databases.
• Must be prompt and dependable.
• Two-three years supervisory experience a plus. Certificates, Licenses, RegistrationsMust have valid Connecticut driver's license and clean driving record with proof of automobile insurance. Salary Up to $36,000 annually Physical Demands
• Ability and willingness to perform light housekeeping and lifting up to 30 pounds independently.
• Ability to stand on feet for periods of time. CHA, My Sisters' Place and Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. PI133150999

Keywords: Mercy Housing and Shelter, Hartford , Friendship Center Coordinator, Other , Hartford, Connecticut