Staffing
OVERVIEW
The agency will hire 12 staff members for the Stay Over Program (SOP). The SOP staff will not have responsibilities for the larger agency program but will be 100% committed to this project. Each SOP team member will work cooperatively with agency leadership, school partners and community stakeholders with the singular focus to provide coordinated, compassionate, and high-quality services to youth and families from within the school district experiencing homelessness. The 12 key employees represent four distinct job titles of Program Manager, Site Coordinator, Shelter Monitor and Custodian. All staff will work full-time on this project (1.0 FTE).
The Program Manager will report to the Director of Housing and Shelter Programs. The rest of the SOP staff will report to the Program Manager. The singular focus is to provide stability to the children and their families who have multiple needs that far exceed having a roof over their heads. Children that experience homelessness often face trauma that can lead to developmental delays, poor academic performance and challenges that extend from childhood through adulthood. SOP’s comprehensive family program provides a holistic response to the complex challenges facing families that are currently unhoused.
Strong SOP candidates that will succeed contribute to the following pillars:
Thrives working with a multi-generational team in a mission-focused environment.
Employs language justice and cultural competency with dignity and respect.
Utilizes high level of customer service and client-centric skills with a trauma-informed lens.
Enjoys contributing to a family-friendly culture and understands meeting basic human needs.
Positions Outline
Given the strict schedule of a 12-hour (or 24-hour) family emergency shelter, there are four job titles that are instrumental to the operations within the SOP. The SOP equips children and their parents and caregivers to create the foundation for achievement by fostering children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and academic skills and by cultivating strong, supportive families. The following highlights some key duties for each role and does not represent the totality of each job.
Program Manager
As a leader, this role involves program planning, implementation, and evaluation with assistance from the agency. A critical task is to provide pertinent shelter data to agency leadership for contract and grant reporting. Database management skills are a plus given this grant compliance job task. This role will also include reporting issues requiring repairs and maintenance of the shelter site.
Site Coordinator
This team member coordinates and implements all SOP project activities at the family shelter. The Site Coordinator works closely with the Program Manager and may mentor or supervise program staff, as needed. Key team activities involve setting up the space (which can include up to 45 semi-private family quarters), assigning household shower times and organizing dinner and breakfast. As part of a Community School framework, it is crucial that the needs of the people served, and their unique voices are heard. Conducting a thorough assessment to identify community needs and gaps in services is a crucial responsibility in this role, as well as completing an evaluation of activities to inform future programming.
Shelter Monitor
The integral role of a Shelter Monitor (or Shelter Lead) is to ensure the operation and security of the shelter site and supervise the youth and families participating in SOP. Mediation and de-escalating conflicts between guests and/or within families is key as well as scheduling shelter hearings. As a mandated reporter, the Shelter Monitor will report any instances of child abuse/neglect as needed.
Custodian
Essential responsibilities in this position include routine cleaning, maintenance and general upkeep of the shelter facilities and moving equipment and furniture when necessary. This role creates a living and learning environment that is inviting and in good repair, and communicates respect, care, and physical safety. Ensuring building security and welfare, including locking doors after operating hours, and monitoring premises are inherent functions.
Crucial to the SOP is strong third-party partners that provide additional support, enrichment, and person-centered services, including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and other opportunities throughout the weekend shelter stay.
These activities offer healthy engagement that helps build community relationships and offer students and their families time together as they create permanent sustainable change in their lives.