Low Barrier Swing Staff

Description

Low Barrier SWING:

2nd Chance Shelter - Albany

Type: Full-Time, Swing Shift

Community Helping All Negotiate Chance Effectively (CHANCE) is a peer support center that uses non-clinical, peer-based activities that supports individuals to make the life changes necessary to recover from mental health, substance use disorder and/or houselessness. 

Position objective:

To provide compassionate, consistent, and safety-focused support to guests of a low-barrier shelter during swing shift hours. This role ensures a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment for individuals experiencing homelessness, many of whom may be navigating trauma, substance use, or mental health challenges. This position helps maintain a calm, clean, and respectful space while upholding shelter policies rooted in harm reduction and equity.

Job description:

This position plays a vital role in creating a safe, stable, and welcoming environment for individuals accessing low-barrier shelter services. This position is responsible for supporting guests during the swing shift by providing compassionate engagement, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the shelter space. This role is grounded in trauma-informed care, understands the complexities of homelessness, and is committed to upholding a nonjudgmental, equity-centered approach to service delivery

Duties and responsibilities:

• Welcome and check in residents. 
• Build rapport with residents while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• De-escalate conflicts using trauma informed care and non-violent communication skills.
• Provide referrals/information about community resources.
• Monitor the shelter space to ensure safety and adherence to shelter guidelines.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs and wellness checks.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents according to protocol.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in AWARDS and HMIS including documentation of check-in/intakes, exits, incidents, guest interactions, and progress notes
• Assist with light cleaning duties during the shift (e.g., trash, bathrooms, bedding, common areas).
• Prepare sleeping areas and supplies for overnight guests.
• Report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Communicate effectively with all staff and supervisors.
• Regularly attend and participate in team meetings and ongoing training 

Requirements

Qualifications/Requirements:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft suite)
• Must be able to pass a state background check
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask 
• Must follow CHANCE’s Code of Conduct, and policies and procedures
• Must maintain strict confidentiality

Skills:

• Consistently maintain a professional demeanor and encourage individual respect
• A team player who works collaboratively with others
• Ability to work effectively with peers, community partners, coworkers, general public, medical personnel, corrections personnel, police, and groups without bias
• Comfortable with and open to learning and applying new skills
• Knowledge of community and social service agencies preferred
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks, or able to use adaptive equipment to perform assigned tasks, if needed
• Ability to work in an environment where people may be hostile, while contributing to a therapeutic environment
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods or desire to be trained in them; feel comfortable asking for help if not trained in de-escalation 
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary documentation

Reports to: Shelter Director

How to apply: Indeed or Paylocity

Job Location: 2nd CHANCE Shelter Albany

Position type: Full Time, Saturday- Wednesday 3:30pm - Midnight 

CHANCE does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.