Emergency Services Weekend Support Staff

BACKGROUND

REST exists to expand pathways to freedom, safety and hope in order to end sex trafficking. REST offers programs that are centered on the strengths, needs, and individual choices of each survivor we serve. We offer a continuum of care that includes outreach, a 24/7 hotline, community advocates, emergency shelter, and housing services. We are inspired by our faith as a Christian organization, are dedicated to serving people of all faith backgrounds, and do not require faith engagement. Our culture is influenced by our values of belonging, honor, trustworthiness, and tenacity.

All applicants for positions at REST are considered for employment without attention to race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status or disability status. This position is open to cisgender and transgender females as the primary work location is for women only. As a Christian organization, this position works in harmony with the organization’s statement of faith and supports the spiritual health of the organization.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Emergency Services Weekend Support Staff position is a part of the Emergency Services team, who are responsible for coverage in the REST’s Emergency Receiving Center (ERC) and 24/7 hotline. The ERC is a short-term emergency shelter for adult women who have experienced sex trafficking or the sex trade. Guests can stay at the shelter in individual rooms for an initial 30 days, with the option for ongoing extensions of 30 days depending on individual self-identified needs and engagement in services. Guests of the ERC receive stabilizing support like crisis intervention, referrals for on-site medical, mental health, and substance use treatment, and support groups. REST’s 24/7 hotline responds to calls from survivors, providing resources, information, and emotional support. Support Staff are often the first point of contact clients make when accessing shelter and hotline services with REST, and play a critical role in ensuring services are running smoothly. Central to this position is the ability to develop trusting relationships while maintaining policies and procedures to ensure safe and effective programming. All members of the Emergency Services team work cohesively to support the individual physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of guests.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Familiar with resources and services that meet the needs of shelter guests
• Consistent presence in the shelter and on the hotline, building relationships with guests, providing acceptance and unconditional care
• Collaborative team player working to ensure comprehensive care for guests
• Create a safe, trauma-informed, and supportive shelter environment
• Provide warmth, inspiration, and caring accountability to assist clients in reaching their self-identified goals
• Provide culturally responsive care for all guests, interns, and volunteers
• Responsible for daily operations of the program, including administrative tasks and facilities upkeep, laundry, and maintaining cleanliness and health standards
• Become knowledgeable of other community and area service provider resources to make referrals
• Assist in connecting clients to services that fit their needs and culture
• Utilize prevention and de-escalation tactics to avoid violence or escalated behavior problems, following REST’s escalation protocol
• Answer, respond to, and log calls coming in through the REST Hotline
• Offer emotional support and referrals to callers on the 24/7 REST hotline, increasing callers’ awareness of available resources to meet their immediate needs
• Participate in all necessary Emergency Services and REST staff meetings and trainings
• Maintain case notes and files in an orderly, up-to-date manner
• Responsible for facility oversight and security during shifts
• Be mindful to help build a culture of cooperation and positive support
• Sort, report, and distribute gift-in-kind donations
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Understanding of the various types of trauma and effects of complex trauma
• Ability to respond to crisis and/or escalated behavior with calm and confidence
• Able to thrive in an intense and often times unpredictable work environment
• Ability to organize, discern, and problem-solve creatively
• Flexible – able to respond to directives in a timely manner
• Ability to maintain a positive collaborative relationship among staff
• Strong self-awareness, coping skills, emotion regulation, and conflict resolution
• Able to move freely throughout REST’s facilities, including ascending and descending stairs
• Able to effectively work in a diverse workplace, and be self-aware regarding issues of race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion/ spirituality, and disability
• Ability to work in harmony with the REST statement of faith and nurture the spiritual health of the team
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Must have reliable transportation, current auto insurance, and a clean driving record
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and move up and down stairs

Preferred

• Proven experience in caretaking and customer service, preferably in a shelter setting.
• Able to engage in active listening and communication to relay accurate information
• Technology skills: Apple products, iPhone & iMac, Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Dropbox, email, basic computer skills
• Knowledge and ability to speak another language are welcome

SCHEDULE

Weekend hours of Saturday and Sunday 6am-2pm. This position works in a 24/7 shelter, and some holiday and outside hours are required. Staff are able to work additional shifts when other staff are on vacation, sick, or there are time gaps to fill.

COMPENSATION

The compensation amount for this position is up to $27.30 an hour.

LOCATION

REST’s office is located in South Seattle.

BENEFITS

Part-Time benefits (working less than 32 hours/week): include accrued safe and sick time based on the hours worked, one paid mental health hour each week, and a 403b retirement plan.

JOB CONDITIONS

This position encounters a variety of daily work situations, including complex situations that require immediate attention and decision-making. There may be both routine and complex interpersonal interactions to navigate with care and thoughtfulness. Processes may change based on changing needs of the organization, new technology, or new ideas for efficiency. Position operates as part of a team and engages in on-site work that may require time spent sitting, standing, walking up and down stairs, driving, and transporting items. Position works under occasional time constraints to meet objectives, and performs computer work, including using a keyboard, looking at a screen, using the internet, email, phone, and video conferencing.