Winter Intake Specialist

Job Description

SAWC Winter Intake Specialist Position Description

Reports to: Assessment Team Manager

Position Type: Part-Time, Seasonal, In person at Delonis and offsite locations

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves nearly 1500 people annually.

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Mission:

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Position Description:

The Winter Intake Specialist completes intakes for the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County’s (SAWC) winter programs in the evening hours (5pm to 10pm at least 4 to 5 days a week, ranging between 20 to 25 hours a week). As clients enter the shelter for the first time, the specialist will complete an intake in the Homeless Management and Information System (HMIS). The Winter Intake Specialist is a seasonal position (October to May) to support the winter programs and conduct an HMIS assessment with each individual accessing shelter. This position works in tandem with a part time, second winter intake specialist to ensure clients have access to intake 7 days a week. Hourly pay is $19.68.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adhere to NASW Code of Ethics.
• Commitment to SAWC’s mission of ending homelessness.
• Be familiar with and implement SAWC policies and procedures.
• Ensure winter program participants are referred by coordinated entry, also known as the Housing Access of Washtenaw County (HAWC).
• Monitor, track, and communicate to staff the program participants who have yet to receive a coordinated entry referral and winter program assessment using a Master List.
• Aid in completion and coordination of client intakes/assessments using HMIS.
• Document various client information and activities in HMIS and staff notes professionally and appropriately.
• Assess client’s immediate needs and connect to appropriate shelter services and external resources.
• Connect client with Diversion Specialist/Case Manager when living with supports is an option.
• Be willing to travel to offsite shelter locations when needed to complete intakes with additional clients.
• Be willing to complete intakes in person at the Delonis Center.
• Support with data reports and monitoring needs for winter programs.

Qualifications:

Associates Degree, professional certification, BS or BA in Social Work or related field.  1-2 or more years’ experience with the Homeless Management & Information System (HMIS). Must have good verbal and written communication skills. Must have strong critical thinking skills. Must have a positive attitude, be open to change, and eager to be a part of achieving greater mission of ending homelessness. Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Access.

Requirements:

• Able to work as a team member
• Utilize good judgment and clear thinking in crisis situations.
• High degree of cultural competency and equity lens
• Able to be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations and the primacy of client needs.
• Commitment to economic justice, civil and human rights issues.
• Mature in nature and professional in action.
• Valid Michigan Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Perks:

• The Specialist will work closely alongside another part time Winter Intake Specialist and these two positions will operate as a team to complete client intakes and connect each client to resources.
• Initial Training will be provided onsite at the Delonis Center.
• Position is set to start 4th week of October, before winter program begins on November 7th
• 5pm to 10pm, five days a week is preferred, but can arrange an alternative evening schedule upon hire

Health and Safety during COVID-19

The Shelter Association is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our clients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially imperative as we work with a vulnerable population and this position requires in-person work. To do this we are partnered with our local Public Health department and have enacted significant health and safety measures including:

• Health and Safety training provided for all new and current staff
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training and supplies provided
• Weekly COVID-19 testing for clients and staff
• Rigorous onsite cleaning protocols
• Social distancing strictly enforced
• Physical barriers including plexiglass dividers in place when needed
• Health and safety screening for each individual entering the premises
• Coordination with local hospital systems and Public Health

Application Process:

Please go to annarborshelter.org/employment to submit your resume and cover letter by October 25th, 2024. You may also apply on job sites directly. Please apply early as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Last updated on Oct 16, 2024