Shelter General Worker

Position Summary

Job Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Support activities in all areas of the shelter including Registration, Reception, Dormitory, Feeding and any other areas as assigned by the Shelter Shift Supervisor.
• Support inventory activities as needed in the shelter
• Support residents in shelter setting with general needs, guide them to provided services and help to ensure they are moving toward recovery.
• Building and supporting shelter set up activities as directed by the Shelter Shift Supervisor/Manager. This may include cot set up, signs, tables, recreation, registration, moving supplies, feeding activities, supporting counts and monitoring numbers for areas in accordance with directions from the Shelter Shift Supervisor/Manager.
• Support assigned areas as needed with monitoring for safety hazards, rumors, incidents, or threats and report them immediately to Shelter Shift Supervisor.
• Guide the community members within the shelter to locations and services available to them.
• Support shelter demobilization procedures as needed.
• Each area will have different job duties and responsibilities to include but not be limited to:
  • Feeding
    • Provide support for feeding shelter residents, by setting up for mealtimes, supporting snacks tables, serving meals, clean-up, sanitizing, inventory, meal counts, and any other support as directed by Shelter Shift Supervisor/Manager.
  • Dormitory
    • Provide support for the dormitory area in the shelter by setting up cots, tarps, keeping areas clean and safe, supporting clients needs, may be directed to provide counts, demobilization as clients leave the shelter and any other support as needed.
  • Registration
    • Assist in the registration area by preparing the space for incoming and waiting residents, supporting families with registration forms, setting up tables and resident sign-in/out sheets, notifying the Shelter Shift Supervisor of any visitors, demobilizing the area when needed, and providing additional support as required.
• Completes all required training necessary to remain proficient.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Able to follow procedures and job tools including reporting requirements.
• Able to interact with shelter residents in a clear, compassionate manner, respectful of diversity and unique needs.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment keeping in mind the shelter residents and their impact from the disaster.
• Able to follow directions and ability to solve minor issues, escalate challenges and request support as needed.
• Able to work well with others in a high stress environment.
• Able to support multiple areas of a shelter with little to no supervision for an extended period.
• Ability to engage the appropriate individuals in resolving problems and conflicts.
• Able to gather, evaluate, and report information accurately.
• Able to bend or stoop multiple times.
• Able to step up/down 18 inches and climb two or more flights of stairs.
• Able to speak clearly on the phone and in person.
• Able to drive in daytime and at night.
• Able to work outdoors in inclement weather, extreme heat and/or humidity and/or extreme cold.
• Able to function in a dynamic and stressful environment with little or no supervision, adapting to change, negotiating compromise, and tolerating ambiguity.
• Able to participate in regular meetings.
• Must have good organizational skills and be accountable.
• Must have active listening skills.
• Able to follow the directions of supervisors and managers to ensure shelter runs effectively
• Maintains familiarity with current standards, regular participation in sheltering cadre activities.
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Ability to pass a drug screen.
• Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions in English. 
• Some staff members should be able to operate dollies, hand carts, and pallet jacks.
• Mobility required to travel to disaster sites and affected communities working on-site
• Ability to work up to twelve-hour shifts and maintain flexibility for longer shifts as needed.
• The ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time if needed.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma
• Minimum 18 years of age 
• Some experience in customer services or social services preferred. 
• Experienced handling time sensitive issues that may arise in your area of responsibility. 
• Valid Driver’s License
• Familiar with MS Office and/or various other Web Interface programs.
• Prior experience in disaster recovery (CDBG-DR or FEMA Programs) or mitigation is an asset, preferred.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work in disaster-impacted areas and austere environments.
• General Physical Activities - include sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, and use of hands and fingers.
• Lifting and Carrying - ability to lift and carry equipment during field inspections, move up to 25 pounds.
  • Some staff may be required to lift a minimum of 50lbs without assistance and 100lbs with assistance.
• Tolerance for outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and uneven terrain.
• Duration and Repetition - prolonged periods of standing, walking, or computer use, and repetitive motions.