SUMMARY

The Open Pantry Teen Parenting Program is a residential program for teenage parents and their children. The Relief Staff is responsible for all aspects of shelter operation during his/her shift including maintenance of the house and supervision of families.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Have Knowledge of house rules/expectations and logs any infractions of those rules.
• Attend to assigned household tasks such as laundry, remaking rooms, etc.
• Attend staff meetings and training as required.
• Complete hourly house checks for purposes of safety and security.
• Participate in shift change at beginning and end of shift.
• Answer phone and take messages.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in staff office.
• Build and maintain respectful helping relationship with clients.
• Supervise curfews and bedtimes when applicable.
• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of the specialty.
• Attend & participate in engagement team meetings, follow up with client service plans and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other specialty areas.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience working with homeless and/or teens preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Bi-lingual preferred.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

• Directly reports to program director.
• Direct reports of this position are N/A.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to climb three flights of stairs as there is no elevator in the program.
• Must be able to climb up and down the stairs throughout your entire assigned shift.
• Program is not handicapped accessible.
• Must be able to work overnight.
• Assigned chores may include bending and stooping, carrying, light lifting and pushing.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The program is operated out of a three-story house located in the North end of Springfield, MA. Staff is required to do hourly house checks and be able to respond to guests needs on all floors. There is minimal lifting involved. Driving is also a requirement as the program is required to pick up all referrals to the program. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Relief Staff will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.