Position title:

Housing Crisis Specialist -  MSW – (1.0 FTE)

Reports to:

Housing Crisis Supervisor

Full/Part time:

Full-Time

FLSA status:

Exempt

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Work Location:

River Street

Department:

Housing Crisis

Supervises:

May supervise volunteers

Posting begin date:

9-3-2010

Posting end date:

Until filled

JOB APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Send résumé and letter to hr@soscs.org EOE

POSITION PURPOSE: 

Assure the efficient and effective functioning of the Housing Crisis Program. Provide crisis intervention and assist consumers requesting help. Provide case management support services to help at-risk families remain stably housed. Ensure effective and efficient triage for all housing crisis consumers.  Work in & foster an effective team environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Housing Crisis Program Responsibilities:

• Serve as a member of the “Housing Crisis Services Team” in the delivery of crisis intervention and direct service utilizing the Empathy Model
• Assist in coordination of primary need protocol for all housing emergency contacts
• Provide assessments for housing crisis assistance including telephone and walk-in intakes, advocacy and referral to community agencies for all program areas
• Perform psycho-social assessments for at-risk families participating in case management to assure that barriers to housing stability are addressed
• Develop and monitor Housing Plans and provide follow up services to all families receiving financial assistance.
• Provide ongoing support, mentoring, and impart programmatic knowledge to volunteers and student interns
• Assure that all programs and services reflect agency’s commitment to diversity, equity, and multicultural competence
• Attend interagency meetings as requested
• Assist in volunteer training as assigned
• Analyze and identify barriers to housing with all consumers

Crisis Line Support Responsibilities:

• Responds to callers on the Crisis Line using the Empathy Model
• Assures that callers leaving messages receive a full assessment intake within 48 hours of their initial  contact
• Responsible for becoming knowledgeable and familiar with local housing resources, local landlords and low income  properties in Washtenaw County
• Assist with data entry and/or tracking of phone logs
• Provides Shift Support to interns, volunteers, or work study students as needed

Washtenaw Homeless Management Information System (HMIS):

• Perform data entry of consumer records in HMIS in “real time”
• Correct in a timely manner any errors discovered by data entry audit for which employee is responsible for having entered
• Participate in Service Point training sessions as requested

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively support the SOS commitment to diversity in all areas and responsibilities
• Uphold and ensure appropriate enforcement of all agency policies and practices
• Participate in community relations and outreach tasks as directed and required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• MSW or MA  in Social Sciences with at least one year of relevant experience
• Experience and understanding of homeless families with a sensitivity of the special needs of minorities, women and low-income populations
• Experience in crisis intervention, housing assistance, case management and advocacy
• Knowledge of community resources, particularly Department of Human Services (DHS) benefits, and housing subsidy programs
• Ability to plan and organize the work of others
• Experience supervising volunteers preferred.
• Ability to speak and write in a concise and effective manner
• Ability to deal effectively with the public
• Ability to set up and maintain an organized work environment
• Ability to prioritize work assignments
• Ability to work in a team environment, to put personal preferences aside for the good of the team and the consumers the agency serves
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work under pressure and to solve problems
• Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, and Excel is required
• Ability to accurately type and perform data entry is required
• Maintain compliance with the Substance Free Work Place Act, the Privacy Act and Federal, State and local laws regarding professional standards of conduct

Position title:

Housing Crisis Specialist -  BSW – (1.0 FTE)

Reports to:

Housing Crisis Supervisor

Full/Part time:

Full-Time

FLSA status:

Exempt

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Work Location:

River Street

Department:

Housing Crisis

Supervises:

May supervise volunteers

Posting begin date:

9-3-2010

Posting end date:

Until filled

JOB APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Send résumé and letter to hr@soscs.org EOE

POSITION PURPOSE:

Assure the efficient and effective functioning of the Housing Crisis program. Provide crisis intervention and assist consumers requesting help. Provide case management support services to help at-risk families remain stably housed. Work in & foster an effective team environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Housing Crisis Program Responsibilities:

Serve as a member of the “Housing Crisis Services Team” in the delivery of crisis intervention and direct service utilizing the Empathy Model

• Provide assessments for housing crisis assistance including telephone and walk-in intakes, advocacy and referral to community agencies for all program areas
• Perform psycho-social assessments for at-risk families participating in case management to assure that barriers to housing stability are addressed
• Develop and monitor Housing Plans and provide follow up services to all families receiving financial assistance.
• Provide ongoing support, mentoring, and impart programmatic knowledge to volunteers and student interns
• Assure that all programs and services reflect agency’s commitment to diversity, equity, and multicultural competence
• Attend interagency meetings as requested
• Assist in volunteer training as assigned
• Analyze and identify barriers to housing with all consumers

Crisis Line Support Responsibilities:

• Responds to callers on the Crisis Line using the Empathy Model
• Assures that callers leaving messages receive a full assessment intake within 48 hours of their initial contact
• Responsible for becoming knowledgeable and familiar with local housing resources, local landlords and low income  properties in Washtenaw County
• Assist with data entry and/or tracking of phone logs
• Provides Shift Support to interns or work study students as needed

Washtenaw Homeless Management Information System (HMIS):

• Perform data entry of consumer records in HMIS in “real time”
• Correct in a timely manner any errors discovered by data entry audit for which employee is responsible for having entered
• Participate in Service Point training sessions as requested

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively support the SOS commitment to diversity in all areas and responsibilities
• Uphold and ensure appropriate enforcement of all agency policies and practices
• Participate in community relations and outreach tasks as directed and required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• BSW or BA  in Social Sciences with at least one year of relevant experience
• Experience and understanding of homeless families with a sensitivity of the special needs of minorities, women and low-income populations
• Experience in crisis intervention, housing assistance, case management and advocacy
• Knowledge of community resources, particularly Department of Human Services (DHS) benefits, and housing subsidy programs
• Ability to plan and organize the work of others
• Experience supervising volunteers preferred.
• Ability to speak and write in a concise and effective manner
• Ability to deal effectively with the public
• Ability to set up and maintain an organized work environment
• Ability to prioritize work assignments
• Ability to work in a team environment, to put personal preferences aside for the good of the team and the consumers the agency serves
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work under pressure and to solve problems
• Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, and Excel is required
• Ability to accurately type and perform data entry is required
• Maintain compliance with the Substance Free Work Place Act, the Privacy Act and Federal, State and local laws regarding professional standards of conduct

Position title:

Volunteer Recruitment Specialist 

Reports to:

Development Director

Full/Part time:

Part-Time

20 hours/week

FLSA status:

Non-Exempt

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Work Location:

Huron St.

Department:

Development

Supervises:

May supervise volunteers

Posting begin date:

7/21/10

Posting end date:

Until filled

JOB APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Send résumé and letter to hr@soscs.org EOE

POSITION PURPOSE:

This position is responsible for the recruitment, placement and support of the SOS volunteer program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Recruit a diverse group of volunteers
• Assist staff in designing volunteer opportunities within their specific programs.
• Develop and sustain relationships with individuals and leaders within local organizations to facilitate the recruitment of volunteers. (e.g. institutes of higher education, religious organizations, retiree groups, and corporations)
• Direct and conduct evaluation of volunteer activity and report relevant findings to appropriate staff
• Administer and manage a volunteer database, track volunteer hours and activities and report volunteer information and outcomes to appropriate staff and administration; ensure that volunteer data is accurately maintained for financial reporting
• Develop and implement a stewardship program for volunteers
• Encourage volunteers to become donors
• Schedule volunteers at various SOS events and projects
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Volunteer program and its impact on consumers, fundraising, and community involvement

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES::

1. Actively support the SOS commitment to diversity in all areas and responsibilities
2. Uphold and ensure appropriate enforcement of all agency policies and practices
3. Participate in community relations and outreach tasks as directed and required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.A. or B.S in Social Work, Education, Business, or equivalent relevant experience
• Two years experience staffing volunteer programs
• Prior employment history of working with diverse populations in public and/or private sectors
• Demonstrated skills in community outreach and public relations
• Ability to speak and write in a clear, concise and effective manner
• Ability to speak in public at ease and with clarity required
• Ability to function independently as well as part of a team, to put personal preferences aside for the good of the team and the consumers the agency serves
• Ability to set up and maintain an organized work environment
• Experience using a database for volunteer management and reporting
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and data management required
• Experience in data collection and reporting systems
• Flexible Schedule (work on volunteer projects and events during sporadic evenings and weekends)
• Possession of own transportation to do outreach on a regular basis
• Possession of valid MI Driver’s License in good standing that meets agency insurance standards is essential
• Maintain compliance with the Substance Free Work Place Act, the Privacy Act and Federal, State, and local laws regarding professional standards of conduct.

Position title:

Food Program Coordinator and Case Manager

Reports to:

Housing Crisis Supervisor

Full/Part time:

Full-Time

FLSA status:

Exempt

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Posting begin date:

August 6, 2010

Posting end date:

Until Filled

JOB APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Send resume and cover letter to hr@soscs.org

POSITION PURPOSE:   Assure the efficient and effective functioning of the Emergency Food Distribution program. Provide crisis intervention and assist consumers requesting help. Provide case management support services to help at-risk families remain stably housed. Work in & foster an effective team environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

I.   Housing Crisis Program Responsibilities:

• Serve as a member of the “Housing Crisis Services Team” in the delivery of crisis intervention and direct service utilizing the Empathy Model
• Provide assessments for housing crisis assistance including intake, advocacy and referral to community agencies for all program areas
• Perform psycho-social assessments for at-risk families participating in case management to assure that barriers to housing stability are addressed
• Develop and monitor Family Action Plans for families participating in case management services and participate in case reviews
• Provide ongoing support, mentoring, and impart programmatic knowledge to volunteers and student interns
• Assure that all programs and services reflect agency’s commitment to diversity, equity, and multicultural competence
• Attend interagency meetings as requested
• Assist in volunteer training as assigned
• Retrieve messages, log, and return calls from the Housing Crisis voice mail within 48 hours

II.   Food Distribution Program Responsibilities

• Manage the Emergency Food Distribution  program
• Continually asses the programs protocol for assessments of consumers and make necessary changes. Communicate guidelines to recipients in a clear and consistent manner
• Develop and implement quarterly informational workshops, e.g., heart healthy cooking, nutritional meal planning, diabetic meal planning using food pantries, etc.
• Coordinate Focus Hope food distribution program for seniors
• Maintain appropriate ongoing relationships with agencies that support the food program (e.g., Food Gatherers, Focus Hope, etc.).
• Assist Development Team in soliciting food/personal needs donation activities
• Ensure food pantry and cooler is always clean and organized according to Food Gatherer’s Food Pantry Maintenance Schedule
• Assure clean-up of all food distribution areas, including the outdoors, following food distribution activities
• Review Food Gatherers inventory weekly and place orders in a timely manner adhering to budgetary guidelines and balancing nutritional offerings. Communicate order to Accounting on a weekly basis
• Review Food Bank orders at the time of delivery to ensure that all products invoiced are received and any discrepancies must be immediately reported to appropriate vendors.  Packing slip should be sent immediately to Accounting
• Plan and coordinate the process of distributing food. Product should be put away and distributed to ensure that product  “first in - first out” (FIFO)
• Ensure food distribution days are appropriately staffed for all elements of the program
• Train and direct volunteers to unload food, pack pantry shelves, pack and distribute food bags, and to stock the Food Pantry
• Update and maintain food program database, generate program reports quarterly and annually, and create updated weekly consumer list for food distribution hours to ensure program usage limits
• Actively participate in the Consumer Satisfaction Survey process especially during food distribution hours

III.   Washtenaw Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

• Perform data entry of consumer records in HMIS in “real time”
• Correct in a timely manner any errors discovered by data entry audit for which employee is responsible for having entered
• Run monthly reports to assure program compliance and progress on outcomes
• Participate in Service Point training sessions as requested

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively support the SOS commitment to diversity in all areas and responsibilities
• Uphold and ensure appropriate enforcement of all agency policies and practices
• Participate in community relations and outreach tasks as directed and required

BASIC Qualifications::

• BSW or BA in Social Sciences with at least one year of relevant experience
• ServeSafe certified or able to satisfactorily complete the training
• Experience and understanding of homeless families with a sensitivity of the special needs of minorities, women and low-income populations
• Experience in crisis intervention, case management and advocacy
• Knowledge of community resources, particularly Department of Human Services (DHS) benefits
• Ability to plan and organize the work of others
• Experience supervising volunteers preferred.
• Ability to speak and write in a concise and effective manner
• Ability to deal effectively with the public
• Ability to set up and maintain an organized work environment
• Ability to prioritize work assignments
• Ability to work in a team environment, to put personal preferences aside for the good of the team and the consumers the agency serves
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work under pressure and to solve problems
• Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, and Excel is required
• Ability to accurately type and perform data entry is required
• Maintain compliance with the Substance Free Work Place Act, the Privacy Act and Federal, State and local laws regarding professional standards of conduct
• Ability to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds and to repeatedly climb stairs required

Position title:

Child Care Teacher

Reports to:

Children’s Services Supervisor

Full/Part time:

Full-Time

FLSA status:

Exempt

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Posting begin date:

August 6, 2010

Posting end date:

Until Filled

JOB APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Send resume and cover letter to hr@soscs.org

POSITION PURPOSE:   Assists Time for Tots Coordinator in developing and implementing curriculum and activities that are age appropriate, culturally sensitive, and support developmental tasks. Ensures children receive daily exposure in all developmental areas, including physical, social, emotional, and intellectual. Responsible for planning and implementing individualized, daily educational program activities for children ages 0-5. Ensures that State Licensing requirements are met within the classroom at all times. Works in a team environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Provide positive nurturing, direct care and support to all children in therapeutic child care program for homeless children.  Includes grouping of different age groups when needed.
• Under the guidance of the Children’s Services Supervisor and Time for Tots Coordinator, provide leadership in developing and implementing curriculum and activities that are age appropriate, culturally sensitive, and support developmental tasks.  Ensuring that children receive daily adequate exposure in all areas of development
• Under the guidance of the Supervisor and Coordinator, create developmentally appropriative lesson plans that capture all areas of development and include activities that will promote the goals from the children’s individualized plans.
• Assure that all materials, including books and posters, are culturally sensitive, reflect diversity, and are developmentally age appropriate.
• Maintain system to ensure ongoing record keeping of children’s daily activities and developments.  This would include daily logs for children under one year’s old, weekly logs for children over one year’s old, weight and height of children quarterly, and documentation of any questionable behavior ongoing whenever needed.  Assure that all documentation is non-judgmental.
• Provide regular and appropriate feedback to parents in regards to their children’s activities and well-being.  This feedback should include phone calls, letters, daily and weekly logs, and in person.  Provide parents with copies of weekly lesson plans, and individualized plans with suggested activities, to encourage parent’s assistance in reaching children’s goals.
• Ensure that State Licensing Regulations are being met within your classroom at all times.
• Ensure that Head Start requirements and Performance Standards are being met at all times.
• Assist with keeping the room and playground safe for our children at all times.  This may include cleaning and sanitizing.
• Provide initial assessment on every child within the first two weeks of care, using the Ages & Stage Questionnaire.  Thereafter the assessment will be administered quarterly.  Promote children’s goals created by the assessment through daily activities on lesson plans.
• Participate in team meetings on a regular basis, giving feedback about children’s progress and concerns to supervisor, team members, case managers and other appropriate staff as needed.
• Share feedback with team members on all areas of the daycare operation, to continually improve services to our families and promote team work.
• Orient volunteers on their first day and provide guidance while in the classrooms with them.
• Assist with coordinating daily activities of staff and volunteers in the room. 
• Assist with transportation by driving or riding along to help monitor children on the van/bus during pick up or drop off times.  Interact with parents when picking up or dropping off children. 

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively support the SOS’s mission and commitment to diversity in all areas and responsibilities
• Uphold and ensure appropriate enforcement of all agency policies and practices
• Participate in community relations and outreach tasks as directed and required

BASIC Qualifications:

• BA in Early Childhood Education or
• BA in Elementary Education plus a ZA endorsement (or it’s state equivalent)
• Three years experience in childcare setting working with children required.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with staff, parents and children.
• Knowledge of child cognitive, social, and skills development methods and techniques. 
• Knowledge of play, reading, and quiet-time activities for children.
• Child supervision skills.
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Ability to provide basic nutrition and hygiene services for infants and young children.
• Knowledge of childcare facility, services and/or staff licensure and certification requirements.
• Sensitivity and commitment to working with homeless, low income, at risk, and minority families a must.
• Knowledge and experience in substance abuse, mental illness, crisis intervention, homelessness, family support, poverty, and other related areas desired.
• Ability to lead and manage a diverse group of people.
• Ability to speak and write in a clear, concise and effective manner.
• Ability to organize, plan, and set goals for one self and for a team.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to set up and maintain an organized work environment.
• Ability to effectively facilitate team meetings.
• Ability to work in a team environment, to put personal preferences aside for the good of the team and the consumers.
• Ability to multitask.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, and Excel desired.
• Physical work is a primary part of job.  Ability to lift 40 lbs a must and ability to get on the floor with the children and to climb stairs is required
• Work involves moderate exposure to unpleasant odors
• Valid Michigan Drivers License in good standing that meets agency insurance standards a must
• Chauffer License required

Position title:

Children’s Services Coordinator II (FSN)

Reports to:

Children’s Services Supervisor

Full/Part time:

Full-Time

FLSA status:

Exempt

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Work Location:

River Street

Department:

Children’s Services

Supervises:

May mentor and supervise student interns, work-studies and volunteers

Posting begin date:

July 21, 2010

Posting end date:

Until Filled

JOB APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Send resume and cover letter to hr@soscs.org

POSITION PURPOSE:   Provide support to homeless parents and their children to address the health, education, and emotional needs of their children.  Coordinate children’s programming and serve as child consultants for the Time for Tots staff. Work in a team environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

I.  Program Responsibilities

• Coordinate and administer comprehensive assessments and evaluations of children in (Time for Tots and New Horizon participants) the Family Support Network and New Horizon participants
• Assist case managers in developing and implementing a “Children’s Service Plan” for homeless families to assure children’s health, education, and emotional needs are addressed
• Develop and facilitate parenting education seminars/classes for targeted populations including New Horizon participants.
• Assure appropriate day care/respite placement for all preschool children in Family Support Network programs
• Develop strategies to enhance parent/child interactions for targeted populations
• Assist in planning summer activities programming for school age homeless children
• Assure that all homeless children’s programs and services are age appropriate and culturally sensitive
• Provide linkages and therapeutic/social programming for parents in New Horizons

II.  Program Support

• Serve as the Family Support Network’s liaison to WISD/EPHY project to assure appropriate school placement and support services for children in shelter and transitional housing programs
• Develop and maintain knowledge of community organizations, counseling agencies, programs and other community referral resources providing services for children and youth
• Assure that all recordkeeping and grant-related reporting is completed in a timely fashion
• Assist in designing and implementing program outcomes evaluation
• Participate in the children’s services team
• Participate in appropriate inter-agency program planning for children’s services
• Assist in advocating for homeless children with community systems impacting their lives
• Assist in recruiting, training, coordinating, and supporting children’s services community volunteers
• Participate in coordinated care planning meetings with all Family Support Network partners as needed.
• Participate in the New Horizons Advisory Board Meetings

III. Washtenaw Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

• Perform data entry of consumer records on the Washtenaw Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in real time
• Correct in a timely manner any errors discovered by data entry audit for which employee is responsible for having entered
• Participate in Service Point training sessions as needed

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Actively support the SOS commitment to diversity in all areas and responsibilities
2. Uphold and ensure appropriate enforcement of all agency policies and practices
3. Participate in community relations and outreach tasks as directed and required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

MSW or BA degree plus 4 years' post B.A. experience, or equivalent relevant experience, required. Two years experience working in a human service setting providing direct service to children required. Knowledge, skill and commitment in working with economically distressed populations as well as sensitivity to the special needs of minorities, women, and low-income populations.  Knowledge and experience working in the areas of group counseling, parenting education and support, substance abuse, and direct service to children a must. Good writing and verbal skills necessary. Working knowledge of Word, Excel, and Outlook is required. Maintain compliance with the Substance Free Work Place Act, the Privacy Act and Federal, State, and local laws regarding professional standards of conduct.