Shelter Care Coordinator

Under the direct supervision of the Youth Programs Supervisor, The Youth Shelter Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Porch Light Project youth emergency shelter. The coordinator will facilitate daily supervision, follow up, and monitor client care while maintaining required licensing criteria as set forth by the department of children and family services licensing representative in connection with Midwest Youth Services best practice, policy, and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge and skills in the field of childcare, at risk youth, and trauma informed status necessary. Ability to communicate effectively with participants in order to support, encourage, lead, and motivate positive behavior. Ability to work independently, communicate with program supervisor and collaborative partners, and maintain policy and procedure expectations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following.

• Represent the agency in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Promote a welcoming and trauma informed space to youth in shelter, donors, staff, and community visits.
• Conduct initial intakes, inventory, and gather new information on youth being placed in shelter per established policy and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and safe shelter environment, ensuring adherence to security protocols, managing daily routines, meal plans, shelter supplies, and coordinating with staff accordingly.
• Generate monthly schedules for staffing of the shelter based on part time availability, activities, and monthly needs.
• Participate in de-escalating conflicts and crisis resolution of youth in shelter, provide immediate support to sheltered youth and shelter staff.
• Maintain daily documentation of client records and tracking services rendered.
• Ensure shifts/program staff are adhering to expectations of the shelter operations within a trauma informed lens.
• Distribute food, clothing, hygiene, and essential supplies to youth as needed while maintaining appropriate documentation and inventory processes.
• Facilitate recreational activities for youth on a monthly calendar basis in line with trauma informed protocols, safety and security of youth participants, and in line with budget allowable.
• Facilitate monthly meal plans for youth in shelter, log and label received meals, and plan for donation or disposal of expired food materials.
• Building relationships with local agencies and organizations to identify additional resources and support for sheltered youth.
• Facilitate and coordinate daytime transportation to school and appointments for youth currently housed in shelter. When more than one youth are housed at a time the coordinator will facilitate a plan to address all youth needs with the youth programs supervisor for dissemination to full time program staff.
• Maintain regular supervisions, debrief, and establish effective written and verbal communications with the Youth Programs Supervisor.
• Facilitate annual licensing renewals and ensure a smooth evaluation process for the DCFS licensing representative.