Human Computer Interaction Intern Jobs in Reno, NV

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 400 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for Day Shift Support Staff positions, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM at Our Place, Family Home. Our Place is a housing focused shelter designed to create a safe and stable environment for women and families who are experiencing homelessness. Our Place connects our guests with services and places them into permanent housing. Located on a 20-acre campus, this emergency shelter operates several homes, a welcome/intake center, dining hall, and a clothing boutique for 138 women, 38 families and 20 senior women and their animal companions. During the winter, Our Place also provides emergency housing for an additional 25 women. These are full-time positions. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Support Staff is responsible for compassionately and professionally assuring quality service in a safe, nonjudgmental manner to all program participants regarding the specific program objectives. Objectives include supportive interaction with program participants and team members, assessment of participants' needs, support for the safety and integrity of all residents, and performance of all work duties as required. Work is performed cost-effectively in a service-oriented manner related to established organizational standards.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Explain program rules and regulations to residents and facilitate participant observance of the rules.
2. Coordinate meal preparation/service, bed/sleeping assignments, showers, laundering, and other daily routines.
3. Provide “awake” shift coverage and maintain an engaging presence on the grounds.
4. Conduct regular wellness, safety and sanitation checks during designated periods.
5. Maintain daily reports to provide statistical information.
6. Perform housekeeping and other maintenance tasks, such as laundry, cleaning services or plunging the toilet. Prepare rooms and dorm areas for the next participant. Maintain and monitor staff area cleanliness to meet the county's health and sanitation requirements.
7. Respond to all participant questions and concerns.
8. Perform clerical duties on shift, including but not limited to, answering telephone, email correspondence, computer application, recording messages, sorting mail, and filing as necessary.
9. Maintain clear, thorough, routine communication with all participants.
10. May perform other duties as assigned.

B. Responsible for assistance with participant property management

1. Coordinates and inventories all participant property brought in the Our Place campus.
2. Provides participant property as requested.
3. Manages the storage of discarded or property left by exited participants based on a timeline in alignment with property policy.
4. Post removal notices of unattended belongings and bicycles not parked in the appropriate area.
5. Maintain safety and security of property at all times.

C. Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Document and report all client concerns and/or infractions that can impact the program's security.
2. Oversees and maintains proper linen documentation and inventory control.
3. Assist participants with replacements of linen.
4. Oversees restrooms/showers and laundry facilities.
5. Complete all shift logs, observation logs, and incident reports.
6. Monitor program equipment and supplies inventory and take appropriate action to replace or restock as needed.
7. Coordinate meal preparation/service, bed/sleeping assignments, showers, laundering, and other daily routines.
8. De-escalate crises before they develop and respond appropriately to emergencies, assisting participants and coworkers as needed
9. Coordinate and inventory participant property brought into the Campus.
10. Provide participant property as requested.
11. Manage the storage of discarded or left property in alignment with the property policy.
12. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resource needs necessary to attain performance standards.
13. Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and to accomplish program objectives.
14. Communicate with on-site program staff, Managers, service providers, and external county/state/city program representatives as required.
15. Comprehend and adhere to ethical standards, program philosophy guidelines, and confidentiality laws.

D. Responsible for assistance of training and development of new staff.

1. Identify appropriate ongoing training for new and existing staff and report needs to management.
2. Serve as part of the program development team by providing information and support for developing quality operations.
3. To ensure a safe work environment for clients and all personnel, maintain an above-average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards.

E. Responsible for assisting participants in the Boutique:

1. Assist participants in selecting appropriate clothing, shoes, and personal items.
2. Guide boutique policies and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
3. Sort, organize, and restock donations.
4. Monitor inventory levels and communicate shortages or high-demand items to the Manager.
5. Document the distribution of items to participants as required by shelter policies.
6. Coordinate with case managers and shelter staff to address specific participant needs.

F. Inclement Weather Overflow

1. Monitor and maintain a safe and welcoming environment within the overflow areas and warming center.
2. Coordinate with the main shelters to manage capacity and communicate availability.
3. Follow established protocols for inclement weather, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
4. Provide “awake” shift coverage and maintain ground security.
5. Conduct hourly safety and security checks during designated periods.

G. Responsible for assistance with participant development.

1. Support the VOA Staff in implementing plans to assist the residents in completing the program.
2. Notify VOA Staff and Washoe County Case Management Staff of pertinent participant issues.
3. Role models positive behavior to help clients as they work towards self-sufficiency.

H. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

This position requires a demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and provide services to participants without ethnic or social prejudices. The position requires general knowledge of issues and challenges unique to homelessness, substance abuse, families in crisis, young adults, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Must be able to utilize a range of interventions to work with participants with varying needs and levels of functioning. Must have flexibility to work irregular hours and ability to function as a team member.  Computer skills required. Requires CPR and First Aid training within ninety (90) days of employment, re-certification as necessary.  Must undergo a criminal background check.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills
Oral and written communication skills
Ability to de-escalate crisis situations and assist residents and staff in emergency situations
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 30 pounds.
Physically able to safely maneuver the weight distribution of a client in an emergency situation 
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently 
Kneel occasionally
Climb stairs as needed
Be able to maneuver quickly in emergency situations to assist clients as needed.