Direct Service Worker - PT Weekends

The Refuge for Women Pittsburgh Emergency Housing program offers women access to temporary housing, crisis intervention and other support services. The Emergency Housing program provides short-term housing for women involved in sex trafficking, sexual violence/exploitation, prostitution, and/or women in need of help with addiction. Our mission is to empower women struggling with addiction, involved in prostitution, trafficking, or sexually exploited, to live a life of freedom through the provision of evidence-based services and support.

Position Overview

The Direct Service Worker's duties in the safe house during the assigned shift is to maintain a safe healing environment for residents and provide consistent operations by upholding the program model and resident guidelines. Maintain strong leadership in any situation, including conflict resolution, crisis response and handling difficult relational dynamics. Communicate effectively with residents and hold them accountable to their progress and while learning successful life skills. Model healthy relational boundaries in a home environment with the residents. Ensure day-to-day program and safe house activities are carried out by the residents in accordance with the mission, vision and values of Refuge for Women Emergency Housing. 

Summary of Responsibilities

• Uphold resident guidelines, schedule and program requirements during assigned shift 
• Assist other Emergency House staff in carrying out day-to-day activities with the residents
• Complete Communication Log at end of each shift
• Follow procedures for crisis or other unexpected situations with residents that may arise during assigned shift
• Encourage residents in completion of assigned tasks 
• Provide pertinent feedback to other staff to ensure continued progress and success of residents 
• Work with director, staff, volunteers or other shift workers to coordinate and provide transportation for medical, training and employment activities as needed
• Work with volunteer coordinator as needed for planned volunteer activities and provide input about potential volunteer activities or items needed for the safe house

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings and development activities
• Assures for the cleanliness, order, and upkeep of the physical facility, grounds and equipment
• Supports the implementation of the resident’s treatment plan, including but not limited to knowledge of treatment issues, teaching skills to improve functioning and facilitating daily 1:1 mentoring and group activities
• Supports all functions that attain and maintain accreditation and licensing with regulatory agencies
• Supports and facilitates positive interaction with others as evidenced by: professional maturity, respect for others, a team-centered approach, maintenance of confidential information, and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace
• Accountable for the proper documentation of regular program checks and communicates physical facility needs to the appropriate parties. Assures that clients are aware of all safety procedures relative to hazards or emergencies

Skills and Expectations

• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Strong servant leadership and teamwork skills
• Teachable, self-motivated, organized
• Loving but firm temperament, willing to take initiative in stressful situations

Qualifications

• Proficiency with emergency or crisis procedures
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Knowledge about substance use and trauma is very helpful
• CPR trained
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Successful completion of a thorough background check

*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  The job description does not constitute a contract nor does it alter the at-will status of the employee/employer relationship.