Friendship Place is a nonprofit organization, serving the Washington, DC region.  We empower individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community.  Friendship Place offers the most effective model for addressing homelessness, with innovative, customized programs that have positive, demonstrable results and a lasting impact on the community and beyond.  Our programs are person-centric and individualized to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families, youth/young adults and Veterans experiencing homelessness. We provide outreach, hospitality, health care, case management, housing, job placement services, and advocacy.  We are committed to living out our core values both within our organization and the community.

Summary:

The Brooks provides short-term housing services to families experiencing homelessness in the District. The building contains 50 units and is located in Northwest DC. The program follows a Housing First model philosophy and utilizes best practices to ensure participants can be transitioned out of short term family housing to independent housing within 90 days. The Residential Aide provides 24-hour on site monitoring services to support the safety and wellbeing of The Brooks participants, staff, and visitors. Residential Aides shall work cooperatively with program staff at all levels to ensure quality of service by performing hourly inspections of the building and immediate building exterior, and documenting/reporting any incidents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Monitors the residents, units, and grounds of The Brooks at all times to ensure the security and safety of each resident.
Provides appropriate oversight of the participants at the short term family housing site and enforces program policies.
Provides de-escalation services to the participants as needed and to ensure safety and well-being of all staff and residents, including contacting MPD, Mobile Crisis, and/or CHAMPS as necessary.
Assists in the planning and organization of recreational activities and events for families residing at The Brooks.
Reports unusual incidents to the appropriate parties OR writes unusual incident reports.
Reports observations to case management staff to support the participants in progressing towards goals.
Performs weekly and as necessary inspections of units.
Distributes food during meal services and discards waste.
Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
1 year of experience working with vulnerable families and/or youth is preferred.

Working conditions

Office is housed in a short-term family housing facility.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Position will spend time between office/desk settings, and roving the occupied STFH floors and grounds of The Brooks. Position will view security camera and footage. Must be able to lift 20 lbs, Walking 70% of the time, bending at the knees, standing for extended periods of time.

Background checks:

The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check including FBI, Police background check (of the jurisdictions in which they have resided for the five years prior to employment) Child and Family Services Agency (CSFA) Child Protection Register/ DC Child Abuse Registry, and National Sex Offender Registry Department(s) of the jurisdictions in which they have resided for the five years prior to employment; Drug and Alcohol testing and TB testing.

Direct reports

None

Specific Requirements:

None

Other Details

Application Deadline: This job is open until filled, or the hiring manager determines that they can no longer accept applications.
Compensation: $15.50 – $17.50 per hour
Location: 3318 Idaho Ave. NW – The Brooks
Interview Process: Phone screening, Panel style interview, Program Visits/Tour, Final Interview
Website: www.friendshipplace.org

Qualifications:

General knowledge of working in a homeless shelter or residential facility preferred.
Provides excellent customer service and demonstrates reliability.
The ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
Demonstrate empathy when responding to participants needs and requests.
Use practices including trauma informed care, verbal judo and other de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques.
Ability to remain calm, collected, and professional under stress.
Punctuality and ability to work independently.
Experience with computer programs, including but not limited to excel spreadsheets, emailing, etc.
Strong commitment to mission, organizational core values including racial equity and social justice.