GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This volunteer position provides direct support to sheltering services at the ARCHES Project sites in Polk and Marion counties. Responsibilities include supporting daily tasks such as monitoring shelter activity, storing belongings, and assisting clients with settling in during emergency or weather events.

Volunteers must be able to pass an ODHS background check in order to qualify. 

This is an unpaid, on-call volunteer position at emergency warming shelters. There are typically four shifts: 6:00 - 10:00 PM, 9:30 PM - 1:30 AM, 1:00 - 5:00 AM, and 4:30 - 8:30 AM.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Volunteers must pass Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check
• Must pass a MWVCAA agency background check
• Consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Availability to volunteer during available shifts.
• Follows all MWVCAA safety and security policies, and follows instructions by Leads.
• Compliance with non-discrimination and conduct policies.
• Refrains from substance use during volunteer shifts, and refrains from distribution of any substances.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides program support, such as: check in, cleaning, site upkeep, laundry and supportive services.
• Provides client engagement and assistance, monitoring client and facility safety.
• Performs supportive tasks like hygiene kit or snack distribution;
• Employs de-escalation techniques and makes quick decisions in response to guest or client incidents.
• Performs cleaning, janitorial, and other tasks related to sheltering operations.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and coworker volunteers at all times.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Regularly lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Mobility around the shelter site. Ability to speak, hear and see.
• Manual dexterity for handling personal items, food, clothing, sacks, carts.
• Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.
• Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.
• Regulates emotions and handles pressure of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks as outlined by lead.
• Requires multi-tasking, including the ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers and guests.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor and outdoor work environments with frequent interruptions, demands, and noise.
• Close quarters, often with a public client population experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.
• Exposure to trash and potential biohazards.
• Volunteer shift options may vary between early morning, evening and nights, including overnight.