ROOTS Young Adult Shelter On Call Guest Support Specialist Seattle, WA · Part time

Apply for On Call Guest Support Specialist

ROOTS Young Adult Shelter is Washington State’s largest shelter dedicated to serving young adults aged 18-25 who are experiencing homelessness. Since our founding in 1999, ROOTS has been a safe haven, offering not only a warm bed and a meal but also compassionate support and a pathway toward stability and independence. Our mission is to partner with young adults on their journey to stability. With a focus on moving "From Shelter to Services," ROOTS is expanding our programs to include new modes of case management, housing navigation, LGBTQIA+ health and wellness supports, pre-employment guidance, and more. As a leader in youth homelessness, advocacy, and care ROOTS is committed to creating equitable and innovative solutions. Our partnerships with community organizations, donors, and volunteers allow us to address the root causes of homelessness and break the cycles of poverty and instability. At ROOTS, we believe every young adult deserves the opportunity to thrive.

JOB TITLE: On Call Guest Support Specialist 

REPORTS TO: Program Supervisor 

POSITION STATUS: Part Time 

SCHEDULE: Minimum 13 hours per month (0-3 additional hours per week outside of shelter.) No guaranteed schedule or number of hours. 

COMPENSATION: $26.39 per hour 

LOCATION: 4541 19th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (University District, Seattle) 

BENEFITS: Employee Assistance Program, Retirement option

Union-represented position under OPEIU Local 8

ROOTS is an equal opportunity employer. LGBTQ+, persons of color, and bilingual candidates encouraged to apply. 

ROOTS Young Adult Shelter partners with young adults on their journey to stability. 

POSITION SUMMARY: ROOTS is seeking an On-Call Guest Support Specialist (GSS) overnight position that directly supports shelter guests during their nightly stays. This position is responsible for maintaining a safe, inclusive, and structured shelter environment for up to 45 young adults every night. The GSS must be able to build relationships with shelter guests and colleagues in an often busy and chaotic environment. All staff who work at ROOTS must also be intentional with their selfcare to minimize the effects of being exposed to the firsthand and secondary trauma associated with homelessness and supporting folks experiencing crisis.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Adhere to ROOTS Policies and Procedures and promote ROOTS organizational values. 

• Enforce ROOTS shelter rules, policies, and procedures consistently and equitably 
• Respond to emergencies with the appropriate level of support or de-escalation. 

• Build rapport with shelter guests and provide behavioral and emotional support, such as creating and implementing ROOTS Safety Plans and Support and Accountability Plans 

• Effectively communicate and collaborate with Case Management on guest needs. 

• Input reports or data into Daily Guest Summaries, Daily Shelter Reports, and Real Nightly Notes  

• Respond to inquiries by phone and email while maintaining confidential information. 

• Lead morning volunteer debrief meetings including icebreakers, and facilitation of scenario discussions and mini-trainings 

• Coach morning volunteers on conflict de-escalation strategies and techniques, as well as rule enforcement 

• Participate in the training of new overnight or morning volunteers and buddies  

• Communicate proactively with Program Supervisors, Guest Support Specialists, and Volunteer Supervisors; invest in a team approach in working with staff and volunteers 

• Proactively and immediately inform the Volunteer Supervisor or Program Supervisor and Admin Manager of individual volunteer attendance, concerns, updates, or feedback as needed.  

• Maintain inventory, cleanliness and organization of the shelter w/ staff and volunteers 

• Other duties as assigned and/or necessary 

REQUIREMENTS 

Provide proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC. 

• Complete and submit application and criminal background check. 

• Complete required 3+ GSS training shifts. 

• Complete online ROPES of youth Homelessness, Conflict Response, and Anti Oppression Training w/in 60 days of hire. 

• Provide proof of active CPR certification and food handler’s permit within 60 days of hire. 
• Watch Narcan Training and attend De-Escalation training w/in the first 6 months of hire. 

• Take additional required training as assigned by the Shelter Director. 

• Must attend mandatory monthly staff meetings 

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Solid understanding of issues related to systemic racism, poverty, and homelessness 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an anti-racist, harm-reduction, equity-oriented service organization 

• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict through a trauma-informed lens 

• Communicate proactively and respectfully with PS’s, GSS’s, fellow VS’s, volunteers, Leadership Team, and organizational partners. 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with a diverse group of individuals, including those experiencing mental health and substance use conditions  

• Strong self-starting skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks under pressure  

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 software, like Outlook, Word, SharePoint, Teams, and OneNote with willingness and comfort in learning new systems 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Bilingual 

• Personal or professional experience with homelessness and affiliated fields  

• Current or previous volunteer or employment experience at ROOTS