ROOTS Young Adult Shelter Volunteer Program Coordinator Seattle, WA · Part time

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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: Volunteer Program Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Program Manager of Client and Volunteer Services

POSITION STATUS: Part-Time, 30 hours per week

SCHEDULE: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 7am – 6pm, with a one-hour lunch

COMPENSATION: $26.90 per hour

LOCATION: 4541 19th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (University District, Seattle) and various locations.

BENEFITS: Employee Assistance Program, Retirement Plan, ORCA pass, OPEIU represented

POSITION SUMMARY: The Volunteer Program Coordinator is responsible for working collaboratively with Volunteer Supervisors (VS) and supervising volunteers working in shelter, as well as supporting shelter operations as needed. This includes training, support, evaluation and development of these volunteer team members. All shelter staff are responsible for maintaining a safe, inclusive, and structured shelter environment for up to 45 young adults every night, and VC’s ensure that volunteer performance and behavior supports that intention. The VC 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

• On-site supervision of volunteer teams of 3 -15 volunteers per shift

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

• Enforce ROOTS shelter rules, policies, and procedures consistently and equitably.

• Coordinate with Admin. Director in ensuringe volunteers provide proof of completed COVID –19 vaccination, background check, and online volunteer orientation trainings.

• Coordinate with Admin. Director in ensuring volunteers complete ROPES of youth Homelessness, Conflict Response, Anti Oppression Trainings and other online trainings as required by ROOTS within 3 months of hire.

• Facilitate community volunteer groups in shelter.

• Participate in the training of new volunteers on shelter prep and volunteer morning tasks.

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

• Ensure that volunteers complete all daily shelter cleaning and setup tasks accurately and effectively.

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

• Respond to emergencies with the appropriate level of support or de-escalation.

• Document data and reports into the Daily Shelter Report each shift.

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

• Communicate proactively with Program Managers, Guest Support Specialists, and other staff; invest in a team approach in working with staff and volunteers.

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

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

• Track and monitor volunteer schedule for the assigned schedule in shelter to ensure sufficient coverage; adjust the schedule when volunteers call out and work with Admin and HR Director to find additional coverage.

• Complete volunteer service-learning evaluations as needed.

• Other duties as assigned and/or necessary.

• Attend mandatory bi-weekly Volunteer Supervisor meetings and monthly all-staff meetings

• Coordinate with Program Manager of Client and Volunteer Services to create and facilitate ongoing volunteer training(s), including but not limited to weekly discussion topics, scenarios, and online modules.

REQUIREMENTS

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

• Complete and submit application and criminal background check.

• Complete required 3+ VS training shifts.

• Complete online ROPES of youth Homelessness, Conflict Response, Anti Oppression Training, and other online ROOTS trainings 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 Director of Shelter and Programs.

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 PM’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