Job Abstract

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The security guard will work directly with homeless individuals suffering with mental illness and substance abuse living in a congregate shelter. The guard will ensure the safety of all shelter guests, staff, volunteers and vendors by using de-escalation techniques and providing professional compassionate assistance.

The security guard must fully embrace the ministry and mission of The Salvation Army, accept its Christian principles and values, and protect and enhance the image of The Salvation Army to the public. Perform other assigned duties as directed.

Responsibilities

1. Monitoring and Patrol

• Secure premises by patrolling property, monitoring surveillance camera, and access point.
• Patrol parking and surrounding areas.
• Making rounds of inspection to determine that fences, gates, doors, and windows are properly secure.
• Investigate unusual or suspicious conditions or activities on property or surrounding areas within 1 mile of the shelter location.
• Conduct visual inspections of the workplace on a continuous basis through direct observation, walking inspections, and the use of a video monitor.

1. Access Control and Recording

• Grant access for vendors and delivery persons.
• Record incidents, shelter guest, and visitors signing in and out.
• Monitor the safety and well-being of guests, staff, volunteers, and vendors.

1. Crisis Response and Communication

• Respond to and provide crisis intervention and institute security procedures should a critical or threatening situation arise.
• Follow established protocols for crisis response.
• Provide timely and appropriate notification to police, fire, emergency medical, and supervisory authorities.
• Use de-escalation communication strategies to manage disruptive behavior and resolve conflicts.
• Report on-site incidents to appropriate internal or external entities.

1. Policy Enforcement and Assistance

• Inform violators/intruders of policy and procedures.
• Assist shelter staff in all related duties ensuring guest and facility safety.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative communication with shelter staff as it relates to the comings and goings of guests, unexpected site guests, vendor arrivals, guest holds at gates, and guest exits/no longer allowed on-site.

1. Reporting and Supervision

• Report directly to the shelter supervisor.

1. Approaches and Strategies

• Implement trauma-informed, harm reduction, low-barrier, and strength-based approaches.

PAY RATE: $20-$22.00/hr.

Core Competencies

• Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution – Identify & resolve problems and/or conflict in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully and develop solutions.
• Customer Service – Manage difficult and/or emotional clients, guests, staff, and/or guests; diplomatically address their needs to ensure mutually satisfying outcomes.
• Teamwork – Balance team and individual responsibilities; Build a positive team spirit, morale, and group commitment to established goals, core values and objectives.
• Adaptability – Being able to change plans and adjust to changes in the work environment.
• Decision-making – Using critical thinking, good business sense and organizational values to make decisions involving varying levels of risk and ambiguity when working with guests.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. Ability to work out-of-doors 50% of the time.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Graduate or GED.
• Must be able to actively patrol client sites, interact with the public for 6-8 hours.
• 1-3 years’ work experience with homeless population, preferred.
• 1-3 years’ experience working in security.
• If in recovery, must have a sobriety minimum of three (3) years.
• Experience in or basic knowledge of mental health, homelessness and/or addictions fields (preferred).
• Criminal background check is required.
• CPR and First Aid certification a must within 30 days of the start date.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Bilingual/Bi-literate English/Spanish preferred.
• Must have ability to communicate effectively and remain positively engaged with co-workers, guests, volunteers, vendors.
• Must model professionalism and be able to appropriately respond in a supportive manner to guests and co-workers when asked questions or addressing concerns/issues.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in carrying out assignments independently.
• Good time management and organization skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Strong sense of workplace ethics and understanding of confidentiality protocols.
• Ability to greet visitors, and interact with guests and other staff members in a courteous, professional, respectful manner.
• Flexible availability must be able to work any shift and/or assigned schedule.
• Able to function in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment and be adaptable.
• Must be able to implement trauma informed care communication strategies when resolving conflict to not re-traumatize guests with your interactions.