Service Center-Operations Specialist

About Us

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homeless, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues.

Services are offered through our core programs:
Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually.

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

This position serves as an active member of the Shelter Operations Team and is responsible for the smooth operation of the shelter floors during the assigned shift. Responsibilities include ensuring the safety of all guests, providing customer service, and performing duties in a manner that is consistent with the overall mission of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. The Shelter is a 24/7 operation and does not close.

The salary for the position is $19.15/hr to $20.15/hr based on length of time in the role. SAWC offers a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance with very low deductibles; 403(b) retirement matching; flexible spending account; generous paid time off; disability & life insurance; and a flexible schedule. We are a dynamic work environment that works to inspire hope in those we serve.

The scheduled shift days for this position are Monday-Friday, 7:45 am – 4:15 pm.

• Committed to SAWC’s mission of ending homelessness.
• Interacting with clients in a non-judgmental ethical manner (see NASW Code of Ethics).
• Provide supportive, empathetic, confidential listening and offer clients general assistance.
• Be familiar with and implement SAWC policies and procedures.
• Document various client information and activities in HMIS and staff notes, professionally and appropriately.
• Willing to work holidays.
• Must be on time for work and use a time clock to document hours.
• Assist clients in obtaining identification, social security card, and other basic documents.
• Coordinate on-site services and groups for guests including those from other agencies, volunteer groups, and civic organizations.
• Responsible for the operation of various floors in the Shelter.
• Responsible for light cleaning, and laundry.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Associates Degree, professional certification, or alternative equivalent experience. Related experience preferred. Knowledge of housing, mental health, chemical dependency, and poverty issues helpful. Experience in social work, social services, or human services helpful as well. Please note the SAWC will consider alternative, comparable experience to a degree.

• Reliable and willing to work holidays.
• Able to be assertive without being aggressive.
• Able to work as a team member.
• Able to utilize good judgment.
• Both welcoming and assertive.
• Culturally competent, including working with those who have serious mental illnesses, who are suffering from chemical dependency, or who have varying gender identifications or sexual preferences.
• Able to be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations, and the primacy of client needs.
• Mature in nature and professional in action.

Please submit your resume and cover letter at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Applications are accepted and interviews conducted on a rolling basis.