Schedule: This position works 36 hours per week, including 12:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings at least once per month. House meetings/dinner are required the first Wednesday and as requested and available any other scheduled events/dinners which include the networking nights scheduled by the SJW twice a year. Fridays are project days for all staff and appointments are not scheduled/resources are not allocated to residents on those days. Other hours are flexible, Monday – Friday daytime but we ask that for the residents the schedule be consistent week to week approved ahead of time by your supervisor.
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Role Description: This position includes collaboration on work toward Sarah’s mission dedicated to safety and dignity for a diverse community of women where they can begin new and productive lives. Women healing from trauma continue vibrant, meaningful lives and contribute to the common good. The efforts of the St. Joseph Worker (SJW) will include a balance of systemic, direct service, and organizational work. The list of responsibilities includes areas the SJW may be asked to participate in but is not necessarily exhaustive. The Director and House Manager are committed to ensuring that the SJW reaches her program, personal and professional goals.
Accountability: The SJW is accountable to the Director and House Manager of Sarah’s, meeting regularly, receiving support, guidance and direction from them. She reports directly to the House Manager in most areas of the position and works collaboratively with other staff and residents.
Qualifications
1. Ability to work with, communicate and relate to women of diverse backgrounds, language skills, and life experiences including sensitivity to the needs of women who have experienced significant trauma, assuring the women’s dignity and safety
2. Ability to maintain confidentiality as well as develop and maintain positive relationships and communication with various constituents (volunteers, other staff, service organizations, etc.)
3. Ability to use Microsoft Office, Gmail, and internet searches to conduct research and gather information effectively
4. Demonstrate organization and time management skills and ability to prioritize a wide range of duties
5. Ability to work as a team member as well as independently, be adaptable and flexible, and show self-motivation, creativity and leadership for projects
6. Holds valid driver’s license to be able to drive Sarah’s van
7. Ability to maintain calm in critical situations; familiarity with facilitating or practicing conflict resolution.
Specific Responsibilities Categorized according to the 2018 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Working towards…
Quality Education:
• Assist residents in meeting their learning goals. This may include tutoring in English (such as helping in the completion of assignments, essays, and worksheets) and computer or telephone use, gathering additional education resources for women and being available for general assistance.
Working towards…
Decent Work and Economic Growth:
• Mentor residents towards job attainment. Mentor around resume writing, job applications and job search (especially online and phone follow up), and interviewing.
• Assist towards permanent affordable housing after Sarah’s. Provide assistance in public housing application and/or other housing search and referrals.
• Accompany or drive women new to the USA and to Sarah’s on first appointments. Assist residents in registering for English classes, getting passport photos, accessing social services, and other needs as requested.
• Maintain Sarah’s list of resources and referrals which support residents’ goals. Regularly verify contact information and research additional resources to inform staff and residents of what’s available.
Working towards…
Sustainable Cities and Communities:
• Support selection/intake of new residents into the Sarah’s community. Manage the housing line, listen to the calls and respond with resources; as requested advise/report to the Director.
• Promote the continuation of Sarah’s ministry sustainably into the future. Assist Community Relations staff: updating donor database, sending thank-you notes; updating tour packets and flyers/brochures to promote Sarah’s, managing Sarah’s Facebook page, other social media as requested, and regularly creating posts
• Participate in and plan activities for the life of the household which build community at Sarah’s.
Coordinate, assist with and be present at household events including but not limited to:
community meals: first Wednesday of each month and up to one other evening per month 6:00-7:00p.m.
community meetings: first Wednesday of each month 7:00-8:00p.m.
food pickup using the house van or put away food deliveries
assist in welcoming/orienting new women or preparing for women to move out
group excursions (art gallery, library tour, etc.)
in-house activities (movie night, crafts, etc.) and celebrations, etc.
Communicate with residents to promote community:
prepare, write/design, and post monthly household calendar, newsletter, and activity flyers
initiate activity reminders and notifications using OneCallNow email and phone contacts
update the dining room chalkboard and bulletin boards in the north and west hallways
Manage the intake and distribution of clothing and household item donations.
communicate with staff and donors including preparing and forwarding receipts
maintain organization in storage areas
lead winter collection and coat distribution to residents and Sponsor a Family gift wish list preparation
take extra clothes and household items to be re-donated
Working towards…
Responsible Consumption and Production:
• Support Sarah’s waste reduction and recycling program. Assist with ongoing education and follow-up with residents regarding solid waste sorting, composting, collecting organics, etc.
• Support residents in forwarding these practices beyond Sarah’s. Work one-on-one with residents to bring sustainability practices to their communities.
Working towards…
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions:
• Attend STAR-Lite training. These are required of all staff and include self-care for people who work with trauma survivors, an understanding of effects of trauma, and peace-building strategies.
• Participate in special projects and networking meetings as requested and desired. Examples include Sarah’s Advisory Council, the MSP Asylum Network quarterly meetings, and/or Ramsey County Human Service Network meetings. The SJW leads Sarah’s planning and facilitation of two networking events for residents each year.
• Mentor future SJW and interns by keeping the SJW/Intern Guide updated.