For more than 35 years, Austin Street Center has specialized in caring for the most vulnerable homeless men and women in Dallas. Beyond meeting basic needs, Austin Street is committed to individualized care for each person who comes to us for help. Our goal is that every homeless person who comes to Austin Street Center finds hope, support, and the resources they need to transition out of homelessness.
Your role will support the mission thorough the following actions:
- Support organization with a mindset of kindness, trustworthiness, determination and empowerment for those that we serve
- Be aware of Client(s) particular circumstances (e.g. health concerns, peak stress time, emotional difficulties, problems, etc.)
- At times require you to be resourceful and have the ability to make decisions in a timely efficient manner using the training and guidance you have been given.
- Recognize that diversity of culture, personality, and life experience are ingredients for a better world.
- Demonstrate experience with sensitivity to varying cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds, values, and attitudes
- Communicate with Client(s) and team member(s) with a positive and willing attitude to help
- Flexibility to learn at all times and recover with poise and ease from setbacks.
- Understand and abide by the confidentiality standards of the organization.
- Ensure that all health and safety standards are followed and corrected when needed
- Provide a safe environment, shelter and meet the basic needs of most vulnerable homeless
- Independently manage time with little supervision.
- Ability to multitask, handle on-site crisis and adapt to the changing needs of the clients.
- Acceptance of agency philosophies of providing hope, support and the resources needed to transition out of homelessness.
- Able to develop and maintain positive working relationships with clients, staff and community contacts and able to effectively address and resolve conflict as needed
- Ability to work respectfully with diverse teams, build consensus, and motivate change
Position Purpose:
The Safety Officer will oversee safety & security in the shelter and assist with operations of Austin Street Center. This position must be available to intervene in conflict or crisis situations and is responsible for maintaining documentation and ensuring the smooth operation of the shelter during the assigned hours. This position is responsible for making Austin Street run efficiently by performing a wide variety of duties to oversee the orderliness, safety, security, and ensure the rules/policy of the shelter are followed. Assist the Night Supervisor in support for their duties.
The Safety Officer is responsible for providing a hospitable culture and outstanding services for persons experiencing homelessness. As a Security Guard, you are responsible for connecting and assisting homeless individuals (clients) to on-site basic needs services such as meals, showers, mail, bed, personal care, and intake. While also assisting with the protection, safeguarding and security of the clients, volunteers, visitors, and staff of Austin Street Center. Monitor access control of the ins & outs of the shelter. As well as document/pass-down issues and concerns.
- Contribute to maintaining a safe & healing environment for all clients
- Assess and respond to resident crises or conflicts. Independently assess the need for external assistance. Manage conflicts as they occur, document conflicts, and monitor resident incidents.
- Assess and manage emergencies according to Austin Street’s emergency protocol. Monitor the safety and security of the shelter. Call law enforcement and professional medical assistance when necessary.
- Address client concerns to resolve issues to the best interest of the residents and Austin Street.
- Assist shelter staff with various administrative tasks, as needed.
- Connect guests to appropriate resources
- Engage guests through frequent interaction and modeling of positive behavior
- De-escalate or provide engaging intervention for guests exhibiting disruptive or inappropriate behavior
- Work with Supervision and Operations staff to promote a safe and healthy environment
- Accurately record events that occur in a logbook and report to shift coordinator before end of work day
- Ensure guests comply with Austin Street Center rules and guidelines
- Performing security patrols of the Shelters areas, lobbies hallways, exteriors, parking lots, offices, courtyards and common areas to promote a safe and healthy environment
- Interviews investigate disturbances, complaints, thefts, vandalism and accidents
- Render and/or obtains assistance for all accident, emergencies and writes incident reports
- Scans and conducts searches of all guests to enter property
- Evict perpetrators who violate policies according to procedures
- Monitor surveillance cameras for any disruptions or unlawful activities
- Utilize provided communication devices such as two-way radios in a clear and concise manner and collaborate with other security officers for effective protection and coverage
- Perform CPR/AED or first aid when needed
Skills / Requirements:
- Must be able to stand and stay alert for 8 hours and be able to lift 40lbs
- Excellent sense of judgment with an attention to detail and an ability to solve problems as they arise with the ability to react appropriately in stressful situations
- Be able to obtain and maintain a valid II Security license by the Texas Department of Public Safety-Private Security Bureau
- Must be able to communicate both verbally and in written form. Reading and writing skills which include the ability to use complete sentences. Be able to access and utilize a variety of resource materials in a timely manner and an ability to maintain accurate records
- Computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Word and Excel) are a must
- Good working knowledge of security operations, safety practices in business environment and enforcement procedures
- Demonstrated good knowledge to include knowledge of motivation techniques, and basic training methods. Knowledge of decision-make techniques, skill in de-escalation, conflicts and grievances
- Have and maintain valid Texas Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
- Acceptance of agency philosophies and guidelines.
- Ability to be flexible and work under time constraints.
- Demonstrate experience with and sensitivity to varying cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds, values, and attitudes
- Ability to function as a team player with a high level of integrity with a helpful, courteous attitude
- Capable of working independently and using problem solving skills.
Additional Experience a Plus
- Security License with experience
- CPR – AED – First Aid
- Public Safety – Emergency Management – First Responder experience
- Crisis/Hostile/De-escalating Training
- Military, Social work or community outreach
- Preferred Associate degree or 1-2 years’ experience in a social service setting, and/or a minimum of two (2) years of Security experience and/or any Law Enforcement/Military experience
