Support staff

SAMU is seeking interested candidates for an upcoming opportunity. This position is not currently open. Employment is contingent upon contract award and funding availability.

Program Overview

The Sunaire Emergency Shelter Program is a trauma-informed, low-barrier, and person-centered initiative designed to stabilize individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the City of Mesa. The program aligns with the City’s Office of Homeless Solutions and HUD’s HOME-ARP framework, targeting Qualifying Populations (QP1–QP4), including those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals facing special challenges such as disabilities or aging out of institutions.

Role and Responsibilities

The Shelter Workers are essential team members responsible for maintaining the safety and organization of the Sunaire Shelter. Shelter Workers contribute to creating a welcoming, client-friendly environment while enforcing program rules and supporting daily center operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitor all areas of the shelter to ensure a safe, secure, and orderly environment for participants.
• Provide general oversight of common areas, addressing any disruptive behavior, and enforcing program rules in a fair and respectful manner.
• Greet and engage clients in a supportive, professional, and trauma-informed approach.
• Support with daily operations including room set-ups, food distribution, and ensuring supplies are stocked and available.
• Assist clients with accessing basic needs such as food, hygiene supplies, and program resources.
• Respond to emergencies or incidents, providing de-escalation, support, and notifying appropriate staff.
• Collaborate with the program team to encourage client participation in activities, workshops, and available services.
• Maintain accurate incident reports and daily logs as required by program guidelines.
• Promote dignity, respect, and inclusion for all participants.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or program leadership.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a shelter, residential, or community-based setting preferred.
• Knowledge of basic conflict resolution, de-escalation, and safety protocols.
• Ability to build rapport and maintain professional boundaries with diverse populations.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Experience working with population experiencing housing instability, behavioral health challenges, or other risk factors is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Non-Negotiable Expectations

• Punctuality and attendance on all scheduled shifts.
• Communicating with clients and colleagues in a professional, respectful, and constructive manner.
• Treating clients with dignity.
• Upholding confidentiality at all times.
• Commitment to a safe, harassment, and discrimination-free workplace.

Physical Demands

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.