WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 400 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for full-time Activities Coordinators for our Nevada Cares Campus. The Nevada Cares Campus offers a safe place and a way forward for men and women experiencing homelessness in the Reno area. In partnership with Washoe County, the Nevada Cares Campus provides emergency shelter for up to 600 adult individuals and couples. Clients can bring their pets and possessions with them as they access support services and case management. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

POSITION SUMMARY:
As part of the activities teams, the Activities Coordinator will offer events and activities for Cares Campus participants and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) tenants. They will develop partnerships with outside organizations or volunteers and coordinate the delivery of events and activities that promote engagement, skill-building, wellness, and community among shelter participants. A secondary function of this position will be to track participation and seek opportunities for new activities through direct contact with participants, campus staff, and on-going research of national trends.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:
A. Develop, coordinate, and sometimes lead, person-centered activities that will focus on creative arts, recreation, life skills and wellness sessions, and personal finance. Monitor and assess participant engagement and tracking activity performance through various data gathering practices.
1. Working as part of a team, the coordinator will act as the point of contact for the campus with outside organizations, volunteers and Washoe County campus staff.
2. Perform initial needs and interest surveys to ensure activities and events are tailored to the specific interest areas of campus participants.
3. In conjunction with other Activity Coordinators, coordinate monthly activities and event calendar.
4. Participate in monthly Participant Advisory Board meetings.
5. Provide accurate information on activities through various data gathering and tracking systems (e.g. Microsoft Excel)
6. Enter participant activity information into HMIS.
7. Coordinate special events (e.g. holidays, sports, etc.).
8. Provide oversight of event and activity spaces through direct supervision.
9. Maintain inventory of event and activity supplies and provide monthly readouts.
10. Maintain a professional and personable demeanor and demonstrate the agency’s core values.
11. Answer client questions with clear and thorough communication.
12. Maintain activity and event information in a collaboration hub (e.g. Slack, Teams).
13. Make recommendations to the campus Director and Assistant Director for quality improvement.
14. Provide support for the Shelter Supervisors with coverage in assignment areas when necessary.
15. May perform other duties as assigned.

B. Assist in staff training and development.
1. Assist campus leadership in department orientation and training of new employees as requested to ensure quality work outcomes.
2. Assist in developing training modules for campus staff to orientate them to the activities and event mission.
3. Maintain an above-average working knowledge of campus operations (e.g. fire, safety, and health standards) to ensure a safe work environment for participants and all personnel.
4. Maintain a professional working relationship with peers and campus leadership.

C. Responsible for self-development.
1. Continually be aware of new trends in the field to help create engaging, relevant, and modern activities that meet diverse needs, leverage technology, foster well-being, and adapt to changing demographics.
2. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
3. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A high school diploma is required. A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, or three (3) years or more of coordinator experience is highly preferred.  This position requires demonstrated experience and proficiency working with digital tools (e.g. Microsoft Office, Slack, Zoom, etc.), data analysis, and event coordination.  The position requires a demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written information, sometimes on different communication platforms at the same time.  The position requires general knowledge of issues and challenges unique to homelessness and their relevancy to coordinating programs and events. Must be able to utilize a range of interventions to work with participants with varying needs and levels of functioning.  Must be flexible to work irregular hours and be willing to function as part of small to mid-size teams.  Requires CPR and First Aid and other training modules within ninety (90) days of employment; re-certification as necessary.  A valid Nevada driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and the ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are required. Must undergo a criminal background check. 

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:
Computer proficiency
Oral and written communication skills
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability
Ability to de-escalate the crisis and assist residents and staff in emergencies

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Lift and move up to 25 pounds
Physically able to safely maneuver the weight distribution of a client in an emergency 
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently 
Climb stairs as needed