Clarissa Sickles

Responsibilities

○ Tour of relevant agency sites. ○ Weekly supervision with Bachelors level field instructor in coordination with task supervisor. ○ Training regarding community resources, DHS benefits and homeless service system. ○ Training on Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Call Point module and relevant policies and procedures for hotline. ○ Shadowing calls with Intake Specialists. ○ Independent answering of hotline calls-including following standardized screening and related protocols, assessing caller needs, identifying available and appropriate referral sources and completing necessary referral documentation. ○ Assist with prioritizing need for shelter and identifying the most vulnerable families requiring immediate shelter placement. ○ Attendance at staff meetings, services team meetings, and monthly trainings where possible. ○ Introduction to basic data collection techniques and methods for aggregating data. ○ Manage participant housing and related crises and recognizing when it is necessary to request internal or external intervention for the caller. ○ Assistance/observation of outreach contacts and walk-in screenings when possible. ○ Basic clerical tasks as instructed by task supervisor.

Accomplishments

Making an impact and helping participants stay in their homes.

Learning experience

Having patience and strong connection with participants was the most important

What advice would you give?

Everyone is anxious for new beginnings so don’t stress yourself out.