Jennifer Hensen

Guest Support Specialist (GSS) overnight position directly supports shelter guests during their nightly stays. This position is responsible for maintaining a safe, inclusive and structured shelter environment for up to 45 young adults every night.

• Enforce shelter rules, policies, and procedures consistently and equitably
• Respond to emergencies with the appropriate level of support or de-escalation.
• Build rapport with shelter guests and provide behavioral and emotional support, such as creating and implementing ROOTS Safety Plans and Support and Accountability Plans.
• Lead morning volunteers on conflict de-escalation strategies and techniques, as well as rule enforcement.
• Other duties as assigned and/or necessary.

• Enhanced family bonding by supervising and facilitating positive parent-child interactions during visitations.
• Improved client satisfaction by providing a safe and comfortable environment for supervised visits.
• Ensured child safety by closely monitoring all visitation activities and addressing any concerns promptly.
• Collaborated with social workers to develop individualized visitation plans tailored to each family''s unique needs.
• Promoted healthy communication between parents and children through active listening, empathy, and constructive feedback techniques.
• Maintained detailed records of visitation observations, ensuring accurate documentation for court proceedings and case reviews.
• Provided timely reports to caseworkers on the progress of families during supervised visits, aiding in evaluation of reunification goals.
• Supported parents in developing appropriate parenting skills by offering guidance, modeling behavior, and sharing resources during visits.
• Coordinated scheduling of visitations with multiple parties, ensuring consistent adherence to established guidelines and timeliness.
• Facilitated smooth transitions before and after visits, reducing stress for both children and parents during the process.
• Maintained strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information about clients to protect their privacy and security.

• Ensured child safety by closely monitoring all visitation activities and addressing any concerns promptly.
• Collaborated with social workers to develop individualized visitation plans tailored to each family''s unique needs.
• Promoted healthy communication between parents and children through active listening, empathy, and constructive feedback techniques.
• Maintained detailed records of visitation observations, ensuring accurate documentation for court proceedings and case reviews.
• Provided timely reports to caseworkers on the progress of families during supervised visits, aiding in evaluation of reunification goals.
• Supported parents in developing appropriate parenting skills by offering guidance, modeling behavior, and sharing resources during visits.
• Coordinated scheduling of visitations with multiple parties, ensuring consistent adherence to established guidelines and timeliness.
• Facilitated smooth transitions before and after visits, reducing stress for both children and parents during the process.
• Maintained strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information about clients to protect their privacy and security.

• Enhanced children''s social skills by organizing group activities and promoting positive interactions.
• Improved children''s communication abilities by engaging them in age-appropriate conversations and storytelling sessions.
• Supported child development through implementing various educational programs tailored to individual needs.
• Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for children by closely monitoring play areas, toys, and equipment.
• Fostered emotional growth and self-confidence in children by providing consistent encouragement and praise.
• Established trusting relationships with families, maintaining open communication about their child''s progress.
• Assisted children with homework and school projects, reinforcing learning concepts introduced in the classroom.
• Implemented creative art projects to engage children''s imaginations while developing fine motor skills.
• Facilitated conflict resolution among children by teaching effective problem-solving techniques.
• Managed daily routines including meals, naptime, and outdoor play sessions to maintain consistency for the children.
• Developed strong partnerships with local schools to ensure seamless transitions for children entering kindergarten.
• Provided personalized care for infants by feeding, changing diapers, soothing, and creating a comforting environment during nap times.
• Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
• Prepared healthy foods and beverages for children based on optimal dietary guidelines and individual restrictions.
• Taught children to organize toys, wash hands, and share by leading by example.
• Met with parents about daily activities, positive developments, and issues.
• Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.
• Read stories, sang songs and facilitated creative play.
• Implemented daily routines and activities to stimulate and engage children.