Guest Services, Social Work

Founded over 35 years, Austin Street Center specializes 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.

• Support the organization with a mindset of kindness, trustworthiness, determination, and empowerment for those we serve.
• Be aware of client(s) particular circumstances (e.g. health concerns, peak stress time, emotional difficulties, problems, etc.).
• Make decisions in a timely efficient manner using training and guidance given.
• Recognize that diversity of culture, personality, and life experience are ingredients for a better world.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to varying cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds, values, and attitudes.
• Communicate with clients and team members with a positive, willing attitude to help.
• Flexibility to learn at all times and recover with poise and ease from setbacks.
• Understand and abide by confidentiality standards.
• Ensure health and safety standards are followed and corrected when needed.
• Provide a safe environment, shelter, and meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable homeless.
• Independently manage time with little supervision.
• Multitask, handle on‑site crisis, and adapt to changing client needs.
• Accept agency philosophies of providing hope, support, and resources needed to transition out of homelessness.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with clients, staff, and community contacts to resolve conflict as needed.
• Work respectfully with diverse teams, build consensus, and motivate change.

• Act as a hub for phone calls, client inquiries, and shelter operations, providing a source of services, support, and guidance to clients at the Welcome Center.
• Answer phone calls and client questions; refer calls to appropriate areas and respond to all phone messages on shift.
• Maintain sign‑up lists and track services provided; ensure accurate entry/exit reporting and daily activity reports.
• Record warnings, restrictions, or incidents on paper and in HMIS.
• Provide support to case managers and help with case aids, kitchen, clothing room, and laundry services as needed.
• Maintain a safe and healing environment for all clients and staff; oversee daily chores and cleanliness of shelter areas.
• Ensure the Welcome Center is kept neat, clean, and well‑stocked with supplies and hygiene items.
• Print cot/mat logs and perform bed checks for excess baggage/food, maintaining control of client personal property to meet shelter bag/weight requirements.
• Cooperate with overnight staff for hand‑off of shift changes.
• Help kitchen and laundry operations run smoothly and on time.

• Minimum high‑school diploma or GED; coursework in human services or related field preferred.
• Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office.
• Preferred:
  Bilingual in Spanish.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Experience with and sensitivity to varying cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds.
• Positive, motivated, and kind towards a demanding clientele.

• CPR – AED – First Aid
• Crisis/hostile/de‑escalation training
• Social work or community outreach

Strong applications will include a cover letter detailing how the applicant demonstrates the character qualities required for excellent performance in this position. Please include your most recent three professional positions and at least three references.