Questions for discussion with a shelter monitor

Scenario 1. Ethical test. Will a monitor work by ethics?

Joe is a resident of the shelter. He comes to you and tells you that Douglas who is in the line outside your office seeking admission to the shelter is a former inmate (was in prison)./ How will you respond to Joe? How will you deal with Douglas when his turn comes?

The issue of confidentiality is of utmost importance and must always be adhered to. Discussing personal information of one client with another is not allowed.

Scenario 2. Procedural test. Will the monitor work by policy and procedure?

Shelter rules state that all residents must be inside the shelter by 9:30 pm. Doug returns and reports at 9:35 pm. What will you do?

A monitor must adhere to policy and procedure with empathy. The monitor must demonstrate an understanding of the mission and purpose of the shelter. Empathy makes the monitor interview put himself or herself in the shoes of the client without neglecting the standards of shelter.

Scenario 3. Relational test. Will the monitor take initiative and relate professionally with colleagues in the workplace?

Laundry must be washed and put away by each shift monitor. All clients’ green registration cards must be properly filed away. Kitchen tables and all floors must be clean. You arrive and find the previous monitor has washed but NOT put away linen and the stove has not been cleaned. What will you do?

A monitor in this situation must take action, i.e. put away the linen and clean the stove. He or she must be able to work and relate properly with others who share responsibilities of this office. The monitor must document the action taken in a non-demeaning manner to the colleagues in the previous shift.