Position: Young Professionals Board (Volunteer)

Are you a passionate emerging leader who believes that every mother deserves a safe and supportive start to parenthood? Join the Siena House Young Professionals Board and be part of a dynamic group helping to shape the future of one of Santa Cruz County’s most impactful nonprofits.

About Siena House

Siena House is a nonprofit supportive housing program serving pregnant women and new mothers in crisis. We provide safe housing, wraparound support, mental health services, and parenting resources to help families thrive during a critical time. For over 25 years, we’ve supported hundreds of families with dignity, compassion, and care.

About the Young Professionals Board

The Siena House Young Professionals Board (SHYP) is a group of early-career volunteers who act as ambassadors, fundraisers, and advocates for Siena House. Members gain nonprofit leadership experience, expand their professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to a mission that matters.

Responsibilities

  • Fundraising & Events: Support fundraising campaigns and help plan fun, impactful events (ex: backyard brunches, Giving Tuesday, Siena House Days).

  • Marketing & Outreach: Help promote Siena House via social media, peer-to-peer fundraising, and community visibility efforts.

  • Service & Advocacy: Volunteer at events or with Siena House families and help raise awareness of maternal health and housing issues.

  • Advisory Input: Offer feedback and insights to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on ways to engage more diverse audiences.

Ideal Members

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those who:

  • Are college students or early career professionals

  • Live in or near Santa Cruz County

  • Have experience or interest in marketing, fundraising, nonprofit work, events, or maternal health

  • Can commit ~5 hours/month (including quarterly meetings and 2-4 events/year)

  • Are excited to use their voice and skills to support a mission-driven organization

Benefits

  • Meaningful leadership & service experience

  • Networking with nonprofit professionals and board members

  • Resume-building in nonprofit governance and development

  • Recognition on our website and annual impact report

  • That good feeling you get when you know you made a real difference

Position: Live-in Support Staff

Location: 108 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Employment Type: Part-time, Non-Exempt; 8-16 hours per week
Compensation: $21/hour, Room and Board

Who We Are: Siena House is a residential program providing a stable environment of health, support, and education for pregnant women and their babies who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Our mission is to give new mothers experiencing homelessness a solid foundation as parents, and their babies the best start in life by providing a supportive environment during pregnancy and a baby’s critical first year of development.

Position Summary: Our live-in support staff serve a critical role in fulfilling our mission.

While on duty, the support staff are responsible for answering the phone and door, overseeing activities in the home, and ensuring participants attend programs. Support staff’s primary responsibility while on duty is to interact with the participants and their babies during and after dinner, as well as reinforce the safety and security of the household.

Shift Schedule: Schedules vary depending on the day. Schedules may change based on the needs of the program.

Support Staff Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the safety and supervision of Siena House participants.

  • Ensure adherence to Siena House schedule and program expectations to include preparing and participating in dinner, after-dinner activities, classes, chores, and curfew.

  • Make timely and appropriate decisions in emergency situations. Be aware of safety needs, mandated reporting requirements, and when to contact appropriate staff or responding agencies.

  • Transport participants using an agency vehicle during medical emergencies.

  • Respond to participant crises using trauma informed de-escalation techniques.

  • Complete and submit Incident Reports by the end of shift or within 24 hrs of incident.

  • Complete and send a detailed log at the end of each shift.

  • Distribute linens, toiletries, diapers, formula, and any other items supplied by the program. Inform House Manager when supplies are running low.

  • Oversee and maintain general site cleanliness, reporting any maintenance or janitorial needs to the House Manager in a timely manner.

  • Maintain confidentiality of participants while on and off duty.

On-Call Responsibilities:

Live-in Support Staff are assigned to “on-call” hours following one’s shift from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM (9:00 PM to 7:00 AM Fri and Sat). An agency cell phone will be provided while on shift, and the participants will call that number for support. Staff must always carry this phone with them while on-call. When responding to an emergency, staff will be paid at their regular or overtime rate, as required by law.

When an employee is “on-call,” they must be nearby and available to respond to crises or emergency situations in-person. They are not required to stay on the Siena House premises and may engage in personal activities. They must be able to return a phone call within 10 minutes and return to Siena House within 30 minutes of receiving a request for assistance. The Live-in Support Staff must be in a sober state and able to respond to emergency situations when on-call.

Desired Qualifications: 

  • An understanding of the challenges faced by unhoused and housing insecure individuals.

  • 6 months of social services, customer service, or childcare experience preferred.

  • Flexible schedule to work evening and weekend hours as needed.

  • Proof of valid California Driver's License and current auto insurance, along with a clean DMV record, is required.

Benefits and Perks:

  • A private room at Siena House, which is conveniently located in Santa Cruz. 

  • 24/7 access to common areas such as living room, kitchen, laundry, library, and a gorgeous outdoor space.

  • Dinner provided when on-duty.

  • Professional development opportunities and all-staff events.

Siena House values safety, wellness, and respect for each other and for those who we serve. Because of this commitment, Siena House is mandating that all employees be vaccinated for COVID-19.