Cold Weather Shelter Specialist

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Cold Weather Shelter Specialist(s) will provide a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for individuals experiencing homelessness when temperatures drop below 29 degrees. This position involves direct interaction with guests, ensuring guests and staff safety, and maintaining shelter policies and procedures. The position will operate as the weather determines.

Approximately: 36 hours per week – 3/12 hour shifts – Schedule determined by weather.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES INCLUDE:

Guest Support: Assist staff with welcoming guests, intake procedures and providing referrals to other services as necessary.

Safety and Security: Monitor the shelter environment; ensuring rules are followed for the safety of guests and staff. Conduct regular checks of the facility.

Crisis Management: Address conflicts or emergencies calmly and effectively, following established protocols.

Hygiene and Comfort: Ensure that the shelter is clean and organized. Facility must be fully cleaned after shelter closes in the morning, floors, tables, countertops, and restrooms but be cleaned and disinfected.

Record Keeping: Maintain accurate documentation of guest, incidents, and supplies.

Collaboration: Work with local agencies and organizations to provide resources and referrals to guests.

Training and Compliance: Participate in training sessions on shelter policies, emergency procedures, and best practices for serving vulnerable populations as required.

Assist with set up and take down of shelter as directed.

Other related duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or GED/HSE minimum required; Associate Degree in related field preferred.

Previous experience in social services, homeless outreach, or shelter work strongly preferred.

Or a combination of education and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work.

License(s) & Certification(s):

Must have valid driver license and auto liability insurance, if personal vehicle is used for work-related travel.

Preferred Trainings: Blood borne Pathogens, First Aid/CPR, Safety, Mandated Reporting, Confidentiality, Conflict Resolution, and Crisis Intervention.

Skills & Abilities:

Ability to work with diverse and at risk populations with consistent changing conditions.

Leadership and supervisory skills needed.

Knowledge of local resources and services.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Ability to work effectively with a minimum level of supervision.

Must have a non-judgmental attitude and a genuine desire to help individuals in crisis.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to the needs and values of the diverse populations we serve, and to maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Ability to defuse difficult situations.

Ability to work overnight shifts, including weekends and holidays as needed.

Must have strong and effective interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).

Working knowledge of standard office procedures and technologies (phone, computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, fax machine) needed.

Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, educational and experiential backgrounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is generally performed in an emergency shelter environment. Extended standing, walking, or sitting may be required. Must be able to physically lift, move, set up and take down shelter supplies, up to 25 lbs. Must physically be able to assist with cleaning and be around and exposed to cleaning products. May be exposed to situational, environmental or health hazards, such as mental health issues, drug abuse/paraphernalia, domestic violence, blood, fecal matter, parasites, and communicable disease. Hearing, eye sight, and communication ability must be sufficient to perform essential job functions.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Position will be paid $24.67/hour

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Sick Leave

(Community Action reserves right to modify, amend, or terminate any benefit at any time for any reason.)

TO APPLY:

• Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by providing ALL items requested. Please submit the following:
• (1) Community Action Application (2) Resume (3) Letter of Interest . You can find all job announcements and apply online on our website at www.communityactionskagit.org

• Community Action of Skagit County reserves the right to extend application deadlines and to modify the selection
• schedule without notice, to form eligibility lists for, or make appointments to, other positions with similar
• employment requirements. Community Action of Skagit County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you
• require accommodation in the application process, please contact our HR Department.