Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Winter Shelter Staff

REPORTS TO: Team Lead

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None

This is a temporary and part-time position.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Shelter Staff is responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and welcoming shelter-based environment that supports shelter guest stability, dignity, and recovery. This role utilizes a person-centered, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approach to engage shelter guests in goal-oriented activities, build independent living skills, and promote mental health and overall well-being. The Shelter Staff position plays a key role in shaping the daily shelter guest experience, ensuring interactions are respectful, responsive, and supportive while maintaining clear expectations and boundaries within a shelter-based setting.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Service Delivery

• Provide direct support to guests in a shelter-based environment, ensuring safety, structure, and consistency
• Deliver services using a person-centered, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approach to support independent living, recovery, and stability
• Assist with daily shelter operations, including shelter orientation, meal support, house routines, and maintaining a clean and sanitary environment
• Support shelter guests with skill-building, medication access, resources, and collaboration with providers (housing, primary care, behavioral health, etc)

Care Coordination & Collaboration

• Collaborate and communicate with stakeholders to support continuity of care
• Participate in shift hand-offs and team meetings to ensure consistent communication and service delivery
• Provide relevant updates to staff in support of each shelter guest’s goals and program expectations

Monitoring Progress & Responding to Client Needs

• Observe and assess shelter guest behavior, progress, and safety within the shelter-based environment
• Respond to changing needs through de-escalation, problem-solving, and crisis intervention as needed
• Report incidents and communicate concerns to supervisors and team members in a timely manner

Client Engagement & Support

• Build respectful, professional relationships using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach
• Encourage participation in services, routines, and goal-oriented activities
• Promote a welcoming, supportive environment that fosters dignity, independence, and positive engagement

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete accurate, timely documentation in accordance with agency, regulatory, and contract requirements
• Maintain required logs, reports, and communication records
• Complete required training and adhere to all policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Utilize agency technology systems to document services, communicate effectively, and access required information, policies, and procedures.

ORGANIZATION STANDARDS:

Professionalism and Communication

Demonstrates clear, respectful, and professional communication in both verbal and written interactions, with a focus on collaboration and solution-oriented dialogue. Shares information responsibly and addresses concerns constructively while maintaining a positive, professional demeanor—even in challenging situations.

Time & Priority Management

Effectively manages workload by prioritizing tasks, planning proactively, and addressing challenges to meet deadlines and responsibilities. Maintains a solution-focused approach and professional composure while balancing competing priorities.

Reliability & Accountability & Ownership

Demonstrates dependability by consistently meeting commitments, deadlines, and responsibilities while taking ownership of work and outcomes. Acts with integrity, follows through on obligations, and addresses mistakes proactively to support a culture of accountability and trust.

Adaptability and Change Agility

Demonstrates adaptability by embracing new processes, priorities, and organizational changes with resilience and a willingness to learn. Adjusts work approaches as needed and supports others through change with a constructive, solution-focused mindset.

Organizational Alignment and Mission Focus

Demonstrates behaviors aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and professional standards while supporting goals and initiatives through actions and attitude. Consistently follows policies and ethical guidelines, maintains confidentiality, and contributes to a culture of professionalism, respect, and service.

Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous experience in relevant role preferred.
• Proficiency in basic computer systems and software programs including electronic health record systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions
• Strong service delivery, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment

Driver Level: Level 2/3, dependent on shelter driving needs

Position Flexibility: This is an onsite position with no remote work option, work hours may vary, overtime may be required as necessary for shelter coverage.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Sitting for extended periods of time, Lifting/carrying up to thirty to fifty (30-50) pounds, Climb, Bending, Stooping, Balancing

All the above duties and responsibilities are considered essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as a detailed statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisors, subject to reasonable accommodation.

All MHA employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of background and registry checks conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements. Convictions involving violence, sexual offenses, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, as well as verified registry findings, may result in disqualification based on their recency, severity, relevance to the position, and applicable legal restrictions. Pending charges and other unresolved criminal proceedings are reviewed individually and are not treated as proof of wrongdoing; however, available information about the underlying conduct and its potential impact on resident safety or the applicant’s ability to perform essential job duties may result in withdrawal of an offer, subject to applicable notice and review procedures.

EEO race, color, religion, sex, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.