The Overnight Shelter Assistant is responsible for overnight assistance and oversight of women utilizing Austin’s Place Emergency Overnight Shelter. This position is a three-night-a-week overnight position, 11.5 hour shifts. Overnight staff is required to remain awake during the overnight hour. The Overnight Shelter Assistant reports to the Shelter Director.
Qualifications: It is recommended that the overnight shelter assistant have at least a High School Diploma or GED equivalent. While no other specific credentials are required to fill this position (e.g.,LCSW, MSW, etc.), experience with the homeless population and/or mental illness is preferred. Presence of good judgment is required as intervention by emergency services may, at time, be necessary. This staff member should have strong attention to detail and organizational skills, as well as good communication skills, and be able to be compassionate with our guests. This person must have the ability to remain awake and alert during the hours on shift.
Compensation/Hours: This is an hourly position. The rate of pay is based on experience and the hours are 7:45PM– 7:15 AM with one half-hour break. This position begins on November 1, 2019 with one paid 4-hour training session prior to this date. This is a temporary position that ends on April 15, 2020.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Providing compassionate care to the guests who use the shelter, delivering services with safety and respect.
• Nightly opening of the shelter, including greeting the overnight volunteer and setting up the shelter prior to guest arrival.
• Warm greeting of overnight guests.
• Monitoring the setup of bedding and assisting as needed.
• Monitoring guest behavior and enforcing shelter policies as needed.
• Providing conversation with our guests if desired.
• Maintaining order and assisting in keeping shelter space clean and free of spills, trash and safety hazards.
• General administrative functions such as noting within the communication log and monitoring supplies.
• Providing crisis intervention as needed, including determining when it is necessary to involve the shelter director or the authorities.
• Assisting in the morning cleanup process, ensuring the space is left tidy.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Shelter Director.