Emergency Shelter Leader (Warming Center - McCallister Building)

City of Thornton; Thornton (CO); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 34,440,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Thornton is seeking on-call team members for our Warming Center during the 2026/2027 winter season. You will respond quickly to severe weather events, distribute motel vouchers, and support shelter operations to keep residents safe and secure.

Responsibilities include registering shelter entrants, coordinating with shelter coordinators and law enforcement, and maintaining accurate records. Must be able to work varied shifts and travel to shelter facilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of city policies and goals.
• Strong customer service skills and clear communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to remain calm and act quickly in emergencies.
• Willingness to work varying shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Distribute motel vouchers during severe weather events.
• Provide shelter support and coordinate with shelter staff and law enforcement as needed.
• Register and assess shelter entrants; maintain occupancy records.
• Maintain shelter and motel area cleanliness and safety standards.
• Communicate daily reports and coordinate with shelter coordinators.
• Respond to emergencies and document incidents accurately.
• Arrange transportation and explain shelter terms to clients as needed.
• Oversee food service and sleeping area setups in shelter facilities.

Skills

Policy knowledge

Customer service

Oral and written communication

Calm under pressure

Emergency response

Team coordination

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Make a Difference This Winter!

The city of Thornton is now accepting applications for our on-call Warming Center Team. Under general supervision, this position participates as an active member of the Warming Center Team and is vital to the community when shelter is needed for unhoused individuals during a designated, severe weather event.

Job Details

• Reporting Location: City of Thornton, McAllister Building, 750 W 96th Ave, Thornton, CO 80260
• Positions Available: 5, This position is open until filled!

This seasonal, on-call position runs during the 2026/2027 winter season. Team members must be ready to respond with minimal notice when shelter is most needed due to incoming storms.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for severe weather motel voucher distribution and in the instance of Thornton establishing an emergency shelter, responsible for the general security of the facility, including communications with local law enforcement agencies when necessary.
• Provides support to individuals seeking shelter both via motels and in designated city facilities. Ensures that all possible safety, security and sanitation measures are observed.
• Ensures that all who seek shelter are assessed and registered upon arrival.
• Maintains a system for checking occupants in and out of motel rooms and city facilities using various databases and tracking systems.
• Maintains regular communications with the shelter coordinators and stakeholders. Provides daily report information to management, and discusses problems, supply needs, and plan for immediate future.
• Responds to emergency situations as required and maintains accurate accident and incident reports.
• Discusses plans to close shelter and exit individuals from motel rooms with contacts at headquarters and with shelter occupants.
• Determines availability and eligibility to receive motel vouchers and stay in a city shelter, explains terms of stay, arranges transportation as needed, and responds to phone calls received from individuals requesting support. May provide transportation assistance to clients, including scheduling, accompanying, and facilitating travel, while not functioning as a driver.
• At city established shelter facilities, supervises the food preparation and service in the shelter. Ensures that the needed supplies for the food service are available. Keeps accurate records of food and supplies received and expended.
• Sets up sleeping areas. Ensures that residents have assigned areas for sleeping. If applicable, coordinates placement of cots and blankets in area.
• Monitors the facility, including feeding and sleeping areas, restrooms and exterior and registration area, and ensures that the occupants' needs and health standards are being met.
• Ensures shelter personnel's health, safety and disease prevention, provides first aid as needed, and maintains records of health services provided, as directed by the Disaster Health Services (DHS) consultant at chapter disaster operations.
• Performs basic maintenance tasks such as sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming if building usage warrants it and custodial staff is unavailable.
• Complies with City and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Licensing and Certification Requirements

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated Electronic Defibrillator (AED) Certificate
• Basic First Aid Certificate
• Red Cross Emergency Shelter Training Completion (may be required).

Valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective customer service.
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Skill in dealing tactfully and effectively with the public.
• Skill in performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and in using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) may be required.
• Ability to render first aid as required.
• Ability to react quickly and accurately in emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, contractors, other agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain composure during mentally, physically, and emotionally stressful situations.
• Ability to work various shifts to include evenings, weekends and holidays, or flexible schedules.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, database management, spreadsheet applications, and electronic mail.

Physical and Mental Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. The position is considered mostly light work; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity. The employee must be able to remain calm in stressful situations.

Background Investigation Requirements

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.