Emergency Winter Shelter (Contract Worker)

Aspire Indiana Health; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Aspire Indiana Health is seeking an Emergency Shelter Contract Worker to support the Winter Contingency Shelter sites. The role is part time and based at Indianapolis shelters, focusing on safety, stability, and compassionate service to residents.

You will conduct rounds, assist with intake, provide resource linkage, enforce policies, and coordinate with staff and community providers. The position requires trauma-informed care and strong communication.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required; further degrees preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of shelter or social services experience with diverse populations.
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, plus strong communication and basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct client support through rounds, trauma-informed engagement to build rapport.
• Link residents to healthcare, behavioral health, and social services; manage ROIs as needed.
• Gently enforce shelter policies and coordinate with providers for coordinated care.
• Assist with intake, sign-in/out, and documentation; maintain shift logs and reports.

Skills

Crisis intervention

De-escalation

Verbal & written communication

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field

Job description

The Emergency Shelter Contract Worker is responsible for ensuring the safety, stability, and smooth operation of the Aspire Indiana Health operated Winter Contingency Shelter sites. This is a contract role through Aspire Indiana Health and will provide direct, compassionate support to residents.

The Emergency Shelter Contract Worker’s role will be part time and based at the shelter, located at 2406 N. Tibbs Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222 (Family/Single Women’s Shelter 24/7) or 2302 W Morris St, Indianapolis, IN 46221 (weather activated men's shelter).

Duration Of The Contract

• Start Date: December 1, 2026
• End Date: March 31, 2027
• Part Time

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

I. Resident Support and Engagement

• Direct Client Support: Conduct consistent rounds and engage residents in a supportive, trauma-informed manner to build rapport and promote positive behavior.
• Resource Linkage: Assist residents in connecting with essential services, including healthcare, behavioral health providers, and social services, facilitating signed Releases of Information (ROIs) as needed.
• Policy Compliance: Gently enforce shelter policies (curfew, quiet hours, childcare, etc.), utilizing the written guidelines provided by Aspire.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with service providers, shelter staff, and community organizations to ensure coordinated care.
• Assist residents with completing intake forms, understanding shelter expectations, and available resources.

II. Safety, Security, and Operations

• Intake & Exit: Manage the resident sign-in/out process, assist with new resident intake and orientation, ensuring all required documents (Participation Agreement, Welcome Letter, Allergy Information, etc) are signed and filed.
• Safety Monitoring: Conduct regular safety and security checks of the facility and grounds, immediately reporting maintenance issues or potential hazards to the Shift Leader.
• Inventory & Logistics: Assist the Operations Associate with meal distribution, inventory of non-contracted food (breakfast/lunch items), and tracking supplies
• Data Entry: Accurately record and enter all collected resident data and complete all shift logs reports.
• Maintain regular communication with your shift leader or the site manager, keeping them informed of resident progress, challenges, and issues that may arise.
• Support the overall smooth operation of the shelter, ensuring residents’ needs are met and the environment remains conducive to their well-being.
• Contractors are expected to uphold the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality regarding shelter residents and their families. All sensitive information must be handled with care, in compliance with privacy regulations and organizational policies.
• Track hours worked, and submit invoices twice monthly (on the 5th and 20th) to the onsite shelter manager.

III. Crisis and Emergency Response

• De-escalation: Employ techniques rooted in Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing to de-escalate conflicts and manage behavioral crises among residents.
• Crisis Protocol: Follow the established Staff Emergency Protocol for all critical incidents, including reporting serious injuries, fire, police response, or mandatory reporting situations.
• Weather Activation: For the Weather-Activated Shelter, respond to activation calls with 24–72 hours' notice and report for assigned shifts promptly to assist with shelter set-up and immediate client services.
• Crisis Linkage: Facilitate contact with Aspire’s 24-hour crisis line and mobile crisis services when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a shelter, social service agency, or related housing services environment. Experience working with diverse populations, including families and individuals experiencing homelessness, is essential.
• Skills: Demonstrated competency in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills and basic computer proficiency.
• Background check: Must pass a drug screen, TB test and complete a background check. Staff working at the Family Shelter will also need to be finger printed
• Contractor agrees to provide Aspire with proof of Workman’s Comp and Liability insurance prior to starting

Work Environment

The role requires the ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 25 lbs. Staff must be prepared to work overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts, and remain flexible to accommodate the fluctuating schedule of the Weather-Activated Shelter.