Intake Specialist - 3rd shift

Mel Trotter; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Disability coverage

Flexible spending account (FSA)

Paid time off and holidays

Paid meals

Employee discounts

403(b) with employer match

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Professional development

Job summary

Mel Trotter Ministries is seeking an Intake Specialist for the 3rd shift to welcome guests and ensure a smooth entry process at the shelter. You will coordinate with care teams, monitor entry points, and support basic needs while maintaining a calm, safe environment.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed de-escalation, listening, and detailed shift reporting to ensure seamless handoffs between teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel proficiency.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred (not required).
• Residential care, counseling, or crisis-intervention experience preferred (not required).

Responsibilities

• Greet and direct guests, visitors, and vendors at the front desk.
• Coordinate with Triage Specialists and Case Managers.
• Complete perimeter checks and entry screening for prohibited items.
• Monitor cameras and radio traffic.
• Use trauma-informed de-escalation and request medical or law enforcement support when needed.
• Assist with basic needs and scheduled activities.
• Support clinic, sobering, and detox requests.
• Complete accurate digital shift reports.

Skills

Trauma-informed de-escalation

Crisis intervention

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Who We Are

Mel Trotter Ministries is a faith-based, nonprofit organization committed to providing safe shelter and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness. We work to create a structured, respectful environment where each person is treated with dignity and care.
Our approach is rooted in compassion, consistency, and accountability, with a focus on meeting immediate needs while supporting long-term stability. Through collaboration and a shared sense of purpose, our team works each day to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

What You’ll Do

As our Intake Specialist – 3rd shift, you’re the steady, welcoming presence at the front end of the shelter when most of the city is sleeping. This role exists to help guests enter smoothly, get connected quickly, and keep the building calm, clean, and secure.
Key responsibilities include greeting and directing guests/visitors/vendors, coordinating with Triage Specialists and Case Managers, completing perimeter checks and entry screening for prohibited items, monitoring cameras/radio traffic, using trauma-informed de-escalation and calling for medical/law enforcement support when needed, assisting with basic needs and scheduled activities, supporting clinic/sobering/detox requests, and completing accurate digital shift reports.
Qualifications/skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel proficiency
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred (not required)
• Residential care, counseling, or crisis-intervention experience preferred (not required)

Your Overnight Rhythm

You clock in for a 10-hour overnight shift (four in a row each week, including Saturdays and Sundays), knowing three straight days off are waiting on the other side. The pace comes in waves: a few busy arrivals, some quiet stretches, and plenty of stay-ready moments.3rd shift hours are 11:30-10:00am.
You’ll spend time at the entry desk, then rotate through rounds—checking in on spaces, keeping an eye on monitors, and documenting what matters. When someone's having a tough night, you help bring the temperature down with a calm, respectful approach. Between check-ins, you’ll reset shared areas, coordinate quick handoffs with teammates, and wrap up with clear notes so the next shift can pick up without missing a beat.

Perks That Matter

You’ll get comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus employer-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and an FSA. Recharge with paid time off and holidays, and fuel up with paid meals (hello, Snack/Drink Room). Add employee discounts, a 403(b) with employer match, an EAP, and professional development-plus the meaningful impact of a Christ-centered mission.