Monitor

Carpenter's Shelter; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

ADA accommodations

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria, VA seeks a Monitor to oversee the emergency shelter during shifts. The role provides direct services to residents, ensuring safety, basic needs, and a welcoming environment, while coordinating with volunteers and partner agencies.

Responsibilities include intake orientation, crisis de-escalation, data collection, and communicating updates to staff. Part-time, on-call hours require flexibility and strong interpersonal skills in a trauma-informed setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience in human services or a related field.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to maintain documentation.
• Strong time management and organizational skills; reliable and self-motivated.
• Must be able to attend quarterly staff meetings which are held on weekdays during the afternoon.
• Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint)
• Valid driver’s license
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, if needed, to accommodate client and community needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide complete oversight of the shelter during shifts; monitor residents’ activities to promote a safe and welcoming environment.
• Orient new residents to the building, collecting basic intake information and supporting them in transitioning into the program.
• Foster a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere for clients by actively listening and providing a safe space.
• Ensure clients’ basic needs are met (linens, hygiene products, food, and info about community resources).
• Provide crisis intervention using de-escalation techniques.
• Engage households in housing-focused problem-solving conversations during housing crises.
• Hear and address client grievances per agency policies.
• Communicate activity/information to staff via Viva Engage, phone, email, etc.; inform supervisor of issues.
• Complete data collection during shifts (resident counts, etc.).
• Work with volunteers and partner programs to ensure continuity of services.
• Ensure safety and security of the Emergency Shelter during shifts; know alarm systems and emergency procedures.
• Report security concerns or facility damage to supervisor.
• Follow CDC-recommended cleaning procedures; participate in meetings and trainings.
• Complete timesheets and report to work on time for shifts.

Skills

Relationship building

Time management

Documentation

Flexibility

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

The Monitor staff provide complete oversight of two 64-bed emergency shelter s – Carpenter’s Shelter and the Alexandria Community Shelter ( operated by Carpenter’s Shelter in partnership with the City of Alexandria ) , during shifts scheduled on weekday evenings, week ends, and on holidays . Using a client-centered and trauma-informed lens, the Monitors are responsible for creating a safe and welcoming environment and for providing direct services to ensure the basic needs of residents are met . The Monitors collaborate with volunteers, other non‑profit agencies, and the faith community .

TITLE: Monitor

REPORTS TO: Monitor Manager

SHIFTS: Part‑time, on‑call

About the Organization:

Since 1988, Carpenter’s Shelter has met the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness in the City of Alexandria. Through the operation of emergency shelter, day shelter, and winter shelter as well as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs, Carpenter’s Shelter identifies housing solutions supports sustainable independence for more than 1,080 families and individuals each year.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide complete oversight of the shelter during shifts; monitor resident’s activities to promote a safe and welcoming environment and provide a regular presence in all areas of the shelter
• In collaboration with the ACS Intake & Monitor Coordinator, orient new residents to the building, collecting basic intake information and supporting them in smoothly transitioning into the program
• Foster a welcoming and non‑judgmental atmosphere for clients by actively listening, showing empathy, and providing a safe space for individuals seeking shelter, ensuring they feel respected and supported from their very first interaction.
• Ensure clients basic needs are met (providing clean linens for the rooms, hygiene products when available, food from the kitchen, and information about community‑based resources, etc.)
• Provide crisis intervention support using de‑escalation techniques
• Engage households in housing‑focused problem‑solving conversations to address the immediate housing crisis
• Hear and address client grievances in accordance with agency policies
• Communicate necessary activity/information via Viva Engage, phone calls, message, emails, etc. to staff so that all are aware of activity occuring during Monitor shifts; communicate issues to supervisor immediately
• Accurately complete necessary data collection during each shift, including a count of the number of residents served, etc.
• Work closely with volunteers, community partners, and other Carpenter’s Shelter programs staff to ensure a continuity of services
• Ensure the safety and security of the Emergency Shelter during shift. This includes complete knowledge and function of alarm system, emergency exit procedures, appropriate action during emergency situations, weather emergencies, etc.
• Report security concerns and / or damage to the facility to supervisor
• Ensure safe cleaning procedures recommended by the Center for Disease and Control Prevention 1 are utilized Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor
• Complete time sheet at the end of last shift worked each pay period
• Report to work on time so staff working can be relieved by the incoming shift, supporting a smooth and seamless turnover
• Adhere to the Carpenter’s Shelter Code of Ethics and SEED Values
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required:

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience human services or a related field
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with diverse groups of people
• Ability to maintain documentation
• Strong time management and organizational skills; reliable and self‑motivated
• Must be able to attend quarterly staff meetings which are held on weekdays during the afternoon
• Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint)
• Valid driver’s license
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, if needed, to accommodate client and community needs

Preferred:

• Experience working in programs serving people experiencing homelessness
• Direct personal connection to homelessness

Salary:

$18 per hour

Carpenter’s Shelter will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Carpenter’s Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and agrees not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, gender, physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Successful candidates must be committed to working with a culturally diverse population.