Night Shelter Operations

Addison County; Middlebury (VT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Accrued PTO

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Charter House Coalition is seeking an overnight Night Shelter Operations staff member to help run essential shelter operations in Middlebury, Vermont. This part-time, in-person role focuses on safety, security, and the well-being of shelter guests during overnight shifts.

You will work with shelter staff, volunteers, and on-call teams to ensure trauma-informed, policy-compliant operations, accurate shift reporting, and calm crisis response in line with HOP emergency shelter standards.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience or a combination of education and experience supporting shelter operations or crisis response.
• Compassion and understanding for shelter guests.
• Clear communication and ability to follow safety procedures to maintain a calm, safe environment.
• Knowledge of local resources and service providers.
• Experience with crisis intervention and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Provide supportive, respectful presence for shelter guests during overnight stays.
• Maintain professional, trauma-informed relationships and appropriate boundaries.
• Review guest-facing agreements and shelter policies for consistent implementation.
• Uphold quiet hours, curfew and overnight behavior expectations, addressing safety concerns as needed.
• Conduct security monitoring of interior/exterior areas to maintain safety.
• Coordinate with on-call staff regarding illnesses, mental health concerns, safety issues, or emergencies.
• Maintain confidentiality of shelter guests.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as documentation, scheduling, or data entry.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and supervision as requested.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

De-escalation

Communication skills

Teamwork

Tech proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Charter House is seeking an overnight staff member to assist in essential shelter operations. Night Shelter Operations staff are responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and overall well-being of shelter guests and the shelter environment.

Working collaboratively with shelter staff, Coordinated Entry staff, volunteers, and the on-call support team, Night Shelter Operations ensure overnight operations are conducted in accordance with Housing Opportunity Program (HOP) Emergency Shelter Standards, Charter House Coalition policies, and trauma-informed shelter practices.

Night Shelter Operations monitor the physical environment, guest safety, shelter security, crisis situations, and overnight operations while maintaining accurate documentation and shift reporting. The position requires sound judgment, professionalism, de-escalation skills, and the ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations.

Position Details

Part-Time, in-person: 20 hours per week

Pay: $22-24 per hour, based on experience

Benefits

• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Primary Responsibilities

As Night Shelter Operations, you will provide support to people experiencing homelessness by:

• Being a supportive, respectful, and compassionate presence for shelter guests during overnight stays.
• Maintaining professional, trauma-informed, and guest-centered relationships while exercising appropriate boundaries.
• Regularly reviewing guest-facing agreements, shelter expectations, and operational policies to ensure consistent implementation.
• Upholding shelter quiet hours, curfew expectations, and overnight behavioral expectations while responding appropriately to guest needs and safety concerns.

• Conducting regular security monitoring of the shelter interior, exterior perimeter, entrances, exits, and common areas to maintain a safe environment for guests, staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Coordinating with on-call staff regarding guest illness, mental health concerns, substance use concerns, safety issues, rule violations, or emergency situations.
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding shelter guests and all individuals seeking shelter services.
• Completing occasional administrative or organizational support tasks as assigned, including documentation support, supply tracking, data entry, scheduling support, or other operational needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, training and supervision meetings as requested.

Qualifications

• Two years of applicable experience, or;a combination of education and experience supporting congregate shelter operations, crisis response, or human services work.
• Compassion and understanding for all individuals seeking shelter services.
• Ability to communicate clearly and follow safety procedures in ways that support a calm, respectful, and consistently safe shelter environment.
• Working knowledge of local resources and service providers.
• Understanding and comfortable implementation of crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Technical proficiency with electronic devices including laptops, tablets, cell phones, and communication systems including Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to physically perform job tasks including stair climbing, lifting up to 40 pounds, and responding to emergencies.

Working Conditions

• All Night Shelter Operations positions are onsite at the emergency shelter during scheduled overnight shifts.
• The overnight shift is an AWAKE shift.
• Night Shelter Operations are expected to arrive prior to shift start and remain until the scheduled end of shift unless otherwise directed.
• Charter House Coalition operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is expected.
• Work may involve responding to crisis situations, emergency medical situations, substance use related emergencies, behavioral health crises, and other unpredictable shelter environments.

Charter House Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with dignity and respect regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status.