Overnight Shelter Assistant

Elizabethtown-Community-Housing-; Elizabethtown (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Elizabethtown Community Housing seeks an Overnight Shelter Assistant to oversee the shelter from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, and provide compassionate support to guests.

Responsibilities include nightly cleaning, restocking, safety checks, incident reports, and preparing breakfast items for morning staff, all in alignment with agency policies; strong trauma-informed, respectful approach required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• College experience in social services preferred.
• Experience in homeless services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee overnight operations to ensure safety and a welcoming environment.
• Clean, restock supplies, and report maintenance needs.
• Provide trauma-informed, respectful guest support and de-escalation when needed.
• Prepare breakfast items for morning shift.
• Complete nightly shift reports and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Strong communication

Trauma-informed approach

De-escalation techniques

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

College experience in social services

Tools

Case management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

SUMMARYThe Overnight Shelter Assistant is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and supportive environment for shelter guests during the 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM shift. This role focuses on cleaning common areas, restocking supplies, and monitoring the facility to ensure safety and security throughout the night. The Overnight Shelter Assistant provides compassionate support to guests who may wake during the night and prepares breakfast items for the morning shift. All responsibilities are carried out in alignment with agency policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure guests are treated with dignity, respect, and care.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSGeneral OperationsOversee the shelter during overnight hours, ensuring a calm, safe, and welcoming environment for individuals and families experiencing homelessnessFollow all operational procedures as outlined in the Shelter Manual.Maintain a visible presence to deter inappropriate behavior and address safety concerns promptly.Monitor building access points and conduct routine security checks throughout the shift.Uphold cleanliness and sanitation standards, particularly in high-traffic and communal areas.Attend required staff meetings and trainings to maintain knowledge of shelter policies and best practices.Guest SupportRespond to guests who wake during the night, providing assistance with needs or concerns using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach.Address any crises or behavioral issues with professionalism and de-escalation strategies.Ensure guests feel safe and supported while reinforcing shelter rules and expectations.Prepare breakfast food items for morning service in accordance with food safety standards.Facility Cleaning & MaintenanceComplete overnight cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, sanitizing surfaces, emptying trash, and maintaining restrooms and showers.Restock essential supplies such as toiletries, bedding, cleaning products, and paper goods.Promptly report maintenance issues or facility concerns to the appropriate staff or supervisor.Volunteer & Morning Staff SupportPrepare the shelter for morning staff and volunteers, ensuring breakfast items are ready and supplies are organized.Communicate effectively with morning staff by providing clear and detailed shift reports to support continuity of care and operations.Documentation and ReportingComplete nightly shift reports documenting activities, guest interactions, incidents, and facility updates.Maintain strict confidentiality of all guest information and records.Complete incident reports as necessary to document safety, health, or behavioral concerns.QUALIFICATIONSA high school diploma is required; college experience with a background in social services is preferred.Previous experience in homeless services, mental illness/co-occurring behaviors, or substance disorders is strongly preferred.Strong communication skills.Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations.Knowledge of homelessness issues and community resources.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management software.Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.