Residential Relief Aide (Per Diem)

Bethesda House of Schenectady; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 23,419 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Bethesda House of Schenectady is seeking per diem staff to support residential and shelter operations. The role is hourly with no minimum hours, and staffing is based on agency needs including second/third shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities include monitoring safety, enforcing policies, supervising shelter participants, and performing routine building tasks. A HS diploma is required; related field degree preferred; prior security/residential experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s Degree in human services, criminal justice, social services, or related field preferred.
• Two to five years of experience in security, residential services, customer service, hospitality, or related field preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with residents, clients, visitors, staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Basic computer literacy and ability to use electronic systems and agency databases.
• Knowledge of community resources, agencies, programs, and services preferred.
• Ability to respond to emergencies, safety concerns, and crises.
• Experience working with diverse populations including homelessness and housing instability.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security camera systems and observe all visitors, residents, clients, guests, staff, and vendors.
• Follow procedures for electronic access systems and building entry protocols.
• Perform scheduled building walkthroughs to identify safety concerns and maintenance needs.
• Maintain awareness of activity in building and grounds; document incidents and logs.
• Identify, respond to, and document safety concerns; escalate issues as needed.
• Implement safety plans and evacuation protocols when necessary.
• Attend to daily maintenance and upkeep of residence and grounds as assigned.
• Complete NY OTDA incident reports when required.
• Enforce residential program policies related to curfews, visitors, and resident responsibilities.
• Provide active supervision of shelter participants and support morning routines.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Basic computer skills

Emergency response

Community resources knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree in human services or related field

Job description

At Bethesda House, our goal is to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness - not just manage the symptoms.

Status and Compensation

Per diem, $18/hour

Schedule

This is a per diem, hourly position with no guaranteed minimum number of hours. Staffing assignments are based on agency operational needs and employee availability. Primary staffing needs may include:

• Second Shift
• Third Shift
• Weekends
• Holidays

Per diem employees are expected to maintain availability and flexibility based on program coverage needs and may be scheduled to provide coverage for residential, shelter, and facility operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Safety, Security, and Building Monitoring

• Monitor security camera systems and observe all visitors, residents, clients, guests, staff, and vendors entering and exiting the building.
• Follow established procedures for electronic access systems, including door buzzers and building entry protocols.
• Conduct scheduled building and property walkthroughs to identify safety concerns, security issues, maintenance needs, or policy violations.
• Maintain awareness of all activity and movement throughout the building and grounds.
• Monitor resident and guest behaviors, including items and belongings being brought into residential areas, in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Identify, respond to, and appropriately document system alerts, safety concerns, and incidents. Escalate critical issues to designated staff and take appropriate action to minimize disruptions or safety risks.
• Implement safety plans, emergency procedures, and evacuation protocols when necessary.
• Follow on‑call procedures, after‑hours emergency protocols, and required notification procedures.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation in required logs, including incident reports, shift notes, and other program records.
• Attend to basic daily maintenance, cleanliness, and upkeep of the residence and grounds as assigned by the supervisor.

Residential Program Responsibilities

• Enforce residential program policies and procedures related to curfews, visitors, building expectations, and resident responsibilities.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for residents, guests, staff, and visitors.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect confidential information related to residents, clients, employees, volunteers, and agency operations.
• Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, personnel policies, safety requirements, and program standards.

Shelter Aide Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well‑being of shelter participants while supporting compliance with shelter rules and expectations.
• Provide active supervision of shelter guests, maintaining consistent awareness of participant behaviors, interactions, and needs.
• Assist with morning shelter routines, including waking shelter guests at scheduled times:
  • 6:00 a.m. Monday through Friday
  • 6:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
• Ensure shelter guests exit the building by 8:00 a.m. following breakfast service, in accordance with program procedures.
• Support breakfast operations by encouraging shelter guests to participate in the morning meal provided by the agency.
• Assist with shelter area cleanup and preparation:
  • Collect shelter supplies used by guests, including blankets, pillows, pillowcases, and other assigned items.
  • Bag and place collected items in designated storage or processing areas (e.g., hotbox procedures at 917 State Street).
  • Prepare shelter rooms and spaces for cleaning services.
• Complete required New York State OTDA incident reports when circumstances require documentation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s Degree in human services, criminal justice, social services, or a related field preferred.
• Two to five years of experience in security, residential services, customer service, hospitality, or a related field preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with residents, clients, visitors, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Basic computer literacy and the ability to use electronic systems, including documentation platforms, security systems, and agency databases.
• Knowledge of community resources, agencies, programs, and services preferred.
• Ability to recognize, assess, and respond appropriately to emergencies, safety concerns, and crisis situations.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, behavioral health challenges, or other barriers to stability.
• Ability to establish and maintain respectful, professional relationships with the public, volunteers, staff, residents, and program participants.
• Must successfully complete required background screening and agency onboarding requirements.

Bethesda House is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In all employment and hiring decisions, the Agency complies with applicable anti-discrimination laws. This policy applies to all employment practices, including hiring, advertising, recruitment, promotion, demotion/transfer, layoff/termination of employment, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training and development.