Position Summary:
The Winter Shelter Monitor supports the safe, efficient, and effective operation of Carpenter’s Shelter’s Winter Shelter Collaborative operated between November 1st and April 15th in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services. This is a seasonal position that will end at the completion of the winter programming period.
All employees serving in this position will be required to re-apply for any future Carpenter’s Shelter positions, including subsequent Winter Shelter programs. Completion of employment for the current winter season does not guarantee future rehire or automatic placement in future Winter Shelter operations.
Winter Shelter Monitors play a critical role in ensuring clients’ safety, facility cleanliness, and compliance with shelter policies, particularly during high demand and severe weather periods.
All Winter Shelter Monitors must successfully complete mandatory pre-season onboarding and training prior to beginning any assigned shifts. Training topics include trauma-informed care, emergency response, incident documentation, de-escalation, and shelter procedures.
This position requires adherence to the Winter Shelter Dress Code Policy, which mandates the wearing of agency-issued or approved uniform attire during all shifts to ensure visibility, professionalism, and consistency across staff teams.
The Winter Shelter Monitor must be available to work shifts from 6:30 pm to midnight or midnight to 7:00 am on weekdays, weekends, and / or holidays. Using a client-centered and trauma-informed lens, the Winter Shelter Monitor is responsible for providing direct services to ensure the basic needs of guests are met.
TITLE: Winter Shelter Monitor (Seasonal – Mandatory Training, Uniform Compliance, and End-of-Season Re-Application Required)
REPORTS TO: Winter Shelter Coordinator
SALARY: $18.00 – $18.50 per hour
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 two emergency shelters (Alexandria Community Shelter and The Hoffman Center), 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 Winter Shelter during shifts; monitor guest’s activities and provide a regular presence in all areas of the Winter Shelter.
- Provide crisis intervention support using de-escalation techniques and ensure all incidents are accurately documented in accordance with shelter protocol within the designated time frame.
- Engage households in housing-focused, solution-oriented conversations to address the immediate housing crisis.
- Ensure appropriate referrals are made for Winter Shelter guests.
- 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 Winter Shelter Monitor shifts; communicate issues to supervisor immediately.
- Accurately complete necessary data collection during each shift, including nighlty guest counts, incident reports, and shift summaries.
- Assist and support volunteers while ensuring alignment with safety and confidentality standards.
- Ensure the safety and security of the Winter 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 and that all cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment are used appropriately.
- Participate in staff meetings and training courses as directed by supervisor and attend all mandatory pre-season and refresher training throughout the season.
- Complete time sheet at the end of last shift worked for each pay period.
- Report to work on time so staff can be relieved by the incoming shift, supporting a smooth and seamless turnover.
- Wear approved Winter Shelter unform attire such as (branded shirts, ID badges, or jackets) during all scheduled shifts as required by Carpenter’s Shelter policy.
- Adhere to the Carpenter’s Shelter Code of Ethics and SEED Values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- 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.
- Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint)
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check.
- Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, if needed, to accommodate client and community needs.
- Completion of all mandatory pre-employment and seasonal training prior to beginning shifts
Winter Shelter Operations Requirements:
All Winter Shelter staff must:
- Successfully complete mandatory onboarding and pre-season training.
- Participate in emergency preparedness and fire safety drills.
- Always Adhere to the Winter Shelter Dress Code Policy.
- Participate in performance check-ins and evaluations throughout the season.
- Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and alignment with Carpenter’s Shelter mission and SEED Values in all interactions with clients, guests, staff, and partners.
- Acknowledge that completion of employment for the Winter Shetler season does not guarantee rehire or automatic consideration for future Carpenter’s Shelter employment opportunities.
Preferred:
- Experience working in programs serving people experiencing homelessness.
- Direct personal connection to homelessness.
- Demonstrated ability to implement trauma-informed and harm-reduction principles in high-stress settings.
Application Process:
Applicants should forward a cover letter and resume electronically to HR@CarpentersShelter.org. In the subject line, type: “Winter Shelter Monitor”. No telephone calls are accepted. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. 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.