Shelter Coordinator

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

Our teams work to address each individual on a holistic level so they feel heard, respected, and safe in our care. We offer hands-on help to address chronic homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, disability, and systematic poverty by offering innovative solutions and proactive services to the most vulnerable in Schenectady County.

The Shelter Coordinator plays a vital role in managing the daily operations of the shelter, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. The ideal candidate must possess strong leadership skills and a commitment to providing compassionate care, demonstrating sound judgment and professionalism, and maintaining appropriate boundaries while addressing the diverse needs of individuals experiencing homelessness or crisis.
Bethesda House partners with Schenectady County's Code Blue program to provide a safe, warm place for those in need during cold winter weather. The Shelter Coordinator is also responsible for operating our Code Blue shelter program.

Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday, 3 pm-11 pm (with weekend oversight)
Pay Rate: $25-$26/hr.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and provide ongoing guidance to Shelter Aide staff, including weekend, overnight, and code blue staff
• Conduct weekly supervision meetings and periodically work shelter shifts to evaluate staff performance
• Oversee daily shelter operations, ensure participant adherence to shelter rules, particularly those related to safety and behavior
• Exercise appropriate judgment in emergency situations, including contacting public safety personnel or calling 911 when necessary
• Manage daily intake, assessment, discharge, and documentation processes, ensuring accurate and timely entry into HMIS
• Maintain regular communication with Schenectady County DSS and manage shelter referrals, including responsibility for the DSS phone while on shift
• Create and maintain complete electronic client files, including required DSS forms and clinical documentation
• Collaborate with case management, clinical, residential, and facilities staff to support participant needs and maintain an audit-ready shelter environment
• Ensure the shelter remains safe, secure, and well-maintained, coordinating repairs and upkeep as needed
• Track shelter utilization, maintain sign-in sheets, and complete required data reporting
• Process monthly shelter billing and manage the shelter on-call phone
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Candidates should possess a background in social work or a related field with experience in supervising staff or volunteers. Familiarity with addiction counseling techniques is preferred. Additional qualifications include:

• An associate degree in human services or related field is required; a bachelor’s degree in human services or related field is preferred
• Minimum five years of experience providing services to the homeless or in a related human service field necessary
• Experience in behavior management strategies for diverse populations
• Proficiency in data collection methods for program evaluation and reporting purposes
• Demonstrated supervisory skills, providing direction and leadership, are essential
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with peers to provide sound leadership in a not-for-profit agency is required
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with residents, staff, and community partners
• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License with clean driving record and the ability to be covered by the Agency’s vehicle insurance in order to operate Agency vehicles

The Shelter Coordinator position requires a compassionate individual who is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those in need while maintaining high standards of professionalism and compliance within the shelter environment.