Overnight Shelter Attendant

Department: Homeless Services

Job Title: Overnight Shelter Attendant - Third Shift

Reports to: Shelter Lead or Homeless Services Director

The Organization:

Homeward Bound is the leading nonprofit organization in Buncombe County focused on preventing and ending homelessness using the best-practice Prioritizing Home model. We work collaboratively with community partners and have a proven track record of helping individuals and families achieve housing stability. Since 2006, Homeward Bound has moved more than 2,615 people off the streets, out of cars, camps, and shelters, and into permanent housing.

Position:

The Overnight Shelter Staff provides essential overnight coverage, security, and support to guests at Homeward Bound’s cold-weather and severe-weather shelters. In this role, you will ensure the safety, dignity, and comfort of all guests, fostering a welcoming and compassionate environment throughout the night.

This position is critical during Buncombe County’s Code Purple and other emergency weather operations. Code Purple is activated when temperatures are forecasted at 32°F (0°C) or below, prompting shelters to open additional beds and provide emergency services, including transportation via ART buses. During these events, Overnight Shelter Staff work closely with city, county, and community partners to provide safe refuge and support to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Location: AHOPE Day Shelter - 19 N Ann Street, Asheville NC 28801

Schedule and Compensation:

This is a non-exempt, hourly PRN position paid at $24.15 an hour. Not benefit eligible

Typical hours: Third
Shifts often rotate and may be scheduled up to 48 hours in advance depending on weather conditions.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required

  
  
• Minimum 2 years working with populations experiencing poverty, homelessness, or with a social service background preferred
  
  
• Familiarity with behavioral health, mental health, or substance use challenges preferred
  
  
• Completion of essential training (e.g., de-escalation, bloodborne pathogens, etc.)
  
  
• Strong communication and customer service skills
  
  
• Basic computer literacy for reporting and scheduling tools
  
  

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long periods, and remain alert overnight

• Must be able to arrive at shifts in all weather conditions.

  
  

Responsibilities:

• Welcome and check in guests; perform brief health screenings and review shelter rules

  
  
• Maintain a secure, calm atmosphere throughout overnight hours
  
  
• Patrol sleeping areas, restrooms, and common spaces regularly
  
  
• Control access to entrances and exits, locking doors securely
  
  
• Coordinate with the Code Purple Shelter Coordinator and other team members
  
  
• Manage refreshments, coffee, snacks, and maintain cleanliness in kitchen and common areas
  
  
• Prevent and respond appropriately to incidents, rule violations, or disturbances
  
  
• Write incident and shift reports each morning and communicate issues promptly
  
  
• Gently wake guests in the morning and oversee their departure
  
  
• Clean and sanitize the facility, preparing bedding and supplies for the next shift
  
  
• Support clients in maintaining housing stability and independent living skills as appropriate
  
  

• Perform other duties as assigned to support Homeward Bound’s mission of ending homelessness

Our Values:

We believe in the absolute value and worth of every single human being.
We believe that housing is a basic human right, integral to self-worth and dignity.
We believe that homelessness is a solvable problem.

Mission:

To prevent and end homelessness in our community through permanent housing and support.

Homeward Bound bases its human resource decisions on objective criteria without regard to any characteristic or condition protected by law. We are committed to a workplace that offers equal opportunity without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, disability, genetic information/medical history, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are proud to be a second-chance employer and believe everyone deserves an opportunity to move forward.

As part of our standard hiring process, all applicants complete a background screening, which includes APS/CPS records, national Social Security number verification, and a national criminal background check.