What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shelter Attendant (evening) position at Joshua House Inc?
Position Overview
Evening Staff supervise guests during the evening hours of 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Evening Staff are present during the evening, welcome new guests and volunteers, complete new intakes, maintain clear communication, support guests with adhering to House Expectations, and support the Shelter Manager in operating the shelter as needed. This is a temporary position with required training beginning in October, and the shelter will operate through April 2027.
Responsibilities:
● Follow daily routines like opening the shelter, signing guests in, helping with meals, etc.
● Welcome and supervise returning and new guests, including volunteers and dinner providers.
● Complete intake paperwork for new guests.
● Adhere to shelter rules in order to ensure safety and respect.
● Create safe space in order to best support guests in shelter.
● Support referral partners who may visit, remind guests of appointments.
● Cleaning and tidying, dishes and laundry to support daytime volunteers
● Create and maintain client files minimally including: intake documents, release of information
forms, adherence to house rules, and case notes.
● Attend JH staff meetings.
● Attend relevant training opportunities as assigned by the Executive Director.
● Maintain strict confidentiality regarding our guests.
● Help maintain cleanliness of the house and make sure that all supplies are stocked.
● Turn over beds when guests depart shelter.
● Use a restorative approach when talking to guests about behavioral issues.
● Support dinner activities by warming up prepared donated meals and helping guests clean up
after the meal.
● Supervise kitchen duties, clean dishes as needed.
● Use google drive documents to log communications, shelter stays, report incidents, and other
relevant information.
Skills and Abilities Desired
● Ability to represent JH and create and maintain positive relationships in the community.
● Strong word processing, internet, and organizational skills.
● Preference for experience working with vulnerable populations.
● Ability to follow and enforce policies and procedures.
● Ability to rapidly assess and evaluate situations.
● Ability to provide compassionate support and guidance to a diversity of people.
● Ability to multitask and manage time; ability to meet deadlines.
● Ethical and possessing personal integrity.
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to create a working team dynamic.
● Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
● Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of guests.
● Ability to set and maintain strict professional boundaries with guests.
● Ability to address occasional high degrees of stress or crisis management.
● Ability to lift 40 lbs.
● Familiarity with Google Drive documents and workflow.
Qualifications:
● High School Diploma or equivelant, one year social service experience preferred
● Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
● Ability to employ independent problem-solving strategies in rapidly changing situations.
● Understanding of systemic and generational poverty, substance misuse disorders, mental health disorders and their impact on those experiencing homelessness.
Evaluation Process: Evaluation of performance by the Executive Director and Shelter Manager.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Due to the nature of the work
environment, it is required that all staff members perform duties beyond their job description, such as, but not limited to, answering phones, taking messages, helping other employees with organizing community events and assisting regardless of the program.
Joshua House is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Revised: September 1, 2026
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10.0 – 40.0 per week
Application Question(s):
- We want to be sure you saw in the job ad that this is a temporary position with training beginning in October and Shelter operation beginning in November and ending in April.
- What is your availability and desired number of hours each week?
- Why do you want to work at Joshua House?
Ability to Commute:
- Newport, VT 05855 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $22