Associate, Shelter Floater

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Denver•Denver, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Floater Shelter Associate provides flexible, compassionate support across multiple homeless shelter locations in the Denver metro and Lakewood areas. The associate may be assigned to one or more shelters as needed to help ensure consistent, quality service delivery. The role requires adaptability and a strong commitment to serving people experiencing homelessness. The associate helps maintain structure and safety in shelter environments by following operating guidelines, enforcing rules consistently, responding appropriately to participant needs and crises, and supporting emergency evacuations. The role also involves documenting participant information, maintaining awareness of shelter events, communicating with staff and supervisors, welcoming volunteers and guests, distributing and inventorying supplies, and providing information and referrals. The associate answers phones, makes internal and community referrals, and assists the safety desk with urine analysis results and breathalyzers. The position supports Catholic Charities’ mission, values, and Code of Ethics; treats people with dignity and respect; protects confidential information and follows HIPAA expectations; and contributes to effective teamwork, training, and problem solving. The position is full-time and pays $25 per hour, with a $1-per-hour differential for bilingual candidates. The posting notes that applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Requirements

Experience working with people in crisis.
Ability to remain calm in stressful and/or emergency situations.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Basic knowledge of word processing and typing ability to enter participant information.
Knowledge of the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and appropriate techniques and practices for that population.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and independently with Agency staff and a diverse participant base.
Some college attendance while working toward an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, and 3 to 6 months of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability is eligible for a $1-per-hour differential.

Responsibilities

Work at one or more shelter locations in the Denver metro area and Lakewood as assigned.
Follow operating guidelines to help maintain structure and order in the living environment.
Complete required documentation and data accurately and promptly, including participant information in daily logs before ending a shift.
Read previous logs to stay informed about ongoing events and changes.
Enforce shelter rules uniformly and consistently.
Respond appropriately to participant needs and crisis situations, including mediating basic interpersonal problems and summoning emergency personnel when needed.
Help volunteers and guests feel welcome.
Communicate with staff to resolve problems involving individual participants.
Complete records and reports, using a computer or manual methods as directed.
Distribute and inventory supplies.
Provide appropriate information and referrals.
Keep the supervisor informed about shelter developments.
Support and adhere to Catholic Charities’ vision, mission, values, and Code of Ethics, and treat all persons with dignity and respect.
Maintain confidentiality of participant and agency information and follow Agency confidentiality and HIPAA expectations.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Answer phones and provide internal referrals and external referrals to community partners.
Assist the safety desk in verifying urine analysis results and completing breathalyzers.
Act as a good steward of Agency human, financial, and capital resources.
Participate effectively as a team member through communication, cooperation, information sharing, and problem solving.
Participate in required staff training and programs.
Help participants safely exit the building in an emergency.
Perform other tasks or duties as assigned.

Benefits

Extensive paid time off, accruing at four weeks for new employees and increasing based on tenure.
15 paid holidays annually; holiday pay is included when a shelter employee works a holiday.
403(b) retirement plan with an Agency contribution of 4% and a match up to 2% of annual compensation.
Choice of two PPO medical plans, with the Agency paying 90% of employee premiums and 75% of dependent premiums.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on the first day of the month following the start date.
Eligible employees may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through Federal Student Loans.
Robust training curriculum, including training in de-escalation and safety, Mental Health First Aid, substance abuse and mental health, human trafficking, and trauma-informed care.
Part-time employees working 20–29 hours per week also receive paid annual leave, company-paid holidays, and a 403(b) plan with Agency contribution and match.