Emergency Shelter Contract Worker

Aspire Indiana Health, Inc.•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Emergency Shelter Contract Worker is responsible for ensuring the safety, stability, and smooth operation of the Aspire Indiana Health operated Winter Contingency Shelter sites. This is a contract role through Aspire Indiana Health and will provide direct, compassionate support to residents. The Emergency Shelter Contract Worker’s role will be part time and based at the shelter, located at 2406 N. Tibbs Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222 (Family/Single Women’s Shelter 24/7) or 2302 W Morris St, Indianapolis, IN 46221 (weather activated men's shelter). Duration of the Contract: Start Date: December 1, 2025 End Date: March 31, 2026 Part Time

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a shelter, social service agency, or related housing services environment. Experience working with diverse populations, including families and individuals experiencing homelessness, is essential.
Demonstrated competency in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills and basic computer proficiency.
Must pass a drug screen, TB test and complete a background check. Staff working at the Family Shelter will also need to be finger printed
Contractor agrees to provide Aspire with proof of Workman’s Comp and Liability insurance prior to starting
The role requires the ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 25 lbs.
Staff must be prepared to work overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts, and remain flexible to accommodate the fluctuating schedule of the Weather-Activated Shelter.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct consistent rounds and engage residents in a supportive, trauma-informed manner to build rapport and promote positive behavior.
Assist residents in connecting with essential services, including healthcare, behavioral health providers, and social services, facilitating signed Releases of Information (ROIs) as needed.
Gently enforce shelter policies (curfew, quiet hours, childcare, etc.), utilizing the written guidelines provided by Aspire.
Build and maintain strong relationships with service providers, shelter staff, and community organizations to ensure coordinated care.
Assist residents with completing intake forms, understanding shelter expectations, and available resources.
Manage the resident sign-in/out process, assist with new resident intake and orientation, ensuring all required documents (Participation Agreement, Welcome Letter, Allergy Information, etc) are signed and filed.
Conduct regular safety and security checks of the facility and grounds, immediately reporting maintenance issues or potential hazards to the Shift Leader.
Assist the Operations Associate with meal distribution, inventory of non-contracted food (breakfast/lunch items), and tracking supplies
Accurately record and enter all collected resident data and complete all shift logs reports.
Maintain regular communication with your shift leader or the site manager, keeping them informed of resident progress, challenges, and issues that may arise.
Support the overall smooth operation of the shelter, ensuring residents’ needs are met and the environment remains conducive to their well-being.
Contractors are expected to uphold the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality regarding shelter residents and their families. All sensitive information must be handled with care, in compliance with privacy regulations and organizational policies.
Track hours worked, and submit invoices twice monthly (on the 5th and 20th) to the onsite shelter manager.
Employ techniques rooted in Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing to de-escalate conflicts and manage behavioral crises among residents.
Follow the established Staff Emergency Protocol for all critical incidents, including reporting serious injuries, fire, police response, or mandatory reporting situations.
For the Weather-Activated Shelter, respond to activation calls with 24–72 hours' notice and report for assigned shifts promptly to assist with shelter set-up and immediate client services.
Facilitate contact with Aspire’s 24-hour crisis line and mobile crisis services when necessary.