PRN Reservist - Cold Weather Shelter

Endeavors•Austin, TX

About The Position

The PRN Reservist Cold Weather Shelter Staff member provides direct operational support during City of Austin cold weather shelter activations. The program is generally activated when the City determines that forecast overnight temperatures will be 35°F or below. This frontline, participant-facing role supports overnight and 24-hour activations and requires flexibility to respond with limited advance notice, including availability for overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts when scheduled. Staff support participant registration and shelter operations, provide basic needs, monitor safety, maintain cleanliness and sanitation, complete documentation, and help set up and demobilize shelters at City-designated locations. They are responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, welcoming, and respectful environment for individuals during cold weather emergencies. The role also requires following City and Endeavors policies, emergency instructions, and approved cleaning procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Maintain reliable attendance for accepted assignments and comply with activation reporting and shift requirements.
Be able to report to assigned City locations with limited notice and work overnight, weekends, holidays, or extended shifts when available and scheduled.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, seniors, children, or individuals experiencing homelessness, in shelter operations, social services, community outreach, customer service, emergency response, or other public-facing work.
A valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and access to transportation may be required for certain assignments.

Responsibilities

Assist with participant registration, check-in, basic information collection, shelter assignments, and accurate records in accordance with program procedures.
Welcome participants respectfully using a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach, and explain shelter rules and available services.
Support participant movement between embarkation areas, transportation pickup areas, and shelter facilities, coordinating needs with supervisors and transportation personnel.
Assist with sleeping-area setup and distribution of mats, blankets, meals, snacks, hygiene supplies, clothing, and other essential items.
Monitor assigned areas for safety, accessibility, cleanliness, and participant needs, and promptly report hazards, concerns, and incidents to supervisory staff and security as appropriate.
Use verbal de-escalation and established protocols to address conflicts; do not perform law-enforcement or security functions.
Provide reasonable assistance to participants with disabilities and communicate accommodation needs to leadership.
Help coordinate appropriate referrals for families with minor children, unaccompanied youth, and participants requesting specialized services under supervisor direction.
Coordinate with the assigned Community Resource Navigator to connect participants with available services.
Complete shift logs, attendance counts, incident reports, and other required documentation accurately and on time, while protecting confidential participant information.
Offer participants the required satisfaction survey at exit and explain how to provide feedback without influencing their responses.
Perform routine cleaning and housekeeping at assigned shelter and embarkation locations, including common areas, sleeping areas, tables, floors, and restrooms.
Clean spills, remove trash, replenish restroom and hygiene supplies, and address sanitation needs; follow approved cleaning procedures, use required personal protective equipment, and report hazardous spills or conditions requiring specialized cleanup.
Attend required orientation, safety briefings, and training, and follow City and Endeavors policies and emergency instructions.
Demonstrate exceptional customer service by placing the child, family, Veteran, or client first in support of Endeavors’ mission.
Perform other duties as directed and assigned.