Shelter Worker - As-Needed

Agate Housing and Services•Minneapolis, MN

3d•$20 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Agate is a nonprofit organization working to end homelessness and relieve hunger through action and advocacy, providing emergency services, shelter, and housing programs for individuals and families. The Shelter Advocate is part of a team responsible for daily operations at one of Agate’s two housing-focused shelter sites, helping maintain a consistent, affirming, and safe environment for guests and volunteers. The role provides hospitality and core services to guests, including information, referrals, paperwork assistance, and service navigation, using Housing First and harm reduction principles. This is an as-needed position. Employees receive the monthly schedule and are asked to pick up a minimum of 1–4 shifts per month. Supervisors may contact team members to cover emergency shifts. Shifts are primarily second shift (3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.) or third shift (10:30 p.m.–8:30 a.m.); occasional first shifts are available, primarily on weekends. Employees must be flexible to work at either shelter location. Agate may move an on-call employee to an as-needed position based on coverage needs and willingness to accept harder-to-fill shifts. The position is represented by AFSCME Local 999. Union-covered employees are required to contribute through union dues or fair-share fees under the current agreement. Agate is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people with lived experience, people of color, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Requirements

Work respectfully with guests, coworkers, and stakeholders across differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religion.
Be organized, detail-oriented, and able to complete paperwork and documentation efficiently and accurately.
Be comfortable using technology and computers.
Be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds routinely.
Have experience with Microsoft Office products.
Meet government screening criteria.
Be flexible to work at either shelter location and pick up a minimum of 1–4 shifts per month.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Coordinated Entry systems.
Experience with HMIS.
Bilingual skills relevant to the people served, such as Spanish, Hmong, Oromo, Somali, or Amharic.
Experience working in settings serving all genders.
Belief that every household can achieve housing stability.
Understanding that homelessness is primarily the result of policy decisions beyond the control of the people served.
Commitment to harm reduction and Housing First philosophies.
Lived experience; applicants who have not received services from Agate within the last two years are welcome to apply.

Responsibilities

Enforce shelter policies consistently and fairly while maintaining a positive, respectful demeanor.
Answer and direct shelter calls, monitor entrances, and help guests access the shelter.
Make regular rounds to support guest safety and maintain a calm environment; contact emergency services when appropriate and manage guest behavior.
Use de-escalation and crisis response skills to address behavior issues and conflicts while maintaining professional boundaries.
Monitor and review security camera footage and accurately document and report incidents.
Collaborate with program staff, property management, and facilities teams to support site operations.
Welcome guests, staff, and visitors in a warm, professional, and trauma-informed manner.
Respond promptly to voicemails, emails, and other communications.
Coordinate volunteer and donor check-ins with the External Relations Team.
Ensure daily program routines and procedures, including meal service, occur on schedule.
Complete housekeeping and light maintenance as appropriate and keep office and program spaces tidy.
Support food service by setting out meals, coordinating meal deliveries, and assisting onsite food-service volunteers.
Respond to inquiries for assistance and make appropriate referrals.
Conduct shelter guest intakes and help guests navigate paperwork and services.
Encourage guests to make progress on self-identified goals using Housing First and harm reduction principles.
Collect and maintain daily shelter documentation, including intakes, bed assignments, and data; enter information into online databases and logbooks.
Create and maintain guest files, case notes, and supporting documentation according to agency policies and procedures.
Troubleshoot office equipment and phone issues and contact Admin for assistance as needed.
Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings and supervisory one-to-one meetings.
Understand and follow mandated reporting responsibilities.
Represent Agate’s shelters at community meetings and trainings.
Keep shelter rosters updated using HMIS.