Shelter Worker

Agate Housing and Services • Minneapolis, MN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Agate is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to end homelessness and relieve hunger through action and advocacy. The Shelter Worker is part of a team responsible for daily operations at one of Agate’s two housing-focused shelter sites, helping ensure consistent, affirming, and safe services for guests and volunteers. The role includes guest intakes, safety monitoring, rounds, housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation and service, administrative work, documentation, and data entry. It also involves maintaining rosters and using HMIS.

Shifts are primarily second shift (3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.) or third shift (10:30 p.m.–8:30 a.m. or 8:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.); first shifts may occasionally be available. Third shifts and weekends come with a salary increase. Employees must be flexible to work at either shelter location and may need to change locations before or during a shift to meet staffing needs.

The position is represented by AFSCME Local 999. Employees in union-covered positions are required to contribute union dues or fair share fees under the collective bargaining agreement; the current contract does not allow opting out. Agate Housing and Services is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Requirements

• Work respectfully with guests, coworkers, and stakeholders of diverse races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and religions.
• Meet paperwork and documentation expectations through organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently and accurately.
• Have competency and comfort 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.
• Have a smartphone.
• Be flexible to work at either shelter location and to change work location before or during a shift if needed.
• For as-needed employees: pick up a minimum of 1–4 shifts per month and be available to cover shifts, including emergency coverage when contacted.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Coordinated Entry systems.
• Experience with HMIS.
• Bilingual skills relevant to the individuals served, such as Spanish, Hmong, Oromo, Somali, or Amharic.
• Experience working in settings with 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.

Responsibilities

• Enforce shelter policy consistently and fairly, with a positive and respectful demeanor.
• Answer and direct shelter calls and monitor entrances so guests can access the shelter.
• Make regular rounds to support guest safety and a calm environment, manage guest behavior, and contact emergency services when appropriate.
• 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.
• Work 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.
• Assist with volunteer and donor check-ins in coordination with the External Relations Team.
• Ensure daily program routines and procedures, including meal service, occur on schedule.
• Perform housekeeping and appropriate light maintenance; 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 encourage guests’ progress on self-identified goals using Housing First and harm reduction models.
• Collect and maintain daily shelter documentation, including intakes, bed assignments, data, database entries, and logbook entries.
• Create and maintain guest files, case notes, and supporting documentation in accordance with 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.
• Maintain updated rosters and use HMIS.

Benefits

• Eligible for Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time.
• Metro Pass.
• Referral Bonus Program.
• Union representation and collective bargaining rights, with other provisions outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Salary increase for third shifts and weekends.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed