Shelter Worker

Agate Housing and Services • Minneapolis, MN

6d • $20 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

The Shelter Worker is part of a team responsible for daily operations at one of Agate’s two housing-focused shelter sites. The role supports consistent, affirming, and safe shelter operations for guests and volunteers. Duties include guest intakes and support, monitoring guest behavior and safety, maintaining a calm environment, housekeeping and light maintenance, laundry, meal preparation and service, administrative work, documentation, and data entry. The worker also keeps rosters updated, uses HMIS, and attends staff meetings.

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.); occasional first shifts may be available. Third shifts and weekends come with a salary increase. Workers must be flexible to work at either shelter location and may need to change locations before or during a shift to address staffing needs.

The position is represented by AFSCME Local 999. Employees in union-covered positions are required to contribute through union dues or fair-share fees under the collective bargaining agreement. Agate Housing and Services is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from 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.
• Have organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to complete paperwork and documentation efficiently and accurately.
• Be comfortable and competent 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 change locations before or during a shift if needed.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Coordinated Entry systems.
• Experience with HMIS.
• Bilingual skills relevant to the individuals served, including 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 policies 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; call emergency services when appropriate and manage guest behavior during the shift.
• Use de-escalation and crisis response skills to address behavior issues or conflicts while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Monitor and review security camera footage and accurately document and report incidents.
• Work collaboratively with program staff, property management, and facilities teams to support site operations.
• Welcome guests, staff, and visitors in a warm, professional, trauma-informed manner as the first point of contact.
• 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, including meal service, occur on schedule.
• Perform housekeeping and appropriate light maintenance, and keep office and program spaces tidy.
• Support food service by setting out meals, coordinating meal deliveries, and supporting onsite food-service volunteers.
• Respond to inquiries for assistance and make appropriate referrals.
• Conduct shelter guest intakes and support guests in making progress on self-identified goals using the Housing First and harm-reduction model.
• Facilitate daily shelter documentation, including intakes, bed assignments, data collection, online database entries, and logbook entries.
• Create and maintain guest files, case notes, and supporting documentation according to agency policies and procedures.
• Troubleshoot technical issues with office equipment and phones and contact Administration for assistance as needed.
• Keep rosters updated and use HMIS.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and supervisory one-to-one meetings.
• Understand and follow mandated reporting responsibilities.
• Work at either shelter location as staffing needs require, including changing locations before or during a shift if needed.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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