Overnight Shelter - Clay Street

Make a difference when our community needs it most.

The YMCA of the Roses is seeking compassionate and dependable Overnight Shelter Associates for our Low Barrier Shelter at Clay Street in Lancaster City. Help provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment while supporting shelter guests throughout the night.

Schedule: Overnight shifts during shelter operations, 7:00 PM–7:00 AM.  We currently have one full time and one part time position available. 

Benefits Include:

• FREE Access to fitness centers and pools at all YMCA of the Roses locations
• Program and lesson discounts
• FREE Child Watch (up to 3 hours per day while working, when available)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Overnight Shelter Staff at Otterbein Shelter in Lancaster, PA plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the shelter during nighttime hours. This position is responsible for providing direct assistance to shelter residents, facilitating intake procedures, assigning beds, and supporting clients in settling into the shelter environment. The Overnight Shelter Staff operates on a rotating schedule with 12-hour shifts, offering consistent coverage and adequate time off for recovery and work-life balance.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Nightly Operations:
   1. Provide support and assistance to shelter residents throughout the night, offering guidance, empathy, and practical help as needed.
   2. Rotate between various tasks, including check-in procedures, monitoring showers, assigning beds, distributing supplies, and assisting clients with basic needs.
   3. Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment within the shelter, adhering to established protocols and safety guidelines.
2. Intake and Orientation:
   1. Conduct intake procedures for new arrivals, including completing necessary paperwork, explaining shelter rules and expectations, and orienting individuals to shelter facilities and resources.
   2. Collaborate with case managers and other staff members to assess residents' needs, identify immediate concerns, and provide appropriate support and referrals.
3. Client Support:
   1. Offer emotional support, active listening, and crisis intervention to individuals experiencing homelessness, demonstrating empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.
   2. Assist clients in accessing additional services and resources, such as meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, medical care, and housing assistance, as available and appropriate.
4. Team Collaboration:
   1. Work collaboratively with other Overnight Shelter Staff members, as well as daytime staff, case managers, and external partners, to ensure continuity of care and effective communication across shifts.
   2. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and debriefing sessions to share information, address concerns, and enhance teamwork and service delivery.
5. Schedule Rotation:
   1. Follow a rotating schedule with 12-hour shifts, organized into a 2-2-3 pattern (Table 1), providing consistent coverage and allowing for adequate rest and recovery time.
   2. Enjoy the benefit of two or three consecutive days off in a row, as well as every other weekend off, to promote work-life balance and prevent burnout.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Engaging Community
• Collaboration
• Inclusion

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Previous experience working in a shelter, residential facility, or similar environment preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds with empathy and respect.
• Basic knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, handle sensitive information, and follow established protocols and procedures.
• Must work overnight shifts, including weekends and holidays as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The employee may work in a high-stress environment, assisting clients with urgent needs such as intake procedures, crisis intervention, or responding to emergencies during overnight shelter shifts.
• The employee must communicate effectively through clear speaking and attentive listening.
• The employee must occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Flexibility is required to work rotating shifts, including overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Obtain Criminal background check, Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI fingerprint clearance.