Cold Weather Shelter Van Greeter

Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) is a well-established non-profit organization with a rich history spanning over 125 years, dedicated to serving the communities in Western Washington. Grounded in Christian values, VOAWW embraces a faith-based mission to provide compassionate support and assistance to individuals and families in need across the region. The organization prioritizes diversity and inclusivity, actively celebrating the unique perspectives and experiences of those they serve as well as their team members. This commitment has earned VOAWW the distinction of being a CARE trauma-informed organization, highlighting their dedication to trauma-sensitive practices that foster safety and dignity for clients and staff alike.

VOAWW delivers a wide range of social services, housing solutions, and community programs aimed at ending homelessness, supporting recovery, and promoting well-being and self-sufficiency. Their focus on holistic care and trauma-informed approaches ensures that every person engaging with VOAWW is met with respect, empathy, and tailored assistance.

The role of Seasonal Cold Weather Shelter Van Greeter is a vital position within VOAWW's emergency response services. This position primarily supports the South Snohomish County Extreme Weather Shelter, ensuring safe and welcoming transportation for guests during cold weather activations. Reporting to the Shelter Services Program Manager, the Van Greeter accompanies the Van Driver during evening pickups and morning returns, operating routes that include key community pickup points such as Lynnwood City Hall, James Village, and Bank of America at Highway 99 and 173rd Street, with transportation ending at Maple Park Church.

As a Van Greeter, the successful candidate will be instrumental in creating a dignified and friendly environment during the transit experience. This involves greeting guests warmly at various pickup locations, assisting with seating and belongings to promote safety, and providing basic information regarding shelter access and rules. Monitoring guest well-being and maintaining open communication with the Van Driver and shelter staff is essential to the role’s effectiveness. This position requires a calm, empathetic demeanor and the ability to respond to challenges with professionalism and problem-solving skills.

VOAWW offers competitive compensation for this full-time role, alongside generous benefits that support employees’ health, work-life balance, and professional growth. Benefits include up to 200 hours of vacation time, over 100 hours of sick time, paid holidays (including floating holidays), medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a free employee assistance program, retirement plan matching, and opportunities for professional development.

Overall, this role is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a longstanding community-oriented organization dedicated to ending homelessness and improving lives. It provides a chance to work directly with vulnerable populations during critical times, ensuring their transportation needs are met with respect and care, thereby enhancing their overall shelter experience and safety during extreme weather conditions.