Volunteers Of America Western Washington logo

Extreme Weather Shelter Site Staff- Everett

Everett, WA, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Temporary
Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $24.34 - $26.39
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Work Schedule

Flexible
On-call
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Vacation and Sick Time
competitive compensation
Paid holidays
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Health savings account
flexible savings account
Employee assistance program
retirement plan matching
Professional development opportunities

Job Description

Volunteers of America Western Washington is a distinguished non-profit organization that has served the Western Washington community for over 125 years. Rooted in Christian values, this organization is dedicated to translating faith into meaningful action that benefits every member of the community. VOAWW prides itself on embracing the unique perspectives and lived experiences of both staff and community members to enhance the quality and effectiveness of its services. Over the decades, VOAWW has built a reputation for compassion, integrity, and commitment to uplifting individuals and families experiencing hardship, particularly focusing on those affected by homelessness. The organization's status as a designated CARE trauma-informed organization underscores its dedication to providing sensitive, informed, and respectful support in all its programs and services.

The role of Seasonal Shelter Site Staff at the South Everett Extreme Weather Shelter is a vital front-line position that supports the community during critical weather conditions by providing shelter and safety to individuals experiencing homelessness. This seasonal, part-time role operates under the supervision of the Shelter Services Program Manager and is activated during extreme weather events as determined by county and local partners. These events can include severe cold, excessive heat, hazardous air quality, or significant storms—conditions that pose serious health risks to vulnerable populations. The shelter typically operates overnight during colder months and may adjust hours during summer or smoke events. The position entails responsibilities such as guest check-in and orientation, volunteer coordination, safety monitoring, de-escalation of conflicts, and maintaining cleanliness and order within the shelter environment. This role demands individuals who are alert, compassionate, and capable of working independently to ensure that the shelter functions smoothly and safely.

This opportunity is ideal for those who are committed to serving people experiencing homelessness, including individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. The position requires physical stamina, effective communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Volunteers of America Western Washington offers competitive compensation for full-time roles, along with substantial benefits such as paid vacation and sick time, holidays, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible savings accounts, retirement plan matching, and professional development opportunities. The organization fosters an inclusive culture and encourages candidates with lived experience and bilingual abilities to apply, emphasizing a collaborative and supportive work environment with strong community ties and a focus on equitable service delivery.

Job Requirements

  • Commitment to serving people experiencing homelessness, including individuals with mental health and substance use challenges
  • ability to remain awake and alert throughout overnight shifts
  • ability to travel to the shelter location during extreme weather when activated and to be available for on-call assignments
  • successful completion of a pre-employment background check
  • ability to write thorough, accurate incident reports and shift documentation
  • basic computer skills: MS Word and Excel, email, web portals, and internet navigation
  • ability to work independently, solve problems, and follow procedures
  • ability to work on site with many individuals and to use provided personal protective equipment
  • physical ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, push, pull, reach, and lift up to 30 pounds
  • to monitor guest activity across indoor spaces and limited outdoor areas
  • and to work around cleaning products and occasional cold, noise, fumes, and airborne particles
  • candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply
  • bilingual applicants are highly encouraged to apply, especially Spanish, Romanian, Romani, Romansh, Ukrainian, Russian, Marshallese, and Arabic

Job Qualifications

  • Respectful, professional communication with guests and volunteers from diverse backgrounds
  • de-escalation, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills
  • ability to stay calm and neutral in high stress situations
  • strong customer service mindset with empathy and non-judgmental engagement
  • accurate documentation, attention to detail, and basic data entry
  • teamwork and interpersonal skills
  • ability to coordinate and oversee volunteers
  • cultural humility and the ability to provide culturally appropriate services
  • familiarity with homelessness services, Motivational Interviewing, and strength-based approaches preferred

Job Duties

  • Open and close the shelter according to procedures for the specific event type and hours
  • greet, check in, and orient guests on arrival
  • communicate shelter rules and policies
  • distribute blankets, cooling supplies, masks, and other materials as appropriate to the event
  • assist with food and beverage service during shift
  • monitor the space, maintain safety, and intervene in emergencies per protocol
  • promptly notify supervisors of incidents
  • de-escalate hostile or potentially hostile situations to keep the shelter safe and orderly
  • maintain sanitation and cleanliness standards
  • complete routine cleaning tasks throughout the shift
  • follow space setup, check-in, monitoring, quiet hours or cool-space guidelines, morning wake-up or closing procedures, and departure protocols
  • maintain professional boundaries and a welcoming environment for all guests
  • perform other related duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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