SEASONAL Direct Support Staff Part Time

Seasonal Direct Support Staff Reports To: Shelter Manager Location: Albany, NY FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Type: Part-Time (Late October – Mid April) Shift: Overnight 12:00 am – 8:00 am, through early April. Including Holidays. Position Summary The Seasonal Safe Haven Direct Support Staff provides direct assistance, safety monitoring, and compassionate support to adults experiencing homelessness in a low-barrier, harm-reduction shelter setting. This role ensures a welcoming, respectful, and secure environment for all guests while maintaining compliance with safety and documentation standards. Staff serve as the first point of contact for after-hours referrals, intakes, and ongoing guest needs, helping individuals connect to resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Key Responsibilities Guest Engagement & Support Foster a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment for all guests. Accept after-hours referrals and facilitate intake, assessment, and admission processes. Provide support with daily living activities, distribute meals and hygiene items, and assist guests with basic needs. Address and de-escalate conflicts or behavioral concerns using trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches. Build rapport with guests while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Safety, Security & Facility Oversight Conduct regular safety and security rounds every 35–45 minutes, including all floors and common areas. Use handheld wands to conduct searches and ensure safety compliance upon entry. Monitor entrances, exits, and outdoor areas; ensure safety protocols are consistently followed. Maintain accurate shift documentation, including logs, incident reports, hourly rounds, and HMIS data entry. Report facility or safety concerns to the Shelter Manager promptly. Operations & Housekeeping Maintain a clean and organized environment, including sweeping, mopping, disinfecting surfaces, and restocking supplies. Ensure dining and common areas are cleaned following meals and guest activities. Support general maintenance tasks such as laundry, trash removal, and keeping entrances clear of snow or debris. Support volunteer and donor engagement in a professional, welcoming manner. Qualifications Required Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Compassion, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills. Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel). Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. and perform stair navigation during rounds. Reliable transportation and availability to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Preferred 5+ months of experience working in a shelter, residential, or human services setting. Familiarity with the homeless population, harm reduction, or trauma-informed care. Experience with safety or security protocols, including wanding/searches. Knowledge of community resources and HMIS data systems. Trainable Intake and assessment procedures. Mitel phone and data tracking systems. Documentation and HMIS entry. De-escalation techniques and communication strategies. Wanding and safety search procedures. Work Environment This position operates in a shelter environment with frequent interaction with guests experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use. Work involves moderate physical activity, including walking, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods. The role requires empathy, professionalism, and flexibility to adapt to the needs of guests and the shelter setting. Job Type: Part-time Pay: $20.00 per hour Benefits: Paid orientation Paid training Work Location: In person