Shelter Assistant

About Us :

Porchlight, Inc. is a dedicated nonprofit organization working to reduce homelessness in Dane County, WI. We offer essential support services, including emergency shelter, housing assistance, and advocacy. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has a safe and stable place to call home.

Benefits : Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and more.

Summary :

Under the oversight of the Shelter Manager, a Shelter Assistant is responsible for

providing front-line services to guests of the Porchlight Men's Drop-In Shelter (DIS). Shelter

Assistants remain awake and available as a resource to guests throughout the night, including

orienting new individuals to the shelter, mediating interpersonal conflict, providing information

regarding other services and resources, and productively addressing problems if they arise. The

Shelter Assistant may also perform the function of Intake Worker upon opening, depending on

staffing needs and the skills of the individual.

Essential Duties :

• Create a welcoming environment for new and returning guests, including greeting guests as

they enter, orienting new guests to the shelter, and answering questions.

communication, consulting about guest needs or situations, cooperating to complete tasks, and

engaging in shared decision-making, as appropriate.

guest confidentiality, avoiding power struggles, and maintaining patience in difficult situations.

with a low-barrier shelter model.

mental health crises, and interpersonal conflicts.

and / or substance use.

people inside (able to continue accessing shelter).

use, mental health symptoms, and other professional skills (provided by Porchlight). Complete

certifications as required.

provided, in keeping with program guidelines.

programs and resources.

services. Coordinate with shelter case managers on individual guest housing plans as needed.

engaging in social relationships or exchanging money / goods with guests. Report preexisting

relationships that may cause a conflict of interest to the Shelter Manager.

maintain a safe and sanitary environment throughout the shift. Use personal protective equipment

(PPE) and follow appropriate protocols when cleaning bodily fluids.

night.

guest information and orienting new new guests to shelter policies and procedures.

Teamwork & Collaboration

environment.

guests and employees.

Porchlight Values & Culture

devices.

policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

illness and / or chemical dependency (experience working with these populations preferred).

shelter when they need it should be a top priority.

wide range of challenging, unpleasant, and / or unusual behavior.

personal protective equipment (provided).

Minimum Qualifications :

Physical Demands :

The following physical demands are representative of those required by an employee to successfully

perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be available to

enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

etc.

toxic / caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration

Physical Qualifications :

Title : Shelter Assistant

Department : DIS

Primary Location : 2002 Zeier Road Madison

FLSA Status : Nonexempt

Employment Status : Full-time or Part-time, regular

Regular Schedule : The shelter is open second and third shift, 7 days per week.

Pay Range : starting at $17.00 / hour

Benefits Available : Based on the ave rage hours worked