On-call Severe Weather Shelter Assistants

Whatcom County Health & Community Services is hiring a pool of employees to work as On-call Shelter Assistants to staff the County’s severe weather shelter this coming winter. Under the oversight of the Shelter Manager, a Shelter Assistant is responsible for providing front-line services to guests of the severe weather shelter. This position requires staff to 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 health and safety challenges if they arise.

Shelters will be operational during the months of November-Mid-March to serve people experiencing homelessness. Severe weather shelters will be opened with no less than 48 hours’ notice and are anticipated to operate from approximately 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Severe Weather shelters in Bellingham will be opened when the temperature threshold is met and notification is sent from county officials. The temperature threshold of 28°F forecasted as the overnight low will activate the opening of a severe weather shelter. Notification to open/operate shelters will be given no less than 48 hours before shelter opening. Shelters function to provide safe environments during periods of dangerous weather. Operations are weather dependent and expected to take place for 15-35 nights over the winter of 2024-2025.

Essential Duties include:

Open and close shelter according to procedures.

Greet and check in guests, and orient guests to the shelter, and communicate shelter rules and policies to guests.

Provide blankets, sheets, towels and other supplies according to procedures.

Assist with all aspects of snack and beverage service during shift.

Engage in effective de-escalation, and proactive and creative problem solving to maintain a safe environment.

Identify and intervene productively in emergency situations, including medical emergencies, mental health crises, and interpersonal conflicts.

Perform light cleaning tasks as required to maintain a safe and sanitary environment throughout the shift.

Work Location: Downtown Bellingham.

There are two shifts covering the shelter operating hours. Anticipated shifts are 4:30pm – 1:00am and 12:30am – 9:00am. On-call as needed due to severe weather.

Paid Training will be provided covering crisis intervention, de-escalation, situational awareness, CPR, substance use, overdose prevention, mental health symptoms, available local resources, and other related topics.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.