Winter Shelter Coordinator

ABOUT CARPENTER’S SHELTER:

Since 1988, Carpenter’s Shelter has met the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness in the City of Alexandria. Through the operation of emergency shelter, day shelter, and winter shelter as well as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs, Carpenter’s Shelter identifies housing solutions and supports sustainable independence for more than 900 individuals and families each year.

Title: Winter Shelter Coordinator

REPORTS TO: ACS Program Director

LOCATION: Alexandria Community Shelter (2355-B, Mill Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314)

POSITION TYPE: Full time (**Seasonal, October 1, 2025-April 30, 2026**) 40 hours per week/ Monday – Friday 4pm - 12am. **This position requires availability to also work a minimum of two weekends per month from November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.**

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Winter Shelter Coordinator supports the safe, efficient, and effective operation of Carpenter’s Shelter’s Winter Shelter Collaborative operating between November 1st and April 15th in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services. The Winter Shelter Coordinator is responsible for using a client-centered and trauma-informed lens to provide direct services to ensure the basic needs of guests are met. The Winter Shelter Coordinator will directly oversee the Winter Shelter Case Manager and WS monitors and will support the completion of intakes and data collection in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). The Winter Shelter Coordinator collaborates with the agency’s Directors and Managers Team, as well as volunteers, other non-profit agencies, and the faith community.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly lead a team, to include the Winter Shelter Case Manager and WS monitors in the daily operation of services
• Provide complete oversight of the Winter Shelter during shifts; monitor guest’s activities and provide a regular presence in all areas of the Winter Shelter
• Engage households in housing-focused problem-solving conversations to address the immediate housing crisis
• Ensure appropriate referrals are made for Winter Shelter guests
• Provide crisis intervention support using de-escalation techniques
• Hear and address client grievances and appeals in accordance with agency policies
• Communicate necessary activity/information via Viva Engage, phone calls, message, emails, etc. to staff so that all are aware of activity occurring during Winter Shelter Monitor shifts; communicate issues to supervisor immediately
• Ensure program operates in compliance with the City of Alexandria’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for data collection; ensure HMIS users are trained and supported; ensure quality assurance activities are completed; ensure statistical and other reports are prepared and submitted
• Ensure the safety and security of the Winter Shelter during shifts. This includes complete knowledge and function of alarm system, emergency exit procedures, appropriate action during emergency situations, weather emergencies, etc.
• Report security concerns and/or damage to the facility, the supervisor and the City
• Ensure safe cleaning procedures are completed by the shelter monitors
• Coordinate volunteer needs with the Volunteer Coordinator
• Participate in mandatory staff meetings and trainings
• Verify and approve WS staff timesheets and leave requests
• Required to be on-call status
• Adhere to the Carpenter’s Shelter Code of Ethics and SEED Values

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in social work, human services, or a related field
• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and excellence in organizational and project management with the ability to achieve strategic objectives and outcomes
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with diverse groups of people
• Ability to maintain documentation
• Strong time management and organizational skills; reliable and self-motivated
• Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint)
• Valid driver’s license
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, if needed, to accommodate client and community needs

PREFERRED:

• 1-3 years of management and supervisory experience
• Experience supporting teams in a residential setting
• Experience operating programs serving people experiencing homelessness
• Lived experience or direct personal connection to homelessness

ADA STATEMENT: Carpenter’s Shelter will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Carpenter’s Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and agrees not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, gender, physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Successful candidates must be committed to working with a culturally diverse population.

NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Paid time off and paid holidays (New Years Day and Marin Luther King, Jr)