Kennedy Shelter - Hypothermia Coordinator (Mon-Fri, 4pm-12am)

Title: Hypothermia Coordinator (Mon–Fri, 4pm–12am)
Level: Coordinator
Department: The Kennedy Shelter
Reports to: Hypothermia Program Manager
Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour
Location: Alexandria, VA
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; Temporary; Seasonal – Onsite

About Us

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.).

About the Role

Hypothermia Coordinators are responsible for supporting the operation of the temporary Hypothermia program between November 15 and April 1. The Hypothermia Coordinator will set up the Hypothermia program space, pick up and drop off program participants utilizing a large Shelter House–owned vehicle, conduct program participant orientations, distribute meals, schedule shower use, and ensure participants’ needs are met. Hypothermia Coordinators will provide participants with information on resources such as the Drop-In Day Program and Emergency Shelter and are responsible for recording and reporting information on the participants utilizing the hypothermia program.

How You Will Contribute

Ensure the smooth running of the hypothermia program and a safe and welcoming environment for participants by:

• Monitoring and maintaining participant safety and count throughout the entire shift
• Documenting the completion of regular walkthroughs of the site to ensure safety of the building and participants
• Organizing and passing out cots and bedding once the floors have been swept and mopped
• Cleaning and organizing supplies, cots, and bedding in the storage area
• Keeping the hypothermia area clean at all times
• Notifying the supervisor of any critical incidents and completing a Critical Incident Report before the end of shift for supervisor review and submission
• Providing support, problem resolution, and emergency crisis intervention and stabilization services for shelter guests
• Performing frequent physical activities, including unloading and stocking donations, distributing supplies, laundry, organizing, and completing grounds and facility checks
• Preparing coffee and setting out continental breakfast in the morning
• Maintaining the dignity and confidentiality of all participants during service delivery and treating each participant with dignity and respect
• Completing intakes with new participants, including explaining the program, schedule, expectations/community guidelines, completing paperwork, and ensuring participants understand shelter safety expectations
• Providing orientations and tours to new participants and answering questions about the facility and available resources and services
• Ensuring participants’ basic needs are met by distributing toiletries, laundry supplies, and other items as needed or requested
• Respectfully and firmly reminding participants of agreed-upon safety guidelines and de-escalating crisis situations as needed
• Encouraging participants to engage with case management services through the shelter and Drop-In Day Program
• Reviewing and updating the daily hypothermia shelter log by documenting all interactions with participants and any other significant events; completing other required logs and reviewing emails and incident reports
• Completing efficient and informative shift exchanges with incoming and outgoing staff to maintain consistency throughout the day

Maintain and Operate Shelter House Vehicles

• Safely and responsibly operate company vehicles to support program and participant needs
• Ensure transportation routes are traveled safely, efficiently, and in a timely manner in accordance with all applicable laws and agreed-upon schedules
• Provide assistance to passengers with disabling conditions as necessary
• Maintain shelter vehicles, including inspection, cleanliness, refueling, and reporting maintenance needs
• Track and document all vehicle-related services and submit receipts as needed
• Maintain and submit driving logs detailing all trips made
• Document and report vehicle- or building-related incidents to the Residential Supervisor or a member of the management team as soon as possible

• Serve as emergency personnel; this position must report to work as scheduled regardless of circumstances (inclement weather, highway congestion, etc.)
• Participate in staff meetings and staff trainings as directed by supervisor
• Proficiently operate a personal computer, fax, printer, copier, and Microsoft Office products (email, calendar, drive, etc.)
• Exemplify the Shelter House core values of iC.A.R.E.: Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment
• Perform other duties deemed necessary to support the program and agency