Shelter Associate - Byrne Family Shelter, Full Time

Shelter Associate – Byrne Family Shelter, Full Time 

Upper Valley Haven | White River Junction, VT 

At Upper Valley Haven, we provide temporary shelter, supportive housing, food access, and problem-solving support to neighbors experiencing hardship. We are committed to creating a community where everyone has access to safety, stability, and opportunity. Our team is guided by compassion, respect, accountability, and a belief in every person's strengths and potential. 

We are currently seeking compassionate, reliable, and team-oriented individuals to join our Byrne Family Shelter team. 

Current Openings 

Day Shift 

Friday through Monday 

8:00 AM – 4:30 PM 

Evening Shift 

Monday through Thursday 

4:00 PM – 12:30 AM 

About the Role 

Shelter Associates play a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for families experiencing homelessness. Working directly with shelter guests, you will help maintain daily operations, respond to guest needs, support community expectations, and contribute to a positive living environment. 

This position is ideal for individuals who are compassionate, adaptable, and able to balance empathy with accountability. Successful candidates will be comfortable working with children and adults from diverse backgrounds and will approach their work using a trauma-informed, strengths-based lens. 

What You'll Do 

• Build positive and supportive relationships with shelter guests


• Welcome new guests and help orient them to shelter expectations


• Maintain clean, safe, and welcoming shelter spaces


• Assist with housekeeping, laundry, room preparation, and daily operations


• Conduct regular building and campus safety rounds


• Respond calmly and appropriately to crises, conflicts, medical concerns, and behavioral challenges


• Complete shift notes, incident reports, and other required documentation


• Collaborate with coworkers, volunteers, and community partners


• Support special activities and events


• Participate in team meetings and supervision 

What We're Looking For 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills


• Reliability, professionalism, and sound judgment


• Ability to build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences


• Commitment to maintaining professional boundaries


• Flexibility and willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team


• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations


• Comfort working in an environment serving families and children


• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and remain active throughout a shift 

Qualifications 

Required 

• High school diploma or equivalent


• Valid driver's license 

Preferred 

• Associate or bachelor's degree in human services or a related field


• Experience working in a shelter, residential, or social services setting


• First Aid/CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain; training provided) 

Compensation & Benefits 

Starting Pay: $22.00 per hour 

Upper Valley Haven offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 hours or more, including: 

• Employer-paid contribution of up to 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums


• Life and long-term disability insurance


• Generous paid time off


• Paid holidays


• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match


• Professional development and training opportunities 

Join Our Team

If you are passionate about supporting families, building community, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply. 

Apply today through Upper Valley Haven's Employment Opportunities web page. 

Upper Valley Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with dignity and respect.