Warming Shelter Overnight Coordinator - Seasonal

REPORTS TO: Director of Health & Homes

SUPERVISES: Volunteers

POSITION TYPE: Part-time nonexempt (Overtime paid in accordance with applicable state and federal law), seasonal

SCHEDULE: As needed, when the shelter is activated due to temperatures at or below 20°F; or at 25°F or below with precipitation; typically, 8- to 10-hour overnight shifts between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. as needed during active period through March 15, 2026 (no minimum hours guaranteed). Actual hours will vary based on weather and shelter activation decisions.

This position is open until filled. We accept and review applications on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

 BENEFITS: Seasonal position receives all legally mandated benefits (such as Social Security, workers' compensation insurance and paid sick leave). 

JOB SUMMARY: This seasonal position provides direct oversight and operational support for Walla Walla’s Warming Shelter. The Warming Shelter Coordinator ensures safe, welcoming, and compliant shelter operations for individuals experiencing homelessness during extreme weather conditions (conditions). Responsibilities include supervising shelter activities, coordinating volunteers, monitoring compliance with safety protocols, managing client interactions, and maintaining accurate records. The role also includes client engagement, conflict resolution, and collaboration with community partners to ensure effective service delivery.

The Coordinator works evening shifts of an estimated 8-10 hours, between 6:00 pm and 8:00 am  . This is an on call, as needed position; work hours will vary depending on weather conditions and shelter activation.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Includes, but is not limited to:

• Shelter Operations & Oversight:
  
  
  
  • Ensure shelter is set up and ready to operate according to BMAC and Walla Walla Housing Authority policies, safety standards, and any applicable partner agreement.
  
  
  • Open and close shelter according to BMAC procedures; secure facility upon closing
  
  
  • Issue appropriate, respectful, and timely lights out and wake-up announcements
  
  
  • Distribute any needed supplies according to BMAC procedures
  
  
  • Sweep, mop, wipe surfaces, take out trash, and perform other cleaning tasks as required to maintain a safe and sanitary environment throughout the shift. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow appropriate protocols if cleaning bodily fluids.
  
  
  • Monitor all areas, including sleeping areas and restrooms, periodically throughout the night or cleanliness, safety, and adherence to capacity limits
  
  
  • Respond to emergencies and coordinate additional resources or support to respond to issues as needed
  
  
  • Maintain a calm, respectful atmosphere for all clients
  
  
  
  


• Client Engagement & Support:
  
  
  
  • Complete shelter intake, as needed, including professionally and accurately documenting client information and orienting new client to shelter policies and procedures
  
  
  • Help create a welcoming and supportive environment for all clients
  
  
  • Address concerns and resolve conflicts in a professional manner
  
  
  • Apply de escalation, crisis intervention, and non violent communication techniques to maintain a safe environment for clients, volunteers, and staff
  
  
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients
  
  
  • Work individually and as a member of the shelter team to engage in effective de-escalation in potentially dangerous situations
  
  
  • Connect clients with additional resources and referrals when appropriate
  
  
  
  


• Volunteer Coordination:
  
  
  
  • Work with designated staff to recruit, schedule and support volunteers during shelter shifts
  
  
  • Provide orientation and guidance to volunteers on shelter procedures
  
  
  
  


• Administrative & Reporting:
  
  
  
  • Maintain accurate attendance logs and incident reports; all reports should be completed and submitted by the end of each shift.
  
  
  • Assist with data entry and reporting for program outcomes
  
  
  • Participate in team meetings and required training sessions
    
  
  
  
  


• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted for either education or work history.

• High school diploma or GED; Associates degree in Human Services or related field preferred


• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in social services, customer service, or client-facing roles
  
  
  
  • Experience working with individuals in crisis, including use of de escalation or crisis intervention techniques, strongly preferred
  
  
  • Experience working with people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of becoming homeless; and/or work experience with the public in a healthcare or community/social services setting
  
  
  
  


• Bilingual (English/Spanish), strongly preferred
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong commitment to BMAC’s mission of collaborating with our partners to equitably deliver services and support to our neighbors experiencing poverty and to our values: accountability for our actions and services; dignity for all we serve; honoring diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work; and upholding a spirit of service. 


• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively with diverse populations, including LGBTQ and people of color, as well as individuals impacted by poverty, food insecurity, and systemic barriers. 


• Demonstrated excellent customer service and communication skills.


• Belief that shelter is a human right and that allowing individuals to access emergency warming shelter when they need it should be a top priority. 


• Ability and willingness to work effectively and professionally with clients displaying a wide range of challenging, unpleasant, and/or unusual behavior. 


• Ability to stay awake and alert throughout an overnight shift.


• Demonstrated skills working around active substance use and acute mental health symptoms.


• Proficiency in working with computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (spreadsheets, word processing, Teams, SharePoint) and database management systems (like Cap60).


• Display a high level of initiative and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. 


• Demonstrated excellent time management skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision.


• Ability to interpret program guidelines and exercise sound judgment in applying them accurately and consistently.


• Ability to adhere to a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness, and respect for clients.
  
  

Certifications

• CPR/First Aid Certification required, or willingness to obtain upon hire.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Close quarters, with residents that are experiencing chronic homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.


• Primarily indoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands.


• Exposure to trash and potential biohazards.


• Potential exposure to traumatic events. 


• Expectation to follow emergency procedures while maintaining a calm demeanor.


• Required to work outside of normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 


• Ability/flexibility to accept work shifts or trade shifts with short notice (for example, same day for a call-out).
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions.

• Regularly lift and/or move 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.


• Manual dexterity for handling personal items, food, clothing, sacks, carts and use of computers and written in-take processing.


• Requires frequent moving/walking and standing in the shelter setting and outdoor spaces.


• Driving in all weather conditions to WWHA site.


• Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.
  

NOTE: This is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees of BMAC are expected to perform tasks as assigned by supervisory/ management personnel, regardless of job title or routine job duties.