Part-time 20-30 Hours per week.
Nest Community Shelter – Michigan City/ La Porte
About Nest Community Shelter:
Nest Community Shelter is La Porte County’s only emergency shelter that welcomes men, women, and women with children. We operate year-round in Michigan City and a temporary emergency cold-weather shelter in La Porte. Our mission is to offer a safe and welcoming shelter while reconnecting people to their community. We do this by providing emergency shelter and working with strategic partners for a positive outcome for our guests.
Position Summary:
The Site Monitor plays a key role in ensuring a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for shelter guests and staff. This position shares responsibility for monitoring shelter activity, facilitating site guidelines, de-escalating conflicts, and maintaining a secure facility while upholding the mission and values of the Nest Community Shelter. This role is for our men’s floors at our shelters.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Monitor shelter entrances, common areas, and sleeping quarters to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests and staff.
- Maintain shelter guidelines and behavioral expectations of guests compassionately.
- Conduct regular walk-throughs of the facility and complete hourly safety checks.
- Assist with guest check-in and check-out processes, including intake paperwork and assigning sleeping spaces.
- Maintain accurate documentation, including incident reports, shift logs, and guest attendance.
- Respond appropriately to emergency situations (medical, behavioral, or safety-related), contacting appropriate personnel or emergency services as needed.
- Communicate effectively with other staff, volunteers, and supervisors to ensure smooth shift transitions and continuity of care.
- Assist with light cleaning, sanitizing, laundry, or meal service as needed during the shift.
- Build positive rapport with guests while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Promote an environment of dignity, respect, and inclusivity for all individuals, especially those experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or trauma.
Qualifications:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required; relevant work or volunteer experience is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and emotional intelligence.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond appropriately in challenging situations.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Commitment to upholding confidentiality and professional ethics.
- Basic computer and documentation skills.
- Must pass a background check.
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) preferred.
- A background in medicine, military service, or educational professional background is encouraged but is not required for this role.
Working Conditions:
- Indoor shelter environment; may involve working overnight, weekends, and holidays.
- May involve exposure to individuals in crisis or under the influence of substances.
- Physical activity, including walking, standing for long periods, and occasional lifting.