Temporary On-Call Severe Weather Shelter Attendant

Salary: $24.74 Hourly

Location : Whatcom County

Job Type: Temporary/Extra Help

Job Number: TMP Shelter Attendants 0825

Department: Health Department

Opening Date: 08/28/2025

Closing Date: 10/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Summary

is hiring a pool of employees to work as On-call Shelter Attendants to staff the County's for the winter of 2025-2026.

Under the oversight of the Shelter Supervisor and Shelter Leads, a Shelter Attendant is responsible for providing front-line services to guests of the severe weather shelter. This position requires staff to remain awake and available as a resource to guests throughout the night, including orienting new individuals to the shelter, mediating interpersonal conflict, providing information regarding other services and resources, and productively addressing health and safety challenges if they arise.

Shelters will be operational during the months of November through Mid-March. Severe weather shelters will open with at least 48 hours' notice and will operate from about 5pm-9 am. Shifts will be up to 9 hours, including a 30-minute meal break. The severe weather shelter will serve people experiencing homelessness.

Severe Weather shelter(s) in Bellingham will open when the temperature threshold is met and notification is sent from county officials. The threshold for opening is expected to be set between 28 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Notification to open/operate shelters will be given at least 48 hours before shelter opening, when possible. Shelters function to provide safe environments during periods of dangerous weather. Operations are weather dependent and expected to take place for 20-35 nights over the winter of 2025-2026.

Essential Duties include:

Open and close severe weather shelter according to written procedures.

Greet and check-in guests, orient guests to the shelter, and communicate shelter rules and policies to guests.

Distribute blankets, sheets, towels, and other supplies according to procedures.

Assist with all aspects of snack and beverage service during shift.

Engage in effective de-escalation, and proactive and creative problem solving to maintain a safe environment.

Identify and intervene productively in emergency situations, including medical emergencies, mental health crises, and interpersonal conflicts according to policy.

Perform cleaning tasks as required to maintain a safe and sanitary environment throughout the shift.

Ensure new guests receive and understand program requirements, rules, and regulations.Training:

Paid training will be provided covering crisis intervention, de-escalation, situational awareness, CPR, substance use, mental health symptoms, available local resources, and other related topics. Training will include two, four-hour training sessions to be completed in person with small groups, plus approximately 10 hours of self-paced online training which can be completed remotely.

The in-person training will initially be conducted in late October, with additional training sessions to be scheduled in November for people hired later in the season or who are unable to attend the October training sessions. All staff must complete training before being assigned shifts. Work Location: Downtown Bellingham.

Hours of Work: Shift times are between 4:00 pm and 9:00 am, on-call as needed due to severe weather.

Wage: $24.74 per hour

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Qualifications

Requirements:

Genuine desire to work compassionately with people experiencing homelessness, including those with mental illness and/or substance use disorder. Experience working with these populations preferred.

Ability to treat guests with respect and professionalism, and communicate and work effectively with staff and guests from various backgrounds and who may be displaying a wide range of behaviors.

Availability to attend and participate in all prescheduled staff meetings.

Ability to travel to shelter location in downtown Bellingham during severe weather such as ice and snow.

Ability to stay awake and alert throughout an overnight shift.

Ability to compose thorough and accurate incident reports and other documentation.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.

is truly special and a great place to call !

This position is not eligible for benefits.

01

Please describe any experience you have working with people experiencing homelessness, including those with mental illness and/or substance use disorder.

02

Are you willing and able to work overnight shifts on an on-call basis this coming winter?

Yes

No

03

Are you able to travel to shelter location in downtown Bellingham during severe weather such as ice and snow?

Yes

No

Required Question