Welcome Center Day Shelter Assistant

Day Shelter Assistant – Welcome Center

Full-Time | Non-Exempt | Monday–Friday

Schedule is set by the supervisor and may include opening the Welcome Center.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge is seeking a caring, dependable, and hardworking Day Shelter Assistant to help keep our Welcome Center clean, safe, and welcoming for the neighbors we serve, as well as our staff, volunteers, and partner agencies. In this role, you will focus on helping neighbors access showers, laundry, and hygiene supplies, keeping service areas sanitary and orderly, and treating every person with dignity.

Reporting to the Program Supervisor, the Day Shelter Assistant supports the daily operations of the Welcome Center, which serves individuals experiencing homelessness. You will assist neighbors with shower and laundry services, operate and monitor laundry equipment, keep supplies stocked, and help the center open each day ready to serve. Working closely with your supervisor, staff, and volunteers, you will promote dignity, stability, and access to resources for every neighbor. Through this work you will help carry out the mission of St. Vincent de Paul with dignity, compassion, and excellence.

What You'll Do

• Assist neighbors with access to showers and laundry services according to established procedures, and help manage the flow of neighbors so everyone has fair and orderly access.
• Monitor use of the shower and laundry areas and explain rules and procedures clearly and respectfully.
• Operate and monitor washers, dryers, and other laundry equipment, and report equipment problems promptly.
• Clean and sanitize showers, laundry areas, and related equipment throughout the day, keeping them safe and orderly.
• Keep shower and laundry supplies stocked, including towels, hygiene products, and detergent, and track cleaning supply inventory.
• Help open the Welcome Center, making sure it is clean and ready for neighbors.
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming environment, make sure shelter policies are followed, and use de-escalation techniques when needed.
• Report safety hazards, maintenance needs, and behavioral or other concerns to your supervisor promptly.
• Safely use and store cleaning products and equipment, using provided protective equipment as directed.
• Provide backup cleaning throughout the building as needed, including restrooms, floors, trash removal, offices, and common areas.
• Work cooperatively with your supervisor, staff, partner agencies, and volunteers.

Who We're Looking For

Required

• A caring, service-minded person who takes a people-first approach and treats every individual with dignity and respect, including neighbors experiencing homelessness, some of whom may be in crisis.
• At least 18 years of age.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Willingness to complete de-escalation training and apply those techniques on the job.
• Clear, respectful communication with neighbors, coworkers, partner agencies, and volunteers.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, including recognizing and reporting concerns promptly.
• The initiative to identify and complete work without ongoing direction, and flexibility to adjust to changing priorities.
• A person who maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Basic computer skills, including timekeeping and email.

Physical Requirements

• Able to frequently stand, walk, and sit; climb stairs; balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Able to carry out de-escalation techniques when responding to serious emotional or physical behavior.
• Work is performed primarily indoors at the Welcome Center, with occasional outdoor work keeping entrances and sidewalks clean, regular use of cleaning chemicals and custodial equipment, and a moderate noise level.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge is a Catholic lay organization dedicated to serving individuals and families in need. If you are looking for meaningful full-time work where your care and hard work help neighbors meet basic needs with dignity, we invite you to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer and an E-Verify Program Participant.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please let us know.