Evening Intake

Department: Homeless Services

Job Title: Evening Intake & Shelter Assistant

Reports to: Shelter Manager or Homeless Services Director

The Organization:

Homeward Bound is the leading nonprofit organization in Buncombe County focused on preventing and ending homelessness using the best-practice Housing First model. We work collaboratively with community partners and have a proven track record of helping individuals and families achieve housing stability. Since 2006, Homeward Bound has moved more than 2,615 people off the streets, out of cars, camps, and shelters, and into permanent housing.

Position:

The Evening Shelter Staff oversees guest check-in and early shelter operations at Homeward Bound's cold-weather and severe-weather shelters. This position ensures an organized, safe, and welcoming start to the evening for all guests, maintaining professionalism and compassion in a dynamic environment.

This position is also critical during Buncombe County's Code Purple and other emergency weather operations. Code Purple is activated when temperatures are forecasted at 32°F (0°C) or below, prompting shelters to open additional beds and provide emergency services, including transportation via ART buses. During these events, Overnight Shelter Staff work closely with city, county, and community partners to provide safe refuge and support to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Location: AHOPE Day Shelter; 19 N Ann Street, Asheville NC 28801

Schedule and Compensation:

This is a non-exempt, seasonal, hourly position. Hours Range from 5:00 p.m – to 12:30 am *Shifts often rotate and may be scheduled up to 48 hours in advance depending on weather conditions.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum 2+ years working with populations experiencing poverty, homelessness, or with a social service background preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Completion of essential training (e.g., de-escalation, bloodborne pathogens, etc.)
• Basic computer/scheduling tool proficiency and reliable attendance
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods

Responsibilities:

• Welcome and sign in guests; perform brief health screening and review shelter rules
• Complete guest check-ins, verify waivers, and explain shelter expectations
• Coordinate with the Code Purple Shelter Coordinator to ensure smooth operations
• Assign and distribute showers, meals, bedding, and sleeping spaces
• Manage refreshments, coffee, snacks, and maintain cleanliness of kitchen and common areas
• Assist guests with storage of personal belongings and retrieval as needed
• Monitor guest flow and lobby areas, addressing disruptions as they arise
• Process intakes and applications; refer guests to internal or external programs as appropriate
• Support clients in achieving housing stability and independent living skills
• Conduct walkthroughs, log inventories, and ensure safety and order throughout the facility
• Write incident reports and alert the Shift Lead or Supervisor of issues
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Homeward Bound's mission of ending homelessness

Our Values:

We believe in the absolute value and worth of every single human being. We believe that housing is a basic human right, integral to self-worth and dignity. We believe that homelessness is a solvable problem.

Mission:

To prevent and end homelessness in our community through permanent housing and support.

Homeward Bound bases its human resource decisions on objective criteria without regard to any characteristic or condition protected by law. We are committed to a workplace that offers equal opportunity without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, disability, genetic information/medical history, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: From $24.15 per hour

Work Location: In person