Inclement Weather Shelter Support Staff

Posted Monday, November 3, 2025 at 7:00 AM

The City of Lawrence is seeking compassionate and dependable individuals to serve as Emergency Shelter Support Staff on a temporary, as-needed basis. This position provides short-notice, overnight support when the City activates an emergency shelter during severe weather when existing shelters cannot meet immediate community needs. Staff help ensure a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking refuge.

Work alongside trained City staff to assist with setup, guest check-in, and overall shelter operations.

Monitor guests throughout the night, uphold shelter expectations, and assist in de-escalating conflicts.

Provide basic hospitality – distributing bedding, snacks, and essential supplies.

Conduct regular safety rounds to ensure guest well-being and facility security.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the shelter space.

Complete all required documentation, including attendance, incident reports, and shift logs.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and solution-oriented under pressure.

Experience working with vulnerable populations preferred.

Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays, often on short notice.

Must be able to stay awake and alert throughout overnight shifts.

Ability to lift, stand, and perform light physical tasks during setup and cleanup.

This is a temporary, on-call position. Shifts are typically overnight and vary depending on community need. All staff will work alongside trained City personnel and receive on-site support throughout each activation.