Code Blue Shelter Staff at Buffalo City Mission – Buffalo, New York

Job Description: Code Blue Shelter Staff

Reports To: Shift Supervisor

Position Type: Seasonal, Part-Time (On-Call)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: $19.00-$20.00 per hour

About the Buffalo City Mission & Code Blue

The Buffalo City Mission has been a beacon of hope for the homeless and hurting in Western New York for over a century. Our mission is to provide emergency shelter, food, and compassionate care to those in need, while offering pathways to restoration and self-sufficiency.

The Code Blue Program is a critical emergency response, activated when winter weather conditions become life-threatening (typically at 32°F or below). As the lead agency for Code Blue, we provide a safe, warm, and welcoming overnight shelter for any individual seeking refuge from the extreme cold. This role is essential to saving lives during our community's harshest weather.

Position Summary

The Code Blue Shelter Staff member is a compassionate and dependable individual responsible for the overnight safety, security, and well-being of guests at our emergency shelter. This position is seasonal and on-call, with shifts activated based on weather forecasts. The ideal candidate is calm under pressure, non-judgmental, and has a strong desire to serve the most vulnerable members of our community.

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Welcome & Intake:
  • Greet all incoming guests with dignity, respect, and compassion.
  • Complete the guest intake and registration process accurately and efficiently.
  • Clearly communicate shelter rules, expectations, and services to all guests.
  • Distribute bedding, hygiene products, and other essential items.
• Shelter Monitoring & Safety:
  • Maintain a constant, visible presence within the shelter to ensure a safe and orderly environment for all guests and staff.
  • Conduct regular walkthroughs of all shelter areas, including sleeping quarters and common spaces.
  • Monitor guest behavior and proactively de-escalate potential conflicts using non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
  • Respond immediately and appropriately to any emergencies, including medical situations or security breaches, and contact emergency services (911) when necessary.
• Guest Support & Services:
  • Assist with the coordination and distribution of meals and beverages.
  • Answer guest questions and provide information on other Mission services or community resources.
  • Listen to guests with empathy and provide supportive, non-judgmental assistance.
  • Uphold professional boundaries while fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
• Administrative & Operations:
  • Maintain accurate daily logs, intake forms, and incident reports.
  • Ensure the shelter space remains clean and organized (e.g., light housekeeping, cleaning up after meals, preparing the space for the next activation).
  • Communicate effectively with other staff members and volunteers during shift changes.
  • Assist with shelter setup and breakdown as needed.

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or GED required. An Associate's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or a related field is a plus.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with vulnerable populations, such as individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or substance use disorder.
• Must be available to work on-call shifts, primarily overnight, evenings, and weekends, often with short notice.
• Proven ability to remain calm, composed, and professional in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.
• Excellent conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to interact with diverse populations with empathy and respect.
• A non-judgmental attitude and a genuine commitment to the mission of serving those in need.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Basic computer literacy for data entry and log-keeping.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds (e.g., cots, bins of supplies).
• Ability to climb stairs and move quickly in response to emergencies.