Note:

This is an updated posting for the 2026-27 season. If you applied to an earlier PACEM Shelter Monitor posting, we're unable to access those applications. Please apply again using this posting. Thank you, and we apologize for the inconvenience. Overview PACEM is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving adults experiencing homelessness in greater Charlottesville. Shelter Monitors keep our Men's and Women's Cold Weather Shelters welcoming and safe from October through April, delivering consistent, quality, trauma-informed care. This is a seasonal position, with paid training in October and work through mid-April. The Shelter Monitor's primary responsibilities are making guests feel welcome and securing the environment. This position works directly with humans in crisis and requires a level head, collaboration, empathy, and a firm commitment to following policies and procedures. Members of the shelter team perform a variety of tasks, including searching guest bags, explaining shelter policies to guests, helping volunteers manage the dining room, interacting with first responders, folding sheets, taking out trash, and organizing supplies. This position requires commitment to harm reduction principles and housing as a human right. While not required, preference will be given to candidates who have lived experience with homelessness, Substance Use Disorder and recovery, the legal system, and/or the mental healthcare system.

Location :

Working at the Men and Women's shelter sites that move every two weeks to locations around

Charlottesville and Albemarle County Schedule :

The shelter is open every night from October 27 through April 12, 2027. Shifts vary depending on Monitor type (see below) and are on the same days all season, plus one on-call day per week. Shelter Monitors must work two-three nights/week , as well as participate (either in-person or through video conferencing) in a monthly staff meeting. Paid training sessions, including Mental Health First Aid training, is required and will be offered on several weeknights in October.

Shifts Overview :

Welcome Monitor, Men's Shelter (4:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - Works at the Men's shelter only focusing on communication and coordination between PACEM staff, guests, volunteers, and service providers. They check guests for both shelters against ban lists and record who boards when chartered transportation is running, then drives to the men's shelter to help with check-in. Requires a personal vehicle. Intake Monitor (5:00 pm - 7:30 pm) - Serves an essential role in welcoming guests and ensuring they understand shelter policies. They are responsible for bag searches, check-in, and new client intakes. They also assist with monitoring of dining, restrooms, smoking, and sleeping areas. Operations Monitor (6:00 pm - 11:00 pm) - The shelter manager's "right-hand person." Manages the roster and bed assignments, monitors the site, supports dinner and linen changes, and briefs the overnight team. Overnight Monitor (11:00 pm - 7:00 am) - Keeps the site safe and calm while guests sleep, handles overnight calls and data entry, and wakes guests and sees them out in the morning. Two overnight monitors work at each shelter.

Special Requirements :

The Welcome Monitor shift begins at our partner agency, The Haven, and then moves to the shelter site. To work this shift, the Monitor must have reliable transportation through a personal vehicle. Mileage reimbursement for travel to the site is provided. Successful completion of a background check is required for employment. PACEM is a Second Chance employer.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Guide guest entry and exit. Complete safety checks, explain policies, conduct intakes, and make sure guests leave safely in the morning. Secure the site. Walk indoor and outdoor areas regularly, keep the space clean and hazard-free, and solve problems as a team. Welcome and support guests. Greet guests with kindness, orient them to the site, and respond to needs and crises calmly. Work with staff, volunteers, and service providers, including case managers and first responders. Keep accurate records, including the roster, shelter journal, and secure forms. Embody PACEM's values of respect, partnership, and equity. Qualifications Compassion for all people, especially people in crisis Experience in customer service, client service, patient care, or other people-centered work Experience working with people of diverse racial, linguistic, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds Ability to communicate in conversational English, spoken and written Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, trauma-informed care, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention Ability to stay level-headed and make sound decisions in new situations Basic computer skills, including email and filling out forms Reliable, punctual, and collaborative Ability to bend, stretch, and lift up to 20 pounds Work or lived experience with homelessness, substance use disorder and recovery, the legal system, or the mental health system is preferred Experience in social work, behavioral health, home health, medical care, or addiction counseling is highly desirable Join our team as a Shelter Monitor and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. Your expertise will help create a safe, welcoming environment that supports individuals in their journey towards stability. PACEM is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Pay:

$21.00 per hour Application Question(s): Are you willing to complete a background check? Can you attend paid training on weeknights in October? Do you have reliable access to a personal vehicle?

Location:

Charlottesville, VA 22902 (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person