About Project Hope Boston

For over 40 years, Project HOPE Boston, Inc. (PHB) has been a leader in advancing housing stability and economic mobility for families in Roxbury and North Dorchester. Founded in 1981 by the Little Sisters of the Assumption in response to the family homelessness crisis, PHB has grown from a family shelter into a comprehensive community hub offering job training, adult education, housing counseling, and empowerment programs.

Located on Dudley Street in Boston’s first LEED Silver-certified building, PHB combines innovation with a deep commitment to social equity, addressing the Social Determinants of Health to drive transformative change. With programs rooted in racial equity and a steadfast dedication to the community, PHB continues to open doors of opportunity for families across Boston.

Position Summary

The Overnight Residential Advisor ensures the safety, security, and well-being of the families residing in Project HOPE Boston’s family shelter during overnight hours. Working an awake overnight (third) shift, the Advisor maintains a calm, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment, monitors the facility, responds to resident needs and emergencies, and maintains accurate documentation of the shift.

This is a front-line, direct-care role central to PHB’s 24/7 shelter operations and the dignity and stability of the families it serves.

Primary Responsibilities

Safety & Supervision

•     Remain awake, alert, and present throughout the entire overnight shift to ensure the safety and security of residents and the facility.

•     Conduct regular well-being and security rounds of the building and grounds at scheduled intervals, monitoring entrances, exits, and common areas.

•     Uphold shelter rules, curfew, and safety protocols, addressing concerns calmly, consistently, and respectfully.

•     Monitor security and life-safety systems (e.g., cameras, alarms, emergency exits) and promptly report any malfunction or hazard.

Resident Support

•     Provide a welcoming, trauma-informed presence to families during overnight hours, responding to resident needs and questions.

•     Support late arrivals and overnight intakes as directed, helping new families settle in.

•     De-escalate conflicts and respond to resident concerns using a calm, strength-based, family-centered approach.

Crisis & Emergency Response

•     Respond appropriately to overnight emergencies — medical, behavioral, facility, or safety — following established protocols and escalating to the on-call manager as needed.

•     Fulfill mandated-reporting obligations under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 119, § 51A), reporting suspected abuse or neglect of a child in accordance with agency policy.

•     Document and report all incidents accurately and promptly.

Documentation & Communication

•     Maintain a complete, accurate overnight shift log, recording rounds, resident interactions, and any incidents.

•     Enter required information into the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) system in accordance with agency and EOHLC standards.

•     Provide a thorough shift handoff to incoming staff and communicate any issues to the Shelter Director or on-call manager.

Facility & Household Support

•     Maintain the cleanliness and order of common areas, including light housekeeping, laundry, and restocking supplies as needed.

•     Help prepare the shelter for the morning, including any opening tasks, and perform other duties as assigned to support safe, smooth overnight operations.

Qualifications

Required

•     Strong commitment to Project HOPE Boston’s mission and to serving families experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect.

•     High school diploma or equivalent (HiSET/GED).

•     Ability to remain awake, alert, and attentive throughout an overnight (third) shift.

•     Sound judgment and the ability to stay calm and respond effectively in emergencies.

•     Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain professional boundaries with residents.

•     Ability to work independently with limited on-site supervision during overnight hours, with consistent and dependable attendance.

•     Ability to pass a Massachusetts Background Record Check (CORI/SORI), consistent with shelter and EOHLC requirements.

Preferred

•     Prior experience in a shelter, residential, or human-services setting.

•     Familiarity with trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques.

•     Bilingual candidates (e.g., Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Cape Verdean Creole) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Systems & Equipment

•     Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database

•     Shift-log and incident-reporting tools

•     Security and life-safety systems (cameras, alarms)

•     General office and communication equipment: computer and phone

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

•     Overnight (third-shift) role based at PHB’s family shelter; requires remaining awake and alert for the full shift.

•     Regularly required to walk, stand, climb stairs, and move about the building to conduct rounds; ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., supplies and donations).

•     Must respond quickly in emergencies and remain calm under pressure.

Project HOPE Boston, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Consistent with applicable law, PHB does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.