Career Opportunities

At Christ House, the medically vulnerable men experiencing homelessness who come to us are not just our clients. When they are in our care, they are our neighbors and our community members. We opened our doors in 1985 as the first medical respite facility for sick, homeless patients in the country and are still the only such medical respite program for men experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC. Since that time, we have remained on the cutting edge of conversation around radical hospitality, inclusion, and healing. You will have no typical day here.

In 1992, Christ House opened the Kairos Program, a permanent supportive housing community for former patients with chronic illnesses who decide to make a commitment to their substance use recovery. The program supports up to 45 members and provides ongoing medical care, recovery and spiritual life programs. Kairos program members are an integral part of the Christ House community. 

Christ House offers a generous benefits package for employees.
View Christ House’s Benefits package here.

Bilingual, Bicultural, LGBTAIQ identifying, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply. Christ House provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. 

 

Maintenance Coordinator

Under general supervision, the Maintenance Coordinator is responsible for maintenance-related tasks at Christ House, Emmanuel House, and Kairos Program facilities. This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Essential Functions:

• Maintains the physical upkeep of Christ House, Kairos House, and Emmanuel House facilities.
• Maintains a schedule for routine maintenance of physical facilities.
• Conducts basic investigations, repairs, diagnostics of problems which arise in the following areas:
  • Electrical
    • Assists with diagnosis of electrical issues and consults with Building Engineer.
    • Changes light bulbs as needed, including exit lights.
  • Plumbing
    • Investigates leaks in a timely fashion and responds accordingly.
    • Replaces washers and fixtures in sinks.
    • Unclogs toilets and sinks.
    • Repairs toilet chains, seats, etc.

• • Carpentry and Painting
    • Installs dispensers, bulletin boards, shelves, pictures, etc.
    • Patches drywall as needed.
    • Paints and touches up paint as needed.
    • Assembles and installs new equipment.
    • Plans, constructs, and finishes minor projects.
  • Heating and Cooling Systems
    • Performs routine preventive maintenance on all HVAC units including changing filters.
    • Coordinates repairs and replacements with the Building Engineer as needed.
  • Generator
    • Ensures weekly exercise is completed.
    • Ensures adequate fuel supply is available.
    • Coordinates routine maintenance and inspection with the Building Engineer.
  • Appliances and Equipment
    • Checks for warranty coverage for repairs.
    • Performs minor repairs and replaces parts.
• Preventive Maintenance
  • Establishes and maintains a preventive maintenance checklist.
  • Initiates resolution of minor problems to prevent major ones (e.g. loose floor tiles, loose fixtures, screws, oil/lubrication, etc.)
  • Maintains schedule for cleaning filters, testing fire alarm system, etc.
  • Keeps sump pump clean and operating.
• General Functions
  • Demonstrates knowledge of service contracts.
  • Maintains record of maintenance issues, work status, and resolution.
  • Maintains orderly inventory of maintenance supplies.
  • Assists with moving boxes/furniture as needed.
  • Performs other duties as requested.

Job Qualifications:

• Education:
  • High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Experience:
  • Three years of maintenance experience required.
• Skills:
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to use power and hand tools.
  • Ability to problem solve to identify best means of addressing maintenance issues either in-house or through contractors.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to administration@christhouse.org.

 

Volunteer Manager

The Volunteer Manager (VM) recruits, orients and nurtures local volunteers & volunteer groups at Christ House, and coordinates the holiday gift drive. The VM leads outreach for Christ House by speaking to local churches, possible volunteer groups and other community sources to communicate the Christ House mission.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission and values of the facility to preserve the dignity and confidentiality of every person through courteous behavior and respectful communications with all patients, Kairos members, co-workers and visitors
• Recruitment and Retention
  • Recruits and interviews volunteer applicants, determines capabilities and matches skills of volunteers with needs of Christ House for local volunteers
  • Facilitates visiting work groups and special event groups
  • Serves on the YLV Committee
  • Oversees intern hiring, orientation and supervision
  • Solicits volunteers to fill specific ongoing needs at Christ House including meal groups and evening / weekend phone volunteers. Works with staff to utilize volunteers properly
  • Provide training on volunteer engagement and retention
  • Provides support and recognition to volunteers
  • Plans and directs annual Volunteer Appreciation Night dinner
  • Publishes volunteer newsletter six times per year
  • Maintains Volunteers bulletin board
  • Coordinates with appropriate staff to identify appropriate cleaning and maintenance project for volunteers
  • Mediates conflicts if volunteers encounter difficulty in their service
  • Coordinate Kairos volunteer coordination as needed
• In-Kind Donation Management
  • Oversees the solicitation of in-kind donations
  • Communicates high-need items in e-newsletters and communication with potential in-kind donors
  • Provides monthly lists of in-kind needs for staff and alternative donation locations for items we are unable to accept
  • Keep regular oversight of the Amazon Wish list
  • Completes the monthly in-kind donation valuation for annual audit
• Coordinate and Oversee Volunteer Activities
  • Coordinates monthly volunteer meal groups and provides schedule to kitchen at the beginning of each month
  • Coordinates holiday giving drives with local churches and organizations and oversees distribution of gifts to patients and Kairos residents on Christmas morning
  • Coordinates activities of short-term volunteer work groups and facilitate work group visits
• Oversees the maintenance of Volunteer records
  • Maintains updated files on volunteers including contact information and volunteer roles served
  • Maintains electronic record-keeping system of volunteer hours, categories, etc.
  • Collects monthly and quarterly YLV and Kairos statistics and provides statistics for local volunteers
  • Creates reports for monthly Finance and quarterly Board meetings
• Communications and Outreach
  • Initiates contact, coordinates, and speaks with churches and groups to share the Christ House message and increase community engagement
  • Seeks out opportunities to engage volunteers, donors, and the larger community
  • Promotes the importance of volunteer & donor involvement within Christ House, emphasizing community relations, networking, and mission benefits
  • Coordinates the creation of materials for publication including print materials, Christ House website, blog, and social media platforms with Development Department
  • Conducts and schedules tours of Christ House for visitors
  • Represents Christ House at volunteer fairs, presentations, and various speaking opportunities
  • Maintains relations with volunteers, donors, external agencies, organizations, and churches
• Assist the Development Department with other tasks as needed
• Supervises any Volunteer Support staff
• Performs other duties as requested

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required
• Two years’ experience working in volunteer support with some supervisory experience preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact with churches, schools, and volunteer associations and ability to work with all Christ House departments to assess needs and coordinate use of volunteers

Commitment to Teamwork:

• Attend staff retreats, in-services, and trainings as appropriate
• Willing to work flexible schedule including some weekend, evenings and holidays in recognition of Christ House’s 24/7 operation
• Reports to work on time

To apply, please send resume, salary requirement, and cover letter to administration@christhouse.org referencing the Volunteer Manager position. Sending a video introducing yourself is strongly encouraged but optional.

 

Cook (Full-Time and Part-Time available)

The Cook prepares food and meals in accordance to planned menus or specially planned activities. In addition, this staff member adheres to food safety and sanitation standards in preparing, serving and storing food and cleaning the kitchen and dining room. The Cook also ensures all kitchen workers, employees and volunteers adhere to such standards and procedures. This position reports directly to the Food Services Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares meals according to planned menus and direction of the Food Services Manager.
• Provides specially requested diets as needed (ex: pureed, clear liquid, vegetarian, vegan, full liquid) as well as alternatives for those with food allergies.
• Prepares bagged lunches and snack cart per daily nursing request.
• Ensures tables are set properly prior to meals.
• Ensures portions are served appropriately to ensure balanced diet and appropriate amount of calories.
• Prepares special meals or refreshments as needed for activities, special holidays, or receptions.
• Maintains the overall cleanliness of the kitchen and dining areas including: floors, walls, tables, and chairs. Works with volunteers as appropriate and when available.
• Cleans all kitchen food preparation surfaces at the end of each meal preparation, including stove and all ovens.
• Ensures dishes, silverware and cooking utensils are cleaned properly using the automatic dishwasher or through hand-washing with proper detergent and sanitizing solutions and dried and re-shelved appropriately following every meal.
• Maintains clean and orderly food storage areas to facilitate better inventory utilization. Food is to be shelved as soon as it is received.
• Performs cleaning tasks in the kitchen and dining room as assigned or as needed.
• Organizes and cleans refrigerators and freezers on a weekly basis.
• Promotes safety and infection control policies and procedures; performs job in a safe manner (i.e. using wet floor signs, hand washing, gloves, etc. as needed)
• Promotes an atmosphere of hospitality and promotes a spirit of cooperation among individuals and groups.
• Provides leadership to volunteer groups to practice proper food handling safety practices in preparation, service, and clean-up of meals.
• Supervises and provides assistance to volunteers as needed.
• Assists in inventory control utilizing food products prior to spoilage, properly rotating stock, and maintaining the security of supplies in the locked basement storeroom.
• Ensures nurses station is fully stocked with appropriate food supplies per stock list.
• Other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: Two years experience in food preparation for large groups preferred.
• Certification: DC food handler certification required.
• Knowledge of proper food handling and preparation is required
• Previous experience working with homeless and other vulnerable populations as well as work with volunteers is highly desirable.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to administration@christhouse.org.

Respite Care Assistant (Full-time)

The Respite Care Assistant is responsible for providing basic patient care, including assistance with activities of daily living and care of the environment.

Essential Functions:

• Measures and records temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, height, and weight as ordered.
• Performs admission procedures as directed:
  • Welcomes and orients new patients to the respite unit.
  • Completes admission form.
• Observes universal precautions in all patient care activities.
• Assists patients in maintaining a clean environment.
  • Supervises patients in making their beds, storing their clothes, keeping bedside neat.
  • Provides clean clothing and bed linens for patients.
  • Assists individuals too debilitated to maintain their own environment.
• Assists patient with activities of daily living as needed (shower, shave, dress in clean clothing, etc.)
• Assists patients to attend scheduled meetings and meals.
• Prepares patients for outside appointments.
  • Checks to be sure patient is showered and dressed appropriately.
  • Ensures patients are available for on-time departure.
• Accompanies patients to medical appointments as requested.
• Provides coverage at the desk on respite unit as needed and whenever requested by the Charge Nurse.
• Completes daily end-of-shift cleaning assignments (laundry room, treatment room, patient rooms, showers, etc.)
• Performs discharge procedure as directed.
  • Communicates with nurse and patient as to time of discharge.
  • Assists patient who is leaving to pack their belongings.
• Understands and promotes safety and infection control policies and procedures; performs job in a safe manner (i.e. universal precautions, hand-washing, use of gloves as needed, etc.)
• Understands role in emergency situations both medical (i.e. patient falls) and mental health emergencies (i.e. patient who presents a clear danger to himself or others).
• Responds to facility events (i.e. fire alarms/drills) per procedure.
• Demonstrates commitment to teamwork:
  • Reports for work on time.
  • Maintains a positive work relationship with co-workers.
  • Takes responsibility for self-improvement.
  • Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-services, and retreats.

Qualifications:

• High school graduate or GED
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness is preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to clinicaladministration@christhouse.org.