Careers

Date Posted/Updated: 09/01/2023

No. of Positions: 1 Full-time

COTS Housing Navigators work directly with COTS clients staying in our Adult Shelter
program, the Waystation, to assist them in developing a housing plan for transition to
and/or maintenance of stable housing. They also support clients in accessing additional
services and supports in the local community, to help with retention of housing once it’s
been obtained. This role is a critical component of our services and directly impacts our
mission of ending homelessness.

Primary responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to:
• Build and maintain professional relationships with clients, helping to overcome
the many barriers clients may face.
• Directly assist clients with timely completion of Public Housing Authority
applications for rental subsidies and all other relevant state/local housing
assistance programs.
• Navigation of benefits like 3Squares, Reach Up, SSI & SSDI.
• Connecting individuals to available resources which may expedite their transition
from emergency shelter into transitional or permanent housing. • Develop a housing support crisis plan that includes early prevention/intervention
when housing is jeopardized.
• Collaborate closely with referral agencies regarding eligibility determination and
verification for clients.

Requirements for this role are:
• Minimum of high school degree or equivalent; Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work,
Education, Human Services, Counseling or a related field preferred.
• At least one year of related case management experience required.
• Candidates with experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness
and crisis intervention, as well as knowledge of resources and services for
individuals and families preferred.
• Ability to work with individuals with mental health, medical, substance abuse,
domestic and sexual violence experiences, and employment issues required.
• Knowledge of resources in the community along with ability to teach simple life
skills, including budgeting, healthy eating, and personal safety skills required.
• Familiarity with regulations, laws, and procedures of the Vermont Agency of
Human Services preferred.


All positions at COTS require a commitment to our mission: Advocating for long-term solutions
to end homelessness and provide emergency shelter, services, and long-term housing for
Vermonters who are experiencing homelessness or are marginally housed.
This is an hourly, full time, benefits eligible position. Hourly pay starting at $21.00/hour.
If you are interested in applying, submit resume and cover letter to jobs@cotsonline.org.

COTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race,
religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related
medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status
as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable
legally protected characteristics. We embrace diversity and encourage all to apply.

Date Posted/Updated: 05/08/2023

No. of Positions: Part-time Overnight – includes asleep hours; Part-time Evenings & Weekends

If you’re looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work in your community, join the passionate, community minded team at the Committee on Temporary Shelter! We are currently looking for individuals interested in working with our Family Shelters to support families with accessing resources and meeting basic needs. Our Family Shelters provide a safe and welcoming environment for families that are without a place to call home or in a transitional phase. 

The family shelters are staffed 24/7. We can house approximately 15 families between our two facilities. The primary responsibility of our Family Shelter Support team members is to ensure that parents and children are in an environment which promotes safety and well-being. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Welcoming and orienting families to the shelter
• Support families with meeting the requirements and expectations of shelter programs, including establishing a trusting relationship with parents and children
• Assist families with accessing resources to meet their basic needs, such as hygiene products, food, diapers, etc.
• Facilitate safe social engagement opportunities for families and children
• Maintain the day-to-day upkeep of the shelter facilities
• Connect families with community agencies to ensure access to comprehensive community support services
• Assist parents with ensuring children have necessary resources and access to school and child care programs
• Assist parents as needed by engaging and playing with children while parents attend necessary meetings, take phone calls, etc. in the pursuit of support services
• Maintain an up to date knowledge of community resources and agencies to facilitate guest access to community support and services

The Education and Experience requirements for this position are:

• Minimum of HS degree or equivalent required; BSW or BA in a related field a plus
• At least one year of related experience required; a combination of coursework and experience will also be considered
• Ability to work with individuals with mental health, medical, substance abuse and employment issues required
• Prior experience with individuals experiencing homelessness and crisis intervention, as well as knowledge of resources and services for individuals and families is a plus
• Prior experience working with children is preferred

All positions at COTS require a commitment to our mission: Advocating for long-term solutions to end homelessness and provide emergency shelter, services, and long-term housing for Vermonters who are experiencing homelessness or are marginally housed. Full-time positions qualify for benefits through COTS, part time positions may qualify for limited benefits. Shelter Support roles start at $19.00/hour for per diem; $20.00/hour for regular part-time and full-time team members.

To apply, submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@cotsonline.org.

We are a team of passionate individuals who believe in the value and dignity of every human life. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and welcome all. Join us on our mission to end homelessness!

We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Date Posted/Updated: 08/02/2023

No. of Positions: 1 Full-time

COTS is looking for a dynamic Office Manager to support various administrative functions and general operations for our organization. This role will be responsible for ensuring our office runs smoothly and efficiently. The right candidate for this role will be able to adapt and flex quickly; ability to multitask is a must. No day will look the same as the one before, but each day will bring an opportunity to provide critical support to our teams, including our direct service team members who are supporting the guests and clients we serve.

Primary responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to:

• Providing back-up coverage for our front desk receptionist.
• Supporting supplies inventory.
• Processing cash receipts/donations in collaboration with our Development team.
• Front line basic tech support.
• Meeting and event preparation and minute taking.
• Ensuring the office environments are organized, stocked, and maintain a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Organizational document maintenance.
• This role will support all areas of the organization with administrative projects as needed.

We are looking for an adaptable self-starter who can jump in and pivot tasks frequently. Organization and attention to detail are critical in this role. The right candidate is passionate about our mission and the work that we do, and someone who is looking for a dynamic position in a nonprofit where you will help out with a little bit of everything.

Requirements for this position are:

• High school degree with some post-secondary coursework is required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in office administration required, preferably in human services or a nonprofit environment.
• A combination of experience and coursework in lieu of either requirement will be considered.
• Must have advanced computer skills and be able to use Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong candidates will have experience with individuals experiencing homelessness and crisis intervention.
• Ability to work with individuals with mental health, medical, substance abuse and employment issues required.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible position. Our office hours are Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm and ability to work within these hours is required. Minimal local travel between COTS facilities may be required.

To apply, submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@cotsonline.org.

COTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We embrace diversity and encourage all to apply.

Date Posted/Updated: 05/08/2023
No. of Positions Open: Multiple part-time evening & weekends (16-20 hrs/wk); Full-time overnight (40 hrs/wk)

If you’re looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work in your community, join the passionate, community-minded team at the Committee on Temporary Shelter! We are currently looking for individuals interested in working with our Individual Adult Shelters, the Daystation drop-in center and the Waystation overnight shelter. Our emergency shelter programs provide opportunities for individuals without housing to have a safe, secure place to stay and have their basic needs met, such as showers, laundry, computer access for job searches, applications, etc., and lunch service. Both shelters are open 365 days a year.

The Waystation overnight shelter is open from 6:00pm – 8:00am each night.

The Daystation drop-in center is open from 9:00am – 5:00pm each day.

Primary Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well-being of COTS guests. 
• Build trusting relationships with guests and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for all
• Support guests with meeting the expectations and requirements of shelter programs
• Maintain the day-to-day upkeep of the shelters
• Conduct intake questionnaires with new guests to identify needs
• Support and lead lunch service as needed (Daystation)
• Assist guests with meeting their needs through access to hygiene products, food, and referrals to medical support services and other community support services
• Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of community resources and agencies to facilitate guest access to community support and services

Position Requirements

• Minimum of HS degree or equivalent required
• BSW or BA in a related field a plus
• At least one year of related experience required; a combination of coursework and experience will also be considered
• Ability to work with individuals with mental health, medical, substance abuse and employment issues required.
• Prior experience with individuals experiencing homelessness and crisis intervention, as well as knowledge of resources and services for individuals and families is a plus.

Full-time positions qualify for benefits through COTS, part time positions may qualify for limited benefits. Shelter Support roles start at $19.00/hour per diem; $20.00/hour for regular part-time and full-time team members.

To apply, submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@cotsonline.org.

Date Posted/Updated: 03/23/2023
No. of Positions: 1 Full-Time (40 hrs/wk)

The Family Supportive Housing (FSH) Advocate will work intensively with individuals and families who are facing the risk of homelessness or are currently homeless by providing housing case management and coordination of services. The role of the FSH Advocate is to work collaboratively with agencies and community partners to provide resources and support to FSH clients, with the goal being the acquisition of life skills and access to resources that will lead to permanent housing and a positive quality of life.

The FSH Advocate works in collaboration with the FSH Clinician, based at our community partner agency The Howard Center, and reports directly to our Housing Services Director. They will meet with clients both onsite at COTS, as well as in their individual residences to assess needs and complete intakes, following protocols outlined in the grant which funds the program. This position does require the willingness and ability to travel within the Chittenden County area. 

Primary Responsibilities (but not limited to) 

• Provide training and referrals to clients regarding financial empowerment, life skills, tenant education, parent and child resiliency, and support toward addiction recovery
• Assist clients in the preparation of Individual Service Plans (ISP) to determine their goals and assist with self-advocacy with relation to housing and family services
• Coordinate various plans among appropriate community partners, particularly in the areas of Family Services, Reach-Up, and employment-related supports. 
• Engage in general advocacy with a focus on the goal of successfully obtaining permanent and safe housing for clients
• Develop opportunities for employment for FSH participants in collaboration with the local employment consultants and job coaches
• Maintain appropriate records, enter client data in required systems and produce reports as requested
• Attend mandated trainings.

Position Requirements

• The ability to build and maintain professional relationships with clients and community partners.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Education, Human Services, Counseling or a related field is required. 
• At least one year of related experience required
• Strong candidates will have experience with families and children experiencing homelessness and crisis intervention, as well as knowledge of resources and services for individuals and families. 
• Must hold a valid VT driver’s license and be comfortable with home visits to clients. 
• Ability to work with individuals with mental health, medical, substance abuse, domestic and sexual violence experiences, and employment issues required. 
• Knowledge of resources in the community along with the ability to teach simple life skills, including budgeting, healthy eating, and personal safety skills required.
• Familiarity with regulations, laws, and procedures of the Vermont Agency of Human Services is preferred.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. If you are interested in applying, submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@cotsonline.org.

Date Posted: 05/10/2023
No. of Positions: 1 Part-Time, on call

COTS is looking for a Resident Manager at The Wilson, one of our COTS Housing properties offering deeply affordable apartments to adults previously experiencing homelessness, working toward self-sufficiency. The Wilson is a single-room occupancy (SRO) residence, with each tenant having private rooms, but shared common spaces including kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces. COTS has a designated Retention Specialist who partners with the Resident Manager to provide robust, ongoing support to high-needs tenants.

The main responsibility of the Resident Manager is to ensure the overall safety and well-being of tenants and the property.

Key Information

• Live onsite in the designated Resident Manager studio apartment; semi-furnished, all utilities including internet covered. The Resident Manager's apartment does have its own kitchen and bathroom.
• Compensation covers the monthly rent plus a small stipend.
• Approximately 15 hours per week of Resident Manager duties; must be available in the evenings and on weekends.
• On-call for emergency tenant needs.
• Eligible for limited COTS benefits, including access to mental well-being support, annual COSTCO membership, and professional development and training opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities (but not limited to)

• Assist in welcoming and orienting new tenants to the building; build and maintain positive relationships with all tenants.
• Reguarly monitor building activities to ensure the safety and security of all tenants.
• Collaborate with COTS Housing Services, retention team members, and the property management company to address building maintenance and tenant needs.
• Clarifying house rules and enforcing compliance with tenants; reguarly document issues, concerns, and other relevant information.
• Support ongoing building upkeep, ensure common areas meet cleanliness expectations, and track and order supplies for common areas.
• Maintain knowledge of tenant rental status and support property management with resolution of issues.
• Facilitate regular house meetings and plan social engagement opportunities to encourage an open, inclusive community.
• Proactively identify and mitigate tenant conflict; facilitate mediation between tenants as needed.
• Participate in COTS training programs as required.

Position Requirements

• At least two years of experience in a direct service position required.
• Ability to work with individuals with mental health, medical, substance abuse and employment issues required.
• Experience with individuals experiencing homelessness and crisis intervention, including experience with mediation and conflict management required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

If you are interested in applying, submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@cotsonline.org.

Date Posted/Updated: 02/01/2023
No. of Positions Open: Ongoing/Always Open- Day, Evening & Overnight shifts

Position Type: Per diem (as needed), no hours guaranteed, non-benefits eligible

Our per diem/substitute shelter support roles offer the opportunity to provide meaningful support to your community with a flexible, low-commitment work schedule. Substitute Shelter Support team members provide support for coverage gaps in our emergency shelters, which require staffing 24/7. You would be contacted when there is a need for coverage, whether pre-planned or to support last-minute needs, such as unplanned illnesses, etc.

Our emergency shelter programs provide opportunities for individuals without housing to have a safe, secure place to stay and have their basic needs met, such as showers, laundry facilities, computer access for job searches, applications, etc., and lunch service. Both shelters are open 365 days a year.

The Waystation overnight shelter is open from 6:00pm – 8:00am each night.

The Daystation drop-in center is open from 9:00am – 5:00pm each day.

Primary Responsibility (but not limited to)

• Ensure the safety and well-being of COTS guests.
• Building trusting relationships with guests.
• Maintain the day-to-day upkeep of the shelters.
• Ensure a welcoming environment for our guests.
• Support guests with meeting the expectations and requirements of shelter programs.
• Support and facilitate social engagement and skill-building opportunities; support and lead lunch service as needed.
• Assist guests with meeting their needs through access to hygiene products, food, medical support services and other community support services. 
• Another important expectation of this role is maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of community resources and agencies to ensure guests have access to robust support such as referrals to substance use recovery agencies, food banks, financial support agencies, and more.

Flexibility to work, when given short notice, is required for substitute team members. 

Substitute Shelter Support coverage is needed for all shifts, so there is flexibility to accommodate scheduling preferences.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of HS degree or equivalent required; BSW or BA in a related field strongly preferred. 
• At least one year of related experience required; a combination of coursework and experience will also be considered. 
• Strong candidates will have experience with individuals experiencing homelessness and crisis intervention, as well as knowledge of resources and services for individuals and families.
• Ability to work with individuals with mental health, medical, substance abuse and employment issues required.

This is a per diem position, not eligible for benefits.

To apply, submit your cover letter and resume to jobs@cotsonline.org.

Date Posted/Updated: 06/22/2021
No. of Positions Open: Ongoing/Always Open
Position Type: Per diem (as needed), no hours guaranteed, non-benefits eligible

COTS is currently recruiting for dynamic, organized individuals who are committed to our mission and are available to work on an on-call, per diem basis as substitute staff in our Family Shelters, helping to cover gaps in schedules and staff vacations. COTS Family Shelter has two locations in Burlington that are open 24 hours and house up to 15 families at a time.

Primary Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well-being of persons and property in the shelter.
• Support shelter residents in their search for permanent housing
• Introduce and orient residents to shelter life.
• Enforce the applicable expectations and policies. 
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment while building trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness.

Position Requirements

• Qualified candidates will have the willingness and flexibility to work overnight and weekend shifts. 
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a committed team is necessary. 
• Strong communication skills, sense of fairness and human dignity and crisis management skills are required. 
• Experience working in homeless direct service preferred.

This is currently a per diem position, without benefits, but has the possibility of leading to part or full-time employment.

To receive the best consideration, submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@cotsonline.org.