Front Desk - Security

At Bethesda House, our goal is to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness - not just manage the symptoms.

Our teams work to address each individual on a holistic level so they feel heard, respected, and safe in our care.

We offer hands-on help to address chronic homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, disability, and systematic poverty by offering innovative solutions and proactive services to the most vulnerable in Schenectady County.

This position is based in the Bethesda House main building at 834 State Street in Schenectady .

The Front Desk position is responsible for managing building access, answering the switchboard, monitoring security cameras, greeting the public and program participants while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. Front desk coverage operates 24/7 - multiple shifts are available. Responsibilities will vary depending on shift.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Greet and direct all who enter the building.
• Answer incoming phone calls and follow procedures for directing calls to the appropriate staff member.
• Connect persons to the appropriate staff member for assistance using established protocol.
• Follow procedures related to incoming guests (for example, signing in for programs, following procedures for directing guests to the appropriate staff member, etc.)
• Monitor all security cameras as well as all visitors, residents and guests who enter and exit the building. Follow protocol for use of electronic (door buzzer) access.
• Be aware of all movement in and out of the building. Monitor behaviors and possessions going up to apartments and into the Hospitality Center.
• Enact safety plan or Emergency Plan when appropriate.
• Complete Hourly Rounds to confirm the building is secure and there are not issues or concerns.
• Follow On-Call protocol (all after-hours emergency or notification protocol.
• Follow procedures for the Apartment Program related to curfew, visitors, etc.
• Keep records as required for the Communication Log Book with appropriate information written clearly and in detail.
• Facilitate communication between staff, visitors, and guests, using the phone, paging system, etc. when necessary.
• Contact Business Office for all business-related activities, for example, special deliveries.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Associate’s degree is preferred.
• Two to five years’ experience in a front-desk and/or customer service role.
• Experience working with diverse and challenging consumers with the ability to interact effectively with the public, volunteers, staff, and program participants.
• Strong communications skills with the ability to ability to read, take direction, understand and follow special instructions or requests from others.
• Ability to work assigned shift on a regular basis with the flexibility to work hours above normally scheduled work hours if needed.
• Ability to operate the agency phone system in a clear and professional manner
• Computer literacy with the ability to work with automated output and enter data in automated systems.
• Ability to recognize and respond in an emergency.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member
• Must successfully complete a background check.

Available Shifts (updated 7-28-25):  
Saturday and Sunday: 10pm-8am (10 hr shifts | 20 hrs/week) PART-TIME *benefit eligible
Pay : $16.00 per hour

Benefits : Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Paid time off, 401(k)

Bethesda House is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In all employment and hiring decisions, the Agency complies with applicable anti-discrimination laws. This policy applies to all employment practices, including hiring, advertising, recruitment, promotion, demotion/transfer, layoff/termination of employment, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training and development.