Front Desk. I worked the graveyard shift from 9 p.m.- 5 a.m. 40 hours a week as an overnight front desk receptionist, at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. In other words, as a front desk receptionist, it can be as much challenging as rewarding. After that, here’s a look into what a typical graveyrad shift may look like. At 8:15 p.m. I arrive at the office to start my shift. The office is quiet due to the daytime staff members gone for the day. The overnight shift brings a different atmosphere, with a sense of solitude and responsibility.
I check the computers to make sure they are working properly. In other words, this is for the purpose of being able to monitor all thirty-five camera divisions of the building, and knowing when residents are coming and going. After that I eat my meal, and then punch in one half hour early, so I can end my shift at 5:00 a.m. Moreover, I start my shift by reviewing the log book for information of any incidents, or important information from the previous shifts. I would also check my emails for any updates or instructions from the daytime staff. In addition, roving security does a thorough walk around of entire building, from top to bottom, to ensure safety and security. All doors, windows and surveillance cameras receive a check as well.
Front Desk
As it gets later into the shift, the calls start coming in to the front desk. These calls are inquiries from people seeking shelter or assistance. I always answered these calls promptly, with the most professionalism. I made sure to always provide the most information about available services. Sometimes people came to the front desk, seeking emergency shelter, health care, and/or food assistance.
I always took my half hour break halfway through my shift at 12:30 a.m. Most importantly, I would always eat a substantial meal, and stretch my body to relieve all stress, in order to stay alert and focused for the remainder of my shift. When I punch back in from my break at 1:00 a.m. the shift is usually calm. I use that down time to sweep the lobby, stock the men’s and women’s bathrooms with paper towels, toilet paper, and soap. Copies of complaint forms, and maintenance work order forms are put in their wall mounted bins, in the lobby for easy access to residents.
The time is now after 2:00 a.m. At this time security patrols all four floors, stairwells and laundry rooms. This is to ensure the safety of the building. Those people who security guards catch using or selling illegal substances, trespassed, committing vandalism, sleeping in common areas of the building, are put into handcuffs. In some cases the perpetrators are held until the police arrive to arrest them. My shift is getting closer to the end. I make sure to do a thorough check throughout the entire building. This is to ensure safety and security, for the building, and my relief manning the desk for the next shift.
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