Front Desk Associate (Am/Pm/Overnight Shifts)

Would you love to interact with travelers from all around the world? Do you want to gain experience in hospitality and tourism in a fun environment? Join Hostelling International USA and explore the endless possibilities and perks of being part of our Chicago hostel. We are currently accepting applications for all shfits. The Front Desk associate is responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere while ensuring guest and public contact at reception runs smoothly, efficiently and in accordance with hostel policy. Must be willing to work weekends, and holidays as schedule requires.
Full time employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, disability, vacation, sick, 403b with company match, and more. New Hire waiting periods apply. Other PERKS include:

• … and more!
• GREAT and friendly work environment.
• TRAINING on the job.
• DISCOUNTS on hundreds of brands through our payroll portal.
• FREE stays in other HI USA hostels, subject to availability.
• OPPORTUNITIES for growth within the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Welcome, register, orient and supervise guests, and provide group orientations in a friendly and positive manner, while being mindful of cultural differences

and possible language barriers

• Other duties or projects as assigned by the hostel management
• Encourage and collect guest comments and feedback
• Follow hostel procedures, ensuring the security and safety of the hostel, hostel property, guests, guests’ property, and fellow employees
• Accurately maintain all shift reports, logs, and necessary daily paperwork, including a record of overnight fees, sale of goods, and rentals
• Promote the mission of HI USA: “To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people, through hostelling”
• Promote and provide information on HI memberships, the hostel, and the local area to guests and visitors in person, over the telephone, and via e-mail
• Take individual and group reservations by telephone, e-mail, or via an online system, in a friendly, accurate and efficient manner
• Conduct hostel tours
• Represent HI USA and the hostel in a positive manner to guests, callers, and local officials
• Provide overnight, on-call assistance in case of emergencies
• Perform laundry, cleaning, bookkeeping, food preparation, and other duties and tasks as needed

Skills/Qualifications:

• Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as schedule requires
• Ability to handle cash and record receipts without error
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Customer service experience preferred
• Computer literacy and familiarity with WINXP, MS Word, Excel, and Outlook preferred
• Excellent communication skills
• Must enjoy working with the public and have the ability to calmly and professionally handle conflict, guest issues, or emergencies
• Ability to speak a second language a plus
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team
• Hostelling experience a plus
• First aid and CPR certification preferred; training can be provided

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and arms. The employee is frequently to stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $16.65 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Parental leave
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• 401(k) matching
• 401(k)

Schedule:

• Night shift

Work Location: In person