Shelter and Crisis Support Specialist POSITION DESCRIPTION
7a-3pm, rotating weekends
Reports to: Team Lead, Shelter Operations
Status: Full or Part-Time, Rotating weekends
Position Overview
The Shelter and Crisis Support Specialist provides trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, and case management services to shelter residents. This role ensures survivors have access to safety planning, supportive services, and resources to promote stability, healing, and self-sufficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Client Intake & Assessment
- Conduct intake assessments to identify safety risks, immediate needs, and service priorities
- Gather relevant background information, including victimization history and existing supports
- Collaborate with clients to develop individualized service plans
- Respond promptly to crisis chat and hotline inquiries
Case Management
- Provide ongoing case management, including regular check-ins and progress monitoring
- Connect clients to essential services (housing, legal advocacy, healthcare, counseling, childcare, and financial resources)
- Coordinate services with community partners to ensure continuity of care
- Transport clients to appointments as needed
Crisis Intervention & Support
- Provide immediate crisis intervention and emotional support
- Deliver trauma-informed, survivor-centered services in a safe and respectful environment
- Assist clients in developing and maintaining individualized safety plans
Advocacy
- Advocate for clients within the shelter and across external systems
- Accompany clients to court, medical, and service appointments as needed
- Support development of client self-advocacy and informed decision-making
Education & Outreach
- Assist with workshops and support groups on topics such as healthy relationships, safety, and self-care
- Support development and distribution of educational materials
Shelter Operations
- Maintain facility cleanliness in accordance with established standards
- Answer hotline calls and respond to resident needs
- Engage professionally with residents, families, and partners
- Participate in on-call rotation as assigned
- Support daily shelter operations
Additional Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned to support shelter and crisis services
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field (preferred)
- Experience working with survivors of domestic violence or in a related field
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care and crisis intervention practices
- Strong communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice
Additional Requirements
- Understanding of domestic violence dynamics and survivor-centered care
- Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Cultural competency and ability to serve diverse populations
- Professional demeanor consistent with organizational standards
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Domestic Violence Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Organizational Commitment
All staff are expected to uphold ethical standards, provide excellent service, and contribute to a culturally inclusive, trauma-informed environment that reflects the organization’s mission and values.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
