Support Stability. Offer Support. Make a Difference
Schedule: Part-time (20-29 hours/week), afternoon/evening, early morning, and weekend day/evening shifts (schedule may vary)
Availability: Must be available to work weekends
At Willis Dady Homeless Services, shelter is more than a place to stay. It is often the first step toward stability, support, and housing. We are seeking a dependable Shelter Resident Assistant (RA) who brings reliability, strong communication skills, and a respectful, client-centered approach supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.
In this role, you'll help maintain a structured, welcoming environment within an emergency shelter setting. You will typically work alongside another staff member or volunteer while supporting clients with immediate needs and helping create a positive and respectful space.
What You’ll Do
As a Shelter Resident Assistant, you play a key role in ensuring the shelter operates effectively while providing direct support to clients.
In this role, you will:
- Create a welcoming, respectful environment while building professional relationships and maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients
- Create a welcoming, respectful environment while building professional relationships and maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients
- Monitor shelter spaces and support consistent enforcement of shelter policies
- Respond calmly, and effectively to conflict, crises, and changing situations using de-escalation, trauma-informed approach and problem-solving skills
- Support clients as well as community members who stop in with questions, needs, or donations
- Assist with donation intake, organizing, and distribution of clothing, food, and supplies
- Complete light housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean, organized environment
- Work collaboratively with coworkers and volunteers while communicating clearly with supervisors and team members
- Accurately document incidents, client interactions, and shift activity
- Support the overall mission of helping clients maintain housing stability
What We’re Looking For
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with individuals who may be in crisis
- Reliable, organized, and follow-through on responsibilities
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable populations (preferred)
- Must be 18 years of age
- Ability to pass required background checks
Why Work With Us?
- Meaningful, mission-driven work that impacts your community
- Opportunity to support clients on their path to greater stability
- Supportive and values-driven team environment
- Eligible employer for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness
About Willis Dady Homeless Services
Willis Dady Homeless Services is dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness transition to stable housing and employment. Through shelter, transportation, and supportive services, we empower people to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
To Apply
Apply today and be part of building housing stability in our community. Submit resume and cover letter or send to:
Human Resources at [email protected], Subject: Shelter RA; or Willis Dady Homeless Services, Attn: Human Resources, 1247 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. Applications are now being accepted until the position is filled.
Willis Dady Emergency Shelter policy is to provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, Vietnam era or disabled veteran status. All offers of employment are contingent on a negative report on the State of Iowa Criminal History Records Check and Sex Offender Registry. Willis Dady is an At Will Employer.
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to work weekends?
Work Location: In person
