Job Title: Shelter Aide
Program: Housing and Homeless Services
Reports To: Homeless Services Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classification: Part Time (24 hours per week) may pick up additional hours On-Call/fill-in
Wage: $23.84 per hour
Job Summary
We are seeking a compassionate and proactive Shelter Support Worker to join our dedicated team in providing essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness and those from underserved communities. In this role, you will be the frontline support for residents, ensuring their safety, well-being, and access to resources. Your energetic approach will help create a welcoming environment where clients feel valued and supported as they work towards stability and independence. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while developing your skills in social work, crisis intervention, and community care standards. The Shelter Aide is responsible for overseeing, facilitating, and coordinating the activities of clients and volunteers at the agency’s Homeless Shelter. The Aide may also be responsible for laundry duty. The Shelter Aide provides a safe, nurturing environment for shelter clients and is responsible for the smooth operation of shelter functions. Must be able to work swing shifts.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct support to residents, including intake assessments and ongoing assistance tailored to individual needs.
- Ensure resident confidentiality at all times while maintaining accurate documentation through data entry, filing, and record keeping.
- Support residents with behavioral health needs by implementing behavior management techniques and de-escalation strategies during crises.
- Assist with safety protocols to promote health and security within the shelter.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on addiction counseling, mental health support, and social services to coordinate comprehensive care plans.
- Manage conflict situations effectively using conflict management skills to foster a safe and respectful environment for all residents.
- Support diverse populations by working with individuals from culturally diverse communities, including high-risk populations such as those experiencing homelessness, mental heath challenges and substance use disorders.
- Maintain accurate records of resident interactions, incident reports, and service delivery using Microsoft Office tools and data management systems.
- Assign cleaning tasks to volunteers and/or Shelter residents
- Consistently provide a supportive presence
- Ensure all required postings are in place for every shift
- Account for and distribute shelter supplies, meals, and other agency items
- Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings as required
- Regularly complete housekeeping duties in the common areas (restrooms, showers, kitchen, etc.); launder shower towels and sleeping bags as assigned
- Other duties as required
Requirements
- Experience or leadership skills in a shelter or community service setting.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health conditions or behavioral challenges.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to write clear reports and engage effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, de-escalation methods, and conflict resolution strategies.
- Ability to perform physical tasks including manual handling and providing first aid or CPR when necessary.
- Familiarity with social work principles, case management practices, and home & community care approaches.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for documentation and data entry tasks.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings or weekends as needed in a fast-paced environment.
Join us in creating a safe haven where individuals can rebuild their lives! This rewarding role is perfect for motivated professionals eager to support high-risk populations through compassionate care, effective communication, and dedicated service delivery.
Essential Functions:
- Facilitate the operation of and supervise the activities in a shelter for homeless adults, both male and female
- Greet shelter guests and volunteers, assist with the sign-in process
- Ensure client intake paperwork is, or has been, completed
- Provide crisis intervention and assessment if necessary
- Efficiently document and report shelter activities and incidents to the Shelter Manager
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Sensitivity to issues of homelessness, substance abuse and mental/physical handicaps
- Effective communication skills
- Experience in crisis intervention desired
- Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude
- Computer literate
- Ability to be flexible and maintain an upbeat attitude in a challenging environment
- Willingness and ability to appropriately and effectively enforce behavioral guidelines
- Ability to both take direction and to work autonomously
Minimum Requirements:
- Experience with social services, preference given to those with shelter experience
- Pass a DOJ criminal background check
- Possess characteristics that align with West County Community Services Values – Integrity, Compassion, and Respect for Others
- Reliable transportation
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Americans with Disabilities Act
WCCS has pledged to ensure that employees and applicants have equal access to job opportunities, will not be discriminated against based on having an actual or perceived disability, and will have the same opportunity for employment, promotions, and transfers as those individuals who do not have disabilities. WCCS complies with requests for accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act, including the Amendments Act.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Move, traverse – constantly moves about the site and beyond to communicate and interact with clients and staff
Communicate, exchange Information - must successfully partner with WCCS management and staff via phone, text, or email
Strength, push/pull – frequently moves and/or rearranges Shelter site items, up to 25 pounds
Stationary position – may remain in a stationary position up to 20% of the time
Operate, draft/write, compile – consistently uses a computer to complete timesheets; utilize the Google drive to access important agency policies and documents, cell phone use to communicate with staff members
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Pay: $23.84 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
