Shelter Assistant - Women and Family Shelter at One80 Place – Charleston, South Carolina

Shelter Assistants in the women and family shelter provide direct support and supervision to women and families experiencing homelessness and are responsible for maintaining a safe, housing-focused, trauma informed environment as they work to support their move to permanent housing. This position plays a critical role in daily shelter operations, crisis response and stabilizing homeless women and families.

This position operates in a communal shelter environment serving women and families with children. Shifts may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.

Due to the sensitive nature of the services provided, the trauma informed environment of the shelter and the need to protect the privacy and safety of the women and families residing at the shelter, this position is limited to female applicants only. This is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Full-time and part-time positions available.

STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

1. High school diploma (associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or related field preferred).
2. Two years’ Experience in a homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, or social services setting
3. Experience working with women, families, or vulnerable populations.
4. Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and professionalism in high-stress situations.
5. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
6. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
7. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or de-escalation techniques.
8. Ability to deal effectively with conflict and crisis in a calm manner to foster a positive resolution.
9. Reliable transportation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide day-to-day support to women, children, and families residing in the shelter.
2. Greet, orient, and assist new shelter clients during intake and shelter orientation.
3. Completes an initial needs assessment and acts upon critical needs appropriately and immediately.
4. Identify clients who need assistance securing housing documents and communicate that information to the assigned case manager. Examples include birth certificates, social security cards, income information, etc.
5. Ensure the physical safety and security of clients, staff, and facility by following organizational policies and procedures and shelter schedules.
6. Regularly monitor common areas and sleeping spaces, inspecting for any potential hazards, risks, or unsafe conditions. Reports any hazards to the Shelter Director.
7. Enforce shelter policies, rules, and procedures in a fair and respectful manner.
8. Respond appropriately to emergencies, conflicts, or safety concerns by following the Critical Incidents Policies and Procedures. Report critical incidents immediately to the Shelter Director Critical incidents include exposure to environmental hazards, death, violence etc.
9. Report maintenance, IT and alarm issues appropriately and in a timely manner. Staff should send all issues to the designated emails for IT and repairs.
10. Report needs for cleaning, laundry, meal preparation and operations to operation/facility staff on duty and assist in other areas as needed to ensure seamless operations.
11. Assist clients with daily routines, chores in sleeping areas, meals, and shelter schedules
12. Facilitate or assist with group activities, life-skills sessions, or housing stability groups as assigned.
13. Accurately document daily activities, incidents, and client interactions in HMIS
14. Communicate verbally and through the Agency News feature in HMIS client needs, concerns, with case managers, other shelter assistants and supervisors.
15. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and shelter privacy standards.
16. Make medication available to appropriate clients when requested.
17. Works in collaboration with shelter and all other One80 Place staff to facilitate a team environment.
18. Participates in One80 Place training as required.
19. Actively participates in monthly staff and team meetings and commits to group decisions.
20. Substitutes for other staff when the need arises.
21. Performs other relevant duties assigned by supervisor or other One80 Place management staff.

PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS:

1. Requires the ability to solve problems, make decisions, and listen.
2. Requires the ability to deal calmly in crisis situations.
3. Requires the ability to relate effectively individuals experiencing homelessness and always maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
4. Requires corrective vision and hearing to normal range; ability to move between service locations; sit and/or stand for long periods of time; ability to lift 25 lbs.
5. Use of phones, computers, time clocks, security cameras, radios and general office machinery.