Shelter Assistant - Women and Family Shelter

One80 Place•Charleston, SC

About The Position

Shelter Assistants provide direct support and supervision to women and families experiencing homelessness in a communal shelter serving women and families with children. They help maintain a safe, housing-focused, trauma-informed environment and support clients as they work toward permanent housing. The role is important to daily shelter operations, crisis response, and stabilization. Shifts may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Due to the sensitive nature of shelter services and the need to protect residents’ privacy and safety, the posting limits this position to female applicants as a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Two years of experience in a homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, or social services setting.
Experience working with women, families, or vulnerable populations.
Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and professionalism in high-stress situations.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and effectively as a team member.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or de-escalation techniques.
Ability to handle conflict and crisis calmly and foster positive resolutions.
Reliable transportation.
Ability to solve problems, make decisions, and listen.
Ability to relate effectively to individuals experiencing homelessness while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Corrective vision and hearing within the normal range; ability to move between service locations, sit and/or stand for long periods, and lift 25 pounds.
Ability to use phones, computers, time clocks, security cameras, radios, and general office machinery.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day support to women, children, and families residing in the shelter.
Greet, orient, and assist new clients during intake and shelter orientation.
Complete an initial needs assessment and respond immediately and appropriately to critical needs.
Identify clients who need help securing housing documents and communicate those needs to the assigned case manager.
Maintain the physical safety and security of clients, staff, and the facility by following organizational policies, procedures, and shelter schedules.
Monitor common areas and sleeping spaces for hazards, risks, and unsafe conditions, and report hazards to the Shelter Director.
Enforce shelter policies, rules, and procedures fairly and respectfully.
Respond to emergencies, conflicts, and safety concerns in accordance with Critical Incidents Policies and Procedures, and immediately report critical incidents to the Shelter Director.
Report maintenance, IT, and alarm issues through the designated channels in a timely manner.
Communicate cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and operational needs to operations or facility staff on duty, and assist as needed.
Assist clients with daily routines, chores in sleeping areas, meals, and shelter schedules.
Facilitate or assist with group activities, life-skills sessions, or housing stability groups as assigned.
Accurately document daily activities, incidents, and client interactions in HMIS.
Communicate client needs and concerns verbally and through the Agency News feature in HMIS with case managers, other shelter assistants, and supervisors.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and shelter privacy standards.
Make medication available to appropriate clients when requested.
Collaborate with shelter staff and other One80 Place staff to support a team environment.
Participate in required One80 Place training and monthly staff and team meetings, and commit to group decisions.
Substitute for other staff when needed.
Perform other relevant duties assigned by a supervisor or other One80 Place management staff.