Shelter Assistant - Women & Family Shelter

One80 Place•Charleston, SC

just now•Onsite

About The Position

Shelter Assistants in the women and family shelter provide direct support and supervision to women and families experiencing homelessness. They are responsible for maintaining a safe, housing-focused, trauma-informed environment to support clients' transition to permanent housing. This role is critical for daily shelter operations, crisis response, and stabilizing homeless women and families. The position operates in a communal shelter environment serving women and families with children, and shifts may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Due to the sensitive nature of the services and the need to protect client privacy and safety, this position is limited to female applicants only, which is considered a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Full-time and part-time positions are available.

Requirements

High school diploma (associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or related field preferred).
Two years’ 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.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or de-escalation techniques.
Ability to deal effectively with conflict and crisis in a calm manner to foster a positive resolution.
Reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day support to women, children, and families residing in the shelter.
Greet, orient, and assist new shelter clients during intake and shelter orientation.
Complete an initial needs assessment and act upon critical needs appropriately and immediately.
Identify clients who need assistance securing housing documents and communicate that information to the assigned case manager.
Ensure the physical safety and security of clients, staff, and facility by following organizational policies and procedures and shelter schedules.
Regularly monitor common areas and sleeping spaces, inspecting for any potential hazards, risks, or unsafe conditions and reporting them to the Shelter Director.
Enforce shelter policies, rules, and procedures in a fair and respectful manner.
Respond appropriately to emergencies, conflicts, or safety concerns by following the Critical Incidents Policies and Procedures, and report critical incidents immediately to the Shelter Director.
Report maintenance, IT, and alarm issues appropriately and in a timely manner to designated email addresses.
Report needs for cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and operations to operation/facility staff on duty and assist in other areas 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 adhere to HIPAA and shelter privacy standards.
Make medication available to appropriate clients when requested.
Collaborate with shelter and all other One80 Place staff to facilitate a team environment.
Participate in One80 Place training as required.
Actively participate in monthly staff and team meetings and commit to group decisions.
Substitute for other staff when the need arises.
Perform other relevant duties assigned by supervisor or other One80 Place management staff.