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. The role supports daily shelter operations, crisis response, client stabilization, and progress toward permanent housing while maintaining a safe, housing-focused, trauma-informed environment. Shifts may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. The posting limits this position to female applicants, identifying this as a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This is an hourly, full-time, non-exempt position. The listed salary is $25.00 per hour.

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.
Female applicants only, as stated in the posting under its Bona Fide Occupational Qualification rationale.

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 initial needs assessments and respond promptly to critical needs.
Identify clients who need help obtaining housing documents and communicate those needs to the assigned case manager.
Help ensure 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 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 according to 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.
Report cleaning, laundry, meal-preparation, and operational needs to on-duty operations or facilities staff, 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, and housing-stability groups as assigned.
Document daily activities, incidents, and client interactions accurately in HMIS.
Communicate client needs and concerns verbally and through HMIS’s Agency News feature 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 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.