Shelter Support Specialist: part-time

Northern Virginia Family Services•Manassas, VA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the NVFS Family: We are looking to hire Shelter Support Specialists to join the SERVE Homeless Shelter team. In this role, you will provide essential 24-hour awake coverage and supervision at the SERVE Emergency Family Shelter, helping create a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment where individuals and families experiencing homelessness can begin working toward housing stability. As a Shelter Support Specialist, you are considered essential personnel and play a critical role in the safety, security, and smooth daily operations of the shelter. You will build positive relationships with shelter guests, respond to their needs with empathy and professionalism, and work collaboratively with Housing Counselors and other team members to support guests in achieving their housing goals. This role utilizes evidence-based, person-centered approaches, including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, and Harm Reduction Strategies. Consistent attendance, punctuality, and reliability are essential to ensuring uninterrupted shelter operations and the safety and well-being of our guests. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS: OUR SERVE SHELTER PROVIDES MORE THAN TEMPORARY HOUSING. IT OFFERS STABILITY, DIGNITY, AND SUPPORT DURING DIFFICULT TIMES. AS A SHELTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST, YOU PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN CREATING A SAFE AND COMPASSIONATE ENVIRONMENT WHILE HELPING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES BUILD SKILLS, ACCESS RESOURCES, AND WORK TOWARD LONG-TERM HOUSING STABILITY AND INDEPENDENCE.

Requirements

Experience in human services, social services, behavioral health, housing, hospitality, customer service, education, residential services, security, childcare, or another helping profession
Demonstrated ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and effectively manage stressful situations while maintaining professional boundaries
Strong interpersonal, communication, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standards
Strong attendance, punctuality, and reliability
Oral and written fluency in English
Successful completion of background checks upon hire
TB test
Must be able to remain awake and on-site throughout the assigned shift
Must be able to respond physically to potential emergencies, including building evacuations
Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred
Experience supporting individuals or families experiencing homelessness, crisis, trauma, mental health challenges, or substance use strongly preferred
Bilingual skills in client languages such as Spanish, Creole, and Farsi are a plus
CPR/First Aid certification preferred; if not certified, must be willing and able to obtain certification through NVFS-provided training
Digital and technical proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
May be called upon to drive an agency van to transport guests to appointments and other services with a clear Motor Vehicle Record and valid U.S. driver’s license
May be called upon to work beyond regular working hours

Responsibilities

Foster a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment by building trusting relationships with shelter guests and responding to their needs with empathy, professionalism, and cultural humility
Conduct shelter orientations for guests within 24 hours of arrival to ensure understanding of shelter expectations, policies, procedures, and available resources
Encourage guest participation in shelter programming and support guests in developing skills that promote long-term housing stability and independence
Model and reinforce positive interactions among shelter guests and help resolve conflicts using de-escalation and trauma-informed practices
Ensure the safety and security of guests, volunteers, visitors, and staff by monitoring the shelter environment and conducting regular interior and exterior perimeter checks
Conduct routine room and personal property inspections in accordance with shelter policies
Respond promptly and effectively to emergencies, behavioral concerns, medical incidents, and crisis situations by following agency and shelter protocols, including evacuations when necessary
Accurately document and report incidents in accordance with agency and program guidelines
Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming shelter environment, including light cleaning and upkeep of the facility and grounds when needed
Ensure compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements related to meal planning, menu preparation, and documentation
Work in partnership with Housing Counselors to support guest eligibility screening, assessments, intakes, and program enrollment
Assist guests with housing searches and support progress toward rapid rehousing goals
Help guests apply for essential services and documentation, including ID cards, Social Security cards, and birth certificates
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential guest records in accordance with program standards and NVFS guidelines
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and regular supervision with the Program Supervisor
Collaborate effectively with program staff, volunteers, and contractors to provide coordinated, high-quality services
Maintain familiarity with shelter systems, program software, procedures, and resources