Shelter Support Staff

Shelter Support Position

Shift: Sun–Wed (2:30 PM - 10:30 PM)

The Shelter Support team plays a key role in maintaining daily operations and providing hands-on support across all program areas within Just Compassion's 50-unit family shelter in Gresham, Oregon. This position assists with meal preparation, facility upkeep, guest support, and coordination with case management and youth services teams to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants.

The Shelter Support position requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a team-oriented mindset. Shelter Support staff are often the first to respond to participant needs and are essential to the smooth and compassionate functioning of shelter life while maintaining a trauma-informed and housing-first approach.

Essential Duties

• Supports daily shelter operations by assisting with participant engagement, meal service, facility upkeep, and coordination of resources.
• Provides trauma-informed and participant-centered support to families and individuals residing in shelter.
• Maintains safe, clean, and organized shelter spaces while supporting program operations and participant needs.

Job Functions

• Provide direct assistance and support to families and individuals staying in shelter with empathy, professionalism, and respect.
• Support participants in accessing daily resources such as hygiene items, meals, laundry, and shelter supplies.
• Assist with participant orientations and help families become familiar with shelter routines, expectations, and available services.
• Communicate participant concerns, incidents, or behavioral issues to the Program Supervisor or Case Manager as appropriate.
• Prepare and serve meals according to established schedules and food safety standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, dining, and food storage areas in compliance with public health requirements.
• Assist with inventory management, organization, and restocking of food, cleaning, and household supplies.
• Support volunteer meal service activities and community partner coordination as needed.
• Assist with upkeep of communal spaces through cleaning, organizing, and light custodial responsibilities.
• Set up and break down spaces for shelter activities, meetings, and family events.
• Report maintenance, facility, or safety concerns promptly to appropriate staff.
• Collaborate with case management, youth services, childcare, safety, and shelter staff to support coordinated participant care.
• Assist with activity setup, program preparation, and shift transitions as needed.
• Complete required documentation including daily logs, shift notes, meal counts, inventory tracking, and service documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Support data collection, HMIS documentation, and reporting requirements as assigned.
• Apply trauma-informed care, harm reduction, cultural humility, and housing-first principles in all interactions and services.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing program communication.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of shelter operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in human services, hospitality, shelter operations, residential services, or a related field.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Basic cooking, cleaning, organizational, and facility support skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, housing-first practices, and Just Compassion's mission.
• Knowledge of homelessness, family services, or housing support systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food service, social services, residential programs, or shelter environments.
• Food Handler's Certification or ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities, including Spanish, Russian, or other languages commonly spoken by participants.

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