Shelter Engagement Specialist - On-Call

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ON CALL Portland, OR, US

Salary Range: $22.09 To $25.69 Hourly

On-Call Engagement Specialist

On-call, dependent on program needs; 9.5-10 hour shifts, including morning, swing, and overnight shifts

$22.09-$25.69/hour, depending on experience

Lilac Meadows Family Shelter in East Portland

The On-Call Engagement Specialist helps create a safe, welcoming, and supportive shelter environment for people experiencing homelessness. You'll provide direct support to shelter participants, help connect people with community resources, respond to emergencies and challenging situations, and help keep the shelter clean, organized, and welcoming. You'll work closely with shelter staff, volunteers, housing and service providers, and other community partners to support participants as they work toward housing and other personal goals.

Shelter work can be fast-paced and unpredictable. Participants may be experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, substance use, medical emergencies, or other circumstances that require patience, good judgment, and a calm response. We're looking for someone who can build positive relationships, work as part of a team, and approach challenges with compassion and a solution-focused mindset.

As an on-call employee, your hours will vary based on shelter needs. Morning, swing, and overnight shifts may be available.

• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive shelter environment for participants from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Conduct participant intakes and orientations and provide ongoing support, resource navigation, and referrals related to housing, healthcare, benefits, behavioral health, employment, and other services.
• Work collaboratively with Housing Specialists, service providers, coworkers, volunteers, and community partners to support participant goals.
• Respond appropriately to crises, emergencies, behavioral health concerns, substance use, medical needs, and safety concerns, including contacting emergency services when necessary.
• Address behavior and enforce shelter guidelines in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Use Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, strengths-based practices, and an Equity Lens in interactions and decision-making.
• Complete required incident reports, participant documentation, data entry, safety checks, and shift communication logs.
• Support daily shelter operations, including meals, supplies, laundry, room and bed turnover, cleaning, and responding to maintenance or safety concerns.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with coworkers, provide and receive feedback, and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Participate in trainings, meetings, and other activities that support professional development and agency goals, and perform other duties as assigned.

We recognize that people gain skills through many different paths. Candidates who meet most of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.

• At least one year of experience in social services, human services, shelter services, customer service, or a related field. Experience working with people experiencing homelessness or low income populations is preferred.
• Experience providing direct support and responding to challenging, crisis, or emergency situations.
• Understanding of the barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness and familiarity with community resources, or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to provide compassionate, respectful, and equitable services to people from diverse backgrounds, identities, cultures, languages, and life experiences.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with participants, coworkers, volunteers, and community partners.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and accurately complete required documentation.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential to maintaining appropriate shelter staffing levels.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn agency databases and other technology.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus, but not required.