(Entry Level) Shelter Specialist

Mercy House; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Mercy House in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Shelter Specialist to deliver supportive services and logistical assistance for the Emergency Shelter Program during assigned shifts. The role focuses on shelter setup, maintaining a safe, clean environment, and performing neighborhood patrols, with a trauma-informed approach to support guests toward housing.

The position involves administrative tasks, daily summaries, and collaboration with supervisors.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering supportive services in shelter settings.
• Ability to perform crisis response and neighborhood patrols.
• Strong organizational skills for daily summaries and reports.
• Commitment to trauma-informed service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Support shelter operations to ensure high-quality, guest-centered services.
• Motivate and engage guests toward housing goals.
• Set up and maintain shelter areas and equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe facility and manage inventory.
• Prepare daily summaries and maintain records.
• Assist with guest services and program activities.
• Complete ad hoc projects as assigned by Supervisor.

Skills

Shelter operations

Trauma-informed care

Job description

Status: Full-Time | (Non-Exempt) Pay: $20.00/hour | Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday, 2:00PM - 9:00PM, Monday-Tuesday: Off OR Tuesday-Saturday: 4:00PM - 11:00PM
Mission Statement: "To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services."

Job Summary: The Shelter Specialist is tasked with delivering supportive services and logistical assistance to the Emergency Shelter Program during assigned shifts. Primary responsibilities include helping with shelter setup, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and performing neighborhood patrols. The position also involves crisis response and delivering services using a trauma-informed approach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Shelter Support

Goal:

Maintain a secure and client-centered space to help guests exit homelessness swiftly

• Support the execution of shelter operations to ensure services are high-quality, guest-centered, and trauma-informed
• Motivate and engage shelter guests in conversations about progress toward housing goals
• Help with setup and upkeep of shelter areas
• Ensure the facility remains clean and safe by removing trash and addressing spills
• Assist in receiving deliveries, checking inventory, and completing tally logs
• Post and maintain signage and program schedules
• Set up and manage audio/visual equipment as needed
• Help organize supplies and respond to facility needs
• Conduct regular neighborhood patrols to reduce impact on nearby resident

Administration

Goal:

Manage administrative tasks that enhance program effectiveness

• Contribute to the completion of detailed daily summaries
• Assist with maintaining accurate records and reporting requirement

Miscellaneous

• Assist with guest services and program activities if necessary
• Complete ad hoc projects as appointed by Supervisor

Mercy House is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States. Please click on the following links for more information.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites...) Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites...) House must reserve the right to modify, supplement, rescind, or revise all job descriptions to meet the overall needs of Mercy House except as to any language that establishes that the employment relationship is at the will of either the staff member or Mercy House.