Lead Client Support Specialist (Oconee)

Safeharborsc; Seneca (SC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Safe Harbor in Seneca, SC, is seeking a Lead Client Support Specialist to provide on-site leadership, mentorship, and QA for CSS. The role balances direct service, supervision, and shelter operations oversight to maintain high standards of care.

Reports to the Director of Shelter Operations and supervises CSS, with a focus on trauma-informed practice, documentation accuracy, and staff development. This is an in-person, full-time, hourly, non-exempt position.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in related field preferred.
• 1+ years of supervisory or residential shelter experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care, communal living structure, and client-centered communication.
• Strong leadership, organization, and follow-through skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and agency documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor assigned CSS across designated shelter(s), ensuring trauma-informed and agency standards.
• Provide real-time coaching on documentation, communication, and service delivery.
• Reinforce structure, expectations, and teamwork through modeling and follow-up.
• Support onboarding, shadow training, and orientation for new CSS, including competency check-ins.
• Participate in interviews, selection processes, and performance evaluations as requested by the DSO.
• Maintain professional boundaries and consistent communication.
• Assist with weekly shelter coverage scheduling and staff coordination.
• Support peer mentorship and check-ins across shifts as outlined in SOCS.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Trauma-informed care

Leadership

Communication

Crisis de-escalation

Facility operations

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework (related field)

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Outlook

Word

Excel

Agency documentation systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Lead Client Support Specialist (Lead CSS) provides on-site leadership, mentorship, and quality assurance for Client Support Specialists (CSS). This position ensures consistency in trauma-informed care, documentation accuracy, and adherence to Safe Harbor’s Shelter Operations and Client Support (SOCS) standards. The Lead CSS models professionalism, reinforces structure, and promotes accountability among staff while supporting a safe, clean, and healing-oriented environment for clients.

This role balances direct service, supervision, and operations oversight - supporting daily shelter flow, peer mentorship, and team coordination to maintain high standards of care.

Reports To: Director of Shelter Operations (DSO)

Supervises: Client Support Specialists (CSS)

Classification: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt, benefits eligible

Key Responsibilities

Staff Supervision and Mentorship

• Supervise and mentor assigned CSS across designated shelter(s), ensuring consistent adherence to trauma-informed and agency standards.
• Provide real-time coaching and feedback on documentation, communication, and service delivery.
• Reinforce structure, expectations, and teamwork through consistent modeling and follow-up.
• Support onboarding, shadow training, and orientation for new CSS, including competency check-ins.
• Participate in interviews, selection processes, and performance evaluations as requested by the DSO.
• Maintain professional boundaries and consistency in communication.
• Assist with weekly shelter coverage scheduling and staff coordination to ensure adequate shift and location coverage.
• Support peer mentorship and check-ins across shifts as outlined in the SOCS peer support process.

2. Client Services & Shelter Support

• Provide trauma-informed structure coaching, de-escalation, and emotional support to clients as needed.
• Support staff in conducting Shelter Support Program activities, including meetings, tracker updates, and follow-ups.
• Participate in or support roommate agreements, mediations, and community living conversations as directed.
• Lead or assist with Community Living (CL) Groups, Fun Nights, Butterfly Celebrations, and other engagement events.
• Support new arrival orientations, exit conversations, and structured check-ins when requested.
• Model trauma-informed communication and promote client dignity, respect, and empowerment.

3. Operations & Safety Oversight

• Conduct monthly shelter walk-throughs to assess structure, safety, cleanliness, and facility flow.
• Coordinate or assist with room and locker inspections, chore follow-ups, and shelter upkeep.
• Monitor and assist with inventories, groceries, and supply orders, ensuring consistency across shifts.
• Support with welcome kits, room turnover, and preparation for new arrivals or exits.
• Assist with fire drills, safety classes, and inspection of readiness.
• Participate in shelter organization projects, decluttering, labeling, and shared space maintenance.
• Engage with vendors, volunteers, or maintenance staff as directed to support daily operations.

4. Helpline & On-call Support

• Provide helpline coverage during scheduled shifts or as assigned.
• Record and document all helpline and on-call actions per agency protocol.
• Support after-hours staff as directed by the on-call structure.

5. Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain ongoing communication regarding staff performance, training needs, and emerging shelter patterns.
• Submit weekly written updates summarizing shelter flow, staff observations, and operational highlights.
• Participate in cross-location meetings, staff trainings, and professional development.
• Collaborate with the SOCS team to ensure consistency in shelter standards, client experiences, and trauma-informed practices.
• Foster a positive, professional, and accountable team environment that aligns with Safe Harbor’s mission and values.

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or GED required; a combination of relevant college coursework and/or experience in human services, shelter operations, or a related field is preferred.
• 1+ years of supervisory or residential shelter experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care, communal living structure, and client-centered communication.
• Strong leadership, organization, and follow-through skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and agency documentation systems.
• Ability to de-escalate conflicts and maintain calm in crisis situations.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to lift and transport supplies, walk stairs, and engage in hands-on facility tasks.

Work Environment & Expectations

• In-person position based at assigned shelter location(s); may rotate between sites as needed.
• Regular schedule may include day, evening, or occasional weekend coverage for staff support or supervision.
• Must uphold strict confidentiality and professional ethics in all client, staff, and program interactions.
• Participate in all required meetings, trainings, and performance reviews.
• Demonstrate Safe Harbor’s core values of dignity, safety, healing, and empowerment in all actions and decisions.
• Performs other duties or provides assistance as assigned to maintain safety, structure, and support across shelter locations.