Night Shelter Program Assistant - Direct Service

Catholic Charities of Baltimore; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Pay

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer

Tuition Advancement Assistance

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

Catholic Charities of Baltimore seeks a Program Assistant at WHRC to support adults experiencing homelessness in a busy emergency shelter. This direct-service role maintains a safe, respectful environment and assists with meals, hygiene, and logging of services.

Shift is 11 PM–7 AM on weekends and holidays; on-site work; prior experience with homelessness preferred; CPR/First Aid training required within six months; strong interpersonal skills essential.

Qualifications

• One year of related experience preferred, particularly with individuals experiencing homelessness or other at‑risk populations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to remain courteous, patient, calm, and professional in challenging situations.
• Ability to intervene in and de-escalate conflict respectfully and effectively.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to use, or willingness to learn, basic computer systems, email, online training platforms, and required software.
• Knowledge of basic personal care, housekeeping, and related support practices is helpful.
• CPR and/or First Aid certification must be obtained within six months of employment and maintained thereafter.
• ServSafe certification must be obtained within six months of employment and maintained thereafter.

Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, client-centered support that helps residents feel valued, informed, and treated with dignity.
• Monitor activity throughout the building and grounds to help maintain a safe and secure environment for residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Respond to resident concerns, incidents, emergencies, and crisis situations calmly and professionally.
• Help de-escalate conflicts and challenging interactions using respectful communication, sound judgment, and established safety procedures.
• Assist residents with essential services including meals, clothing, laundry, hygiene needs, and maintaining safe and clean living spaces.
• Orient residents and volunteers to services, expectations, available resources, policies, and program procedures.
• Inform residents of available services, their rights, and available processes for addressing concerns or grievances.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, incident reports, and other required documentation.
• Communicate concerns, observations, and important information promptly to supervisors and team members.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners to support coordinated services and continuity of care.
• Follow program policies, procedures, safety expectations, and established guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support safe and effective shelter operations.

Skills

Experience with homelessness

Interpersonal skills

Calm under pressure

Dependable attendance

Tech skills

Personal care knowledge

Job description

Catholic Charities of Baltimore seeks a Program Assistant at WHRC to support adults experiencing homelessness in a busy emergency shelter. This direct-service role maintains a safe, respectful environment and assists with meals, hygiene, and logging of services.

Shift is 11 PM–7 AM on weekends and holidays; on-site work; prior experience with homelessness preferred; CPR/First Aid training required within six months; strong interpersonal skills essential.