Night Shelter Support Specialist — Trauma-Informed Care

Just-Compassion-of-East-Washington-Count; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Just Compassion is seeking a Shelter Support team member to help maintain daily operations at our 50-unit family shelter in Gresham, Oregon. You will assist with meal preparation, facility upkeep, guest support, and coordination with case management and youth services to ensure a clean, safe, welcoming environment for all participants.

The role requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a team-oriented mindset.

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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Just Compassion is seeking a Shelter Support team member to help maintain daily operations at our 50-unit family shelter in Gresham, Oregon. You will assist with meal preparation, facility upkeep, guest support, and coordination with case management and youth services to ensure a clean, safe, welcoming environment for all participants.

The role requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a team-oriented mindset.