On-Call Shelter Engagement Specialist: Crisis Support

ADP, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Our Just Future is seeking an On-Call Engagement Specialist for the Lilac Meadows Family Shelter in East Portland. This role supports participants, connects them with housing and community resources, and helps maintain a safe, welcoming shelter.

You will respond to emergencies, coordinate with housing staff and partners, and document interactions and outcomes. The position requires flexibility for on-call hours and a compassionate, team-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in social services, shelter services, or related field; experience with homelessness preferred.
• Experience providing direct support and responding to crises or emergencies.
• Understanding barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness; familiarity with community resources.
• Ability to deliver compassionate, respectful, equitable services to diverse populations.
• Remain calm, flexible, and solution-oriented in fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with participants, staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Good judgment, confidentiality, and professional boundaries; accurate documentation.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential to staffing.
• Basic computer skills; ability to learn agency databases and tech.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus, not required.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, welcoming shelter environment for participants from diverse backgrounds.
• Conduct participant intakes and orientations; provide ongoing support and referrals to housing, health care, benefits, behavioral health, and employment services.
• Collaborate with Housing Specialists, service providers, coworkers, volunteers, and partners to support participant goals.
• Respond to crises, emergencies, behavioral health concerns, substance use, medical needs, and safety concerns; contact emergency services when necessary.
• Address behavior and enforce shelter guidelines per agency policies.
• Use Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, strengths-based practices, and an Equity Lens in interactions.
• Complete incident reports, participant documentation, data entry, safety checks, and shift logs.
• Support daily shelter operations: meals, supplies, laundry, turnover, cleaning, and safety.
• Communicate respectfully with coworkers; give/receive feedback; foster teamwork.
• Participate in trainings, meetings, and activities supporting professional development and agency goals.

Skills

Social services exp

Crisis response

Trauma-informed care

Empathy & communication

Team collaboration

Documentation

Confidentiality

Punctuality

Computer basics

Bilingual optional

Job description

Our Just Future is seeking an On-Call Engagement Specialist for the Lilac Meadows Family Shelter in East Portland. This role supports participants, connects them with housing and community resources, and helps maintain a safe, welcoming shelter.

You will respond to emergencies, coordinate with housing staff and partners, and document interactions and outcomes. The position requires flexibility for on-call hours and a compassionate, team-oriented mindset.