Shelter Advocate

forgirlslikeme; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Job summary

ForGirlsLikeMe Inc. is seeking helpers to provide day-to-day support to shelter residents and assist with daily living needs in a safe environment. You will de-escalate crises and build trusting relationships that support case management, contributing to a respectful shelter for young women.

The role requires patience and teamwork, with shift-based direct-care work and clear communication with leadership and care teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in direct care, youth work, or residential support preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain one.
• Lived experience with housing instability is valued, not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support to shelter residents.
• Assist with daily living needs and routines.
• De-escalate conflict and crisis moments.
• Build trusting relationships that support the case management process.
• Help maintain a safe and respectful shelter environment.

Skills

Direct care experience

Crisis de-escalation

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

Don't let the qualifications list intimidate you. If you feel like this could be you, we want to hear from you. We'd rather meet someone with the right heart for this work and help them grow into the rest.

What You'll Do

• Provide day-to-day support to shelter residents
• Assist with daily living needs and routines
• De-escalate conflict and crisis moments
• Build trusting relationships that support the case management process
• Help maintain a safe and respectful shelter environment

What We Expect

• Patient, steady, and non-judgmental with young women who've faced real hardship
• Comfortable with shift-based direct-care work
• A team player who communicates clearly with case managers and shelter leadership

Qualifications

• Experience in direct care, youth work, or residential support preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain one
• Lived experience with housing instability is valued, not required

If this sounds like you — even if you don't check every box — we'd love to hear from you.