SHELTER ASSISTANT

BETHANY HOUSE SERVICES INC; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Bethany House Services is seeking a Shelter Assistant who will be the steady, friendly face for families on their hardest days. You’ll greet families, give them a tour, distribute basics, share resources, and assist with meals while keeping the space calm, clean, and safe using a trauma-informed approach.

You’ll also contribute by writing shift notes, completing required documentation, and supporting new teammates through trainings and supervision.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of experience in a social service environment.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to meet BHS vehicle insurance requirements.
• Successful completion of BHS criminal background check and drug test.

Responsibilities

• Greet and support families, give tours, answer questions and provide basics (bedding, towels, hygiene supplies, food).
• Share resources and guide families to needed support services.
• Assist with meal service when needed and keep the shelter clean, safe, and grounded.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Shelter Assistant at Bethany House ServicesBe the steady, friendly face a family sees on one of their hardest days.When a family walks through our doors, they’re often exhausted, uncertain, and running on empty. As a Shelter Assistant, you’re the person who says “welcome, you’re safe here,” and then makes it true. You’ll help keep the shelter clean, calm, and secure, connect families to what they need, and show up with patience and kindness when things get hard.If you’re the kind of person who notices when someone needs a fresh towel or a listening ear, and who stays cool when the room heats up, we’d love to meet you.What your shift looks likeWelcoming and supporting familiesGreet new families, give them the tour, and answer the hundred questions that come with a fresh startHand out the basics (bedding, towels, hygiene and cleaning supplies, food) and help with whatever comes upShare resources and point families in the right direction when they need more supportHelp with meal service when neededKeeping everyone safe and groundedUse a trauma-informed approach to support families and step in during moments of crisisDe-escalate with calm, respect, and zero power struggles, on your own and alongside the teamUphold shelter guidelines fairly and consistentlyKeep an eye on safety and security, and loop in the Shelter Director, On-Call staff, or authorities when neededKeeping the space clean and cared forComplete housekeeping tasks from the SA Task List (sweeping, mopping, disinfecting, and more)Do room checks to make sure everything is in good shapeKeeping the team in the loopWrite shift notes every shift and complete documentation like task checklists, incident reports, reasonable suspicion forms, and mandated reporter reportsPass along important client information to shelter staffHelp new teammates learn the ropes through shadowingJoin trainings, supervision, and team meetingsOther duties as assignedYou’ll thrive here if you…Lead with compassion but can hold a firm, fair lineStay calm and solution-focused in a fast-paced, always-changing environmentHave experience with crisis intervention and know how to cool a situation down, not heat it upKeep strong professional boundaries and protect client confidentialityAre organized, communicate clearly, and take accurate notesBring respect for every person you meet and an openness to learning about trauma-informed care and DEICan find your way around Outlook, Word, and ExcelShow up reliably, because families and teammates count on youWhat you’ll needHigh school diploma or equivalentAt least one year of experience in a social service environmentValid driver’s license and the ability to meet BHS vehicle insurance requirementsSuccessful completion of BHS criminal background check and drug testThe physical side of the jobThis is an active, on-your-feet role. It involves standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, stooping, climbing, balancing, reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, grasping, and repetitive movements, plus talking, hearing, and fine hand use. You’ll occasionally exert up to 40 lbs of force and regularly up to 10 lbs. The role requires close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work is indoors with a moderate noise level.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.Ready to make a difference, one shift at a time?