Shelter Assistant (Weekends)

YWCA Charleston WV; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 17,908 - 19,286; Part time

Job summary

YWCA Charleston WV is seeking a Shelter Assistant to work with residents providing support and promoting safety and resilience. Responsibilities include conducting intakes, coordinating with agencies, assisting with meal prep, and ensuring a clean environment.

The role requires a High School diploma or GED, with preferred experience in mental health or homelessness. Compensation includes $13/hour for morning shifts and $13.75/hour for evening shifts.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Experience with mental health, addiction or homelessness is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Accept crisis referrals and welcome guests.
• Conduct intake procedures with all guests.
• Coordinate with partner agencies.
• Provide supportive services to participants.
• Assist with meal preparation and kitchen tasks.
• Clean common areas and maintain facility standards.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Supportive counseling

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

About the Program

The YWCA Sojourner's Shelter for Homeless Women & Families provides emergency shelter and supportive services around the clock, every day of the year for homeless single women, women with children, and men with custody of their children, and intact families. This 75‑bed facility offers a secure, healthy environment with crisis intervention, case management, and counseling to help individuals achieve long‑term self‑sufficiency. We maintain a successful recidivism rate of about five percent annually, well below the national average. Children’s programs include computer and art classes, tutoring, drug‑free education, supportive counseling, and field trips. Recovering from and preventing future homelessness is our goal for all who take shelter with us.

Position Overview

The Shelter Assistants work closely with their peers under the direction of the Program and Assistant Directors. The SA will work directly with current and new residents to provide support, promote health and safety, provide growth opportunities, and encourage resilience, recovery, and self‑sufficiency while working to ensure the long‑term success of individuals and/or families seeking shelter.

Schedule and Compensation

Weekend shifts:
7:00 am to 3:00 pm – $13/hour.
3:00 pm to 11:00 pm – $13.75/hour.

Responsibilities

• Accept crisis referrals, welcome guests, and make appropriate arrangements.
• Conduct intake and follow preventative procedures with all guests entering the shelter during your shift.
• Coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with partner agencies in a positive, effective, and professional manner.
• Provide supportive services to participants as needed in support of their goals toward self‑sufficiency.
• Complete required documentation during the scheduled shift.
• Assist with meal preparation, including all aspects of the kitchen, monitoring temperature in the freezer, and dry storage areas, labeling food, and cleaning.
• Assign resident appreciation tasks, provide instruction/education if residents are having difficulty completing their tasks, and monitor to ensure task completion.
• Clean common areas of the building, empty rooms, make beds, wash linens, and ensure that the outside of the facility is presentable.
• Maintain assignment sheets and other required records such as voucher and meal sheets and appreciation lists.
• Conduct room inspections following protocols.
• Be solution‑driven with general knowledge and understanding of the YWCA Sojourner’s Policy and DHHR homeless Policy.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience with mental health, addiction or homelessness is preferred but not required.

About YWCA Charleston

The YWCA Charleston has been fostering self‑sufficiency and independence. Originally designed as safe lodging for young women from rural communities coming to Charleston to pursue careers, the YWCA has evolved into the city’s most diverse and comprehensive network of social service programs. YWCA programs, facilities, and services assist more than 5,000 individuals annually.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal opportunity is given to all applicants. The YWCA was built upon our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. We take pride in treating people equally, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, blindness, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status.