Shelter Operations and Engagement Specialist

ADP, Inc.; Huntington (WV); On-site; USD 21,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hub in Huntington, WV seeks a Shelter Operations and Engagement Specialist to help maintain a safe, welcoming, trauma-informed environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. You will engage guests, support overnight operations, and monitor safety across common areas.

Responsibilities include intake, shift closure, de-escalation using trauma-informed communication, documenting interactions, and connecting guests to community resources.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Shelter/human services experience preferred.
• Harm reduction and trauma-informed care commitment.
• Experience with individuals experiencing mental illness, trauma, or substance use.
• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to stay calm under high-stress situations.
• Basic computer skills for documentation.
• Punctual, dependable; availability evenings/weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Support overnight shelter operations including intake, orientation, and shift closure.
• Monitor common areas to ensure safety, comfort, and efficient flow.
• Distribute meals and supplies; organize access to hygiene and laundry.
• Build rapport with guests while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Respond to conflicts with de-escalation and trauma-informed communication.
• Maintain a clean shelter environment and perform cleaning or laundry tasks.
• Document guest interactions and incidents accurately.
• Refer guests to community resources and internal support services.
• Collaborate with the team to uphold shelter guidelines.
• Participate in staff huddles and share insights on client needs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Shelter Operations and Engagement Specialist

Huntington, WV, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 3170

Salary Range: $15.00 To $16.55 Hourly

Job Summary:

The Shelter Operations and Engagement Specialist helps maintain a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment at The Hub, our low-barrier overnight shelter. This role combines guest engagement, daily operations, and safety monitoring to ensure a dignified and supportive space for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Team members regularly interact with guests navigating complex trauma, mental illness, substance use, and prolonged housing instability. All shelter support staff use empathy and consistency to de-escalate conflict, build trust, and promote stability for all. All interactions are guided by trauma-responsive values and prioritize guest autonomy and mutual respect.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support shelter operations during overnight shifts, including intake, orientation, and shift closure
• Monitor common areas, shelter activities, and shared spaces to ensure safety, comfort, and efficient flow.
• Distribute meals and supplies; organize access to hygiene and laundry services
• Build respectful rapport with guests while maintaining professional and ethical boundaries
• Respond to conflicts or behavioral concerns using de-escalation and trauma-informed communication
• Maintain a clean and orderly shelter environment, routinely performing cleaning or laundry tasks as needed.
• Document guest interactions, shift activities, and incidents in a timely and accurate manner
• Offer information or facilitate referrals to community resources and internal support services
• Collaborate with team members to uphold shelter guidelines in a fair and compassionate manner
• Participate in staff huddles and contribute to team meetings to provide insight on client needs and status.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in shelter, residential, outreach, or human services preferred.
• Commitment to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and low-barrier models.
• Familiarity working with individuals experiencing mental illness, trauma, or substance use
• Strong communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and reporting.
• Dependable, punctual, and must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Overnight shifts in a congregate shelter environment
• Potential exposure to behavioral or medical emergencies
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods
• Ability to perform job duties in varying weather conditions, year-round
• Must occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Job Summary:

The Shelter Operations and Engagement Specialist helps maintain a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment at The Hub, our low-barrier overnight shelter. This role combines guest engagement, daily operations, and safety monitoring to ensure a dignified and supportive space for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Team members regularly interact with guests navigating complex trauma, mental illness, substance use, and prolonged housing instability. All shelter support staff use empathy and consistency to de-escalate conflict, build trust, and promote stability for all. All interactions are guided by trauma-responsive values and prioritize guest autonomy and mutual respect.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support shelter operations during overnight shifts, including intake, orientation, and shift closure
• Monitor common areas, shelter activities, and shared spaces to ensure safety, comfort, and efficient flow.
• Distribute meals and supplies; organize access to hygiene and laundry services
• Build respectful rapport with guests while maintaining professional and ethical boundaries
• Respond to conflicts or behavioral concerns using de-escalation and trauma-informed communication
• Maintain a clean and orderly shelter environment, routinely performing cleaning or laundry tasks as needed.
• Document guest interactions, shift activities, and incidents in a timely and accurate manner
• Offer information or facilitate referrals to community resources and internal support services
• Collaborate with team members to uphold shelter guidelines in a fair and compassionate manner
• Participate in staff huddles and contribute to team meetings to provide insight on client needs and status.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in shelter, residential, outreach, or human services preferred.
• Commitment to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and low-barrier models.
• Familiarity working with individuals experiencing mental illness, trauma, or substance use
• Strong communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and reporting.
• Dependable, punctual, and must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Overnight shifts in a congregate shelter environment
• Potential exposure to behavioral or medical emergencies
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods
• Ability to perform job duties in varying weather conditions, year-round
• Must occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Sunday 11pm - 10am
Monday 10pm - 10am
Tuesday 10pm - 10am
Thursday 5am - 10am