Shelter Specialist (4857)

Mercy House; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy House in Ventura, CA seeks a Shelter Specialist to provide supportive services and logistical support for the Emergency Shelter Program during assigned shifts. The role includes shelter setup, maintaining facility cleanliness, and conducting neighborhood patrols, with crisis intervention and trauma-informed service delivery.

You will work to create a safe, client-focused environment that guides guests toward housing, assist with administrative tasks, and help manage supplies and activities

Qualifications

• Ability to perform crisis intervention when needed.
• Deliver trauma-informed, client-focused shelter services.
• Support shelter operations with effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Support shelter activities to provide trauma-informed, guest-focused services.
• Encourage and discuss progress toward housing with shelter guests.
• Assist with shelter setup, maintenance, and cleanliness.
• Receive and verify orders from vendors and complete tally sheets.
• Set up and monitor audio equipment and organize supplies.
• Conduct neighborhood patrols to minimize impact on the surrounding community.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Client-focused

Spanish language

Communication skills

Job description

Job Summary

The Shelter Specialist is responsible for providing supportive services and logistical support to the Emergency Shelter Program during designated shifts. Key duties include assisting with shelter setup, maintaining the cleanliness of the facility, and conducting neighborhood patrols. This role also requires crisis intervention and trauma-informed service delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Shelter Support

Goal: Ensure a safe and client-focused environment for guests to quickly end their homelessness.

• Assist in the implementation of shelter activities to ensure quality, guest-focused, and trauma-informed delivery of services.
• Encourage and discuss progress toward housing with shelter guests.
• Assist with shelter setup and maintenance.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of the facility, including emptying trash cans and cleaning up spills.
• Assist with receiving and verifying orders from vendors, completing tally sheets.
• Post and update signs and service calendars.
• Set up and monitor audio equipment.
• Assist in the organization of supplies and facility needs.
• Conduct neighborhood patrols to minimize potential impact on the surrounding community.

Administration

Goal: Oversee administrative duties that support program services.

• Assist with keeping detailed daily summary sheets.
• Assist with record keeping and reporting.

Miscellaneous

• Assist with guest services and program activities if necessary.
• Complete ad hoc projects as appointed by Supervisor.

Qualifications Requirements

Experience

• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needs.
• Ensure a client-focused, trauma-informed, and housing-focused shelter approach.
• Ability to perform crisis intervention as needed.

General

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize and prioritize duties; perform crisis intervention as needed; clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional, and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Dependability, responsibility, and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully.
• Fluency in Spanish is of significant value.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of standing and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

E-Verify

Mercy House is an E-Verify employer. Please note: E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf)

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf)

Mercy House must reserve the right to modify, supplement, rescind, or revise all job descriptions to meet the overall needs of Mercy House except as to any language that establishes that the employment relationship is at the will of either the staff member or Mercy House.