Shelter Specialist (Interim) (7402)

Mercy House; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy House in Ventura, CA is seeking a Shelter Specialist for the Emergency Shelter Program. You will support shelter operations on a morning shift, assist with setup, maintain the facility, and conduct neighborhood patrols with trauma-informed care. This interim, full-time role runs through 02/03/2027.

Qualifications emphasize crisis intervention, working with a diverse guest population, and a housing-focused approach to shelter services; Spanish skills are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates high tolerance and understanding for individuals with urgent multiple needs
• Client-focused, trauma-informed, and housing-focused shelter approach
• Ability to perform crisis intervention as needed

Responsibilities

• Assist with shelter setup and maintenance to ensure a safe guest-focused environment
• Maintain facility cleanliness and safety, including trash management and spill cleanup
• Receive and verify orders from vendors, complete tally sheets, and coordinate supplies
• Conduct neighborhood patrols to minimize impact on the surrounding community
• Provide crisis intervention and trauma-informed service delivery during shifts
• Support administrative duties such as daily summary sheets and record keeping

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Ventura, CA 93003, Position Type: Interim, Education Level: Not Specified, Salary Range: $21.00 - $21.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Morning, Job Category: Shelter Services, *This is an interim position with an expected end date of 02/03/2027 (subject to change).

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Interim | Payrate: $21.00/Hour | Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

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