Shelter Specialist Overnight (5065)

Mercy House; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy House in Ventura, CA is seeking an Overnight Shelter Specialist to safeguard residents and support the Emergency Shelter Program during the night. You will perform nightly cleans, wellness checks, and assist with meals and transportation logistics, while maintaining a calm, trauma-informed environment for a diverse population.

Successful candidates will have strong communication, dependability, and a willingness to work a graveyard schedule; Spanish language skills are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals with urgent multiple case management and health needs.
• Ensure a client-focused, trauma-informed, and housing-focused shelter approach.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize, and prioritize duties; perform crisis intervention as needed; communicate clearly; maintain a safe environment.
• Dependability and responsible communication; Spanish fluency is of significant value; a valid California driver’s license and auto insurance are required.

Responsibilities

• Provide active staff presence during overnight shifts to maintain safety.
• Assist with general cleanliness and safety, including trashing, spills, and groundskeeping.
• Perform nightly deep cleans to ensure facility health.
• Resolve conflicts and file incident reports when necessary; provide emergency support.
• Conduct safety and wellness checks and coordinate late-night transportation if vehicles are used.
• Support program logistics such as food distribution and housing progress discussions with guests.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Crisis intervention

Spanish language

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Job Details: Ventura, CA 93003 | Position Type: Full Time | Education Level: Not Specified | Salary Range: $21.50 - $21.50 Hourly | Job Shift: Graveyard | Schedule: Monday - Wednesday, Saturday - Sunday 11pm - 7am; Off: Thursday and Friday

Job Summary

The Shelter Specialist, Overnight, is responsible for supporting the Emergency Shelter Program during overnight shifts, ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the facility. Key duties include performing nightly deep cleans, conducting wellness checks, providing emergency support, and assisting with program logistics such as food distribution and transportation. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse, vulnerable population.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Logistics and Safety

Goal: Maintain the safety and serenity of residents, protecting against external and internal disruptions

• Provide an active staff presence during assigned overnight shifts
• Assist with general cleanliness and safety of the facility, including emptying trash cans, cleaning up spills, and general groundskeeping
• Perform nightly deep cleans across the site to ensure the overall health of the facility
• Resolve any conflicts and file incident reports when necessary
• Provide necessary emergency support and follow emergency procedures
• Conduct safety and wellness checks
• Communicate potential concerns with security staff to ensure staff and guest safety
• [If program utilizes fleet vehicles] Provide late-night transportation services

Program Support

Goal: Assist Program Manager with program functions and activities

• Encourage and discuss progress toward housing with shelter guests
• Provide general support for guests
• Observe and report concerns, violations, and general events in daily staff logs
• Provide late-night meals and organize early-morning food distribution

Qualifications and 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 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
• A valid California driver’s license and proof of auto insurance are required

Physical Requirements

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