Shelter Support Specialist: 24/7 Awake Coverage

Northern Virginia Family Services; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) seeks Shelter Support Specialists to provide 24-hour awake coverage at the SERVE Emergency Family Shelter in Manassas, VA. You will foster a safe, welcoming environment, conduct orientations within 24 hours of arrival, and work with Housing Counselors to support guests toward housing stability.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and collaboration with team members to ensure safety and effective services for families experiencing

Qualifications

• Experience in human services, housing, or related fields.
• Degree in human services, social work, psychology, or related field preferred.
• Experience supporting homeless individuals or families preferred.
• Ability to stay calm and exercise sound judgment in stressful situations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Strong attendance, punctuality, and reliability.
• English fluency; bilingual skills in client languages a plus.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Foster a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment by building relationships with shelter guests and responding with empathy and professionalism.
• Conduct shelter orientations within 24 hours of arrival to ensure understanding of expectations and resources.
• Encourage participation in programming and help guests develop skills for housing stability.
• Model positive interactions and use de-escalation and trauma-informed practices.
• Ensure safety and security by monitoring the shelter and perimeter checks.
• Inspect rooms and personal property per shelter policies.
• Respond to emergencies following agency protocols, including evacuations when needed.
• Document and report incidents per guidelines.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe shelter environment and light upkeep.
• Ensure CACFP meal planning and documentation requirements are met.
• Collaborate with Housing Counselors on eligibility, assessments, and enrollment.
• Assist guests with housing searches and rapid rehousing goals.
• Help guests obtain essential documents (IDs, SS cards, birth certificates).
• Maintain confidential guest records per program standards.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and supervision with the Program Supervisor.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and contractors for coordinated services.
• Maintain familiarity with shelter systems, program software, and resources.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

De-escalation

Cultural humility

Bilingual abilities

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) seeks Shelter Support Specialists to provide 24-hour awake coverage at the SERVE Emergency Family Shelter in Manassas, VA. You will foster a safe, welcoming environment, conduct orientations within 24 hours of arrival, and work with Housing Counselors to support guests toward housing stability.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and collaboration with team members to ensure safety and effective services for families experiencing