Shelter Support Staff

Henning Inc; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Henning Inc. seeks dedicated staff to support shelter operations, welcome clients, assist with entry and orientation, and monitor client areas. You will respond to emergencies using de-escalation techniques and maintain professional conduct throughout shifts.

The role requires teamwork, strong communication, and meticulous documentation. Prior experience in shelters or related fields is preferred; CPR/First Aid is a plus, with training provided as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in shelters, social services, behavioral health, security, caregiving, customer service, or related field preferred.
• Ability to communicate respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to remain calm and make appropriate decisions in stressful or emergency situations.
• Strong observation, communication, teamwork, and documentation skills.
• Ability to follow written policies, procedures, and supervisor instructions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Basic computer and electronic documentation skills.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and report for scheduled shifts.
• Must complete required background checks and pre-employment requirements.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred; willingness to obtain certifications.

Responsibilities

• Welcome clients and assist with shelter entry, check-in, and orientation.
• Monitor client areas and complete routine safety and security rounds.
• Maintain a visible, professional presence throughout the shelter.
• Enforce shelter expectations consistently, respectfully, and without discrimination.
• Respond to conflicts, behavioral concerns, and emergencies using de-escalation techniques.
• Notify supervisors or appropriate personnel when necessary.
• Complete shift notes, incident reports, and client documentation.
• Protect client confidentiality and follow privacy requirements.
• Assist clients with basic needs, meals, hygiene supplies, clothing, bedding, and referrals.
• Monitor shelter capacity, sleeping areas, and common spaces.
• Support safe distribution of meals, supplies, and client resources.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in workspaces.
• Follow procedures for health concerns and safety hazards.
• Participate in shift changes and communicate information to staff.
• Work with case managers, behavioral health staff, security, management, and partners.
• Attend required meetings and training.
• Perform additional duties to support shelter operations.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Documentation

Decision making

De-escalation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Essential Job Duties

• Welcome clients and assist with shelter entry, check-in, and orientation procedures.
• Monitor client areas and complete routine safety and security rounds.
• Maintain a visible and professional presence throughout the shelter.
• Enforce shelter expectations consistently, respectfully, and without discrimination.
• Respond to conflicts, behavioral concerns, and emergencies using de-escalation techniques.
• Notify supervisors, emergency medical services, law enforcement, or other appropriate personnel when necessary.
• Complete accurate shift notes, incident reports, client documentation, and other required records.
• Protect client confidentiality and follow all organizational privacy requirements.
• Assist clients with basic needs, including meals, hygiene supplies, clothing, bedding, and referrals to available resources.
• Monitor shelter capacity, sleeping areas, common spaces, entrances, exits, and restricted areas.
• Support the safe distribution of meals, supplies, and other client resources.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in workspaces and shared shelter areas.
• Follow established procedures for health concerns, safety hazards, suspected substance use, and medical or behavioral emergencies.
• Participate in shift changes and clearly communicate important information to incoming staff.
• Work cooperatively with case managers, behavioral health staff, emergency medical staff, security personnel, management, and community partners.
• Attend required meetings, orientations, and staff training.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support safe and effective shelter operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in shelters, social services, behavioral health, security, caregiving, customer service, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to communicate respectfully with individuals from different backgrounds and life experiences.
• Ability to remain calm and make appropriate decisions during stressful or emergency situations.
• Strong observation, communication, teamwork, and documentation skills.
• Ability to follow written policies, procedures, and supervisor instructions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Basic computer and electronic documentation skills.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and able to report for scheduled shifts
• Must successfully complete all required background checks and pre-employment requirements.
• CPR/First Aid certification is preferred. Employees must be willing to obtain and maintain required certifications and training.