Shelter Support Staff

Just-Compassion-of-East-Washington-Count; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Just Compassion is seeking a Shelter Support team member to help maintain daily operations at our 50-unit family shelter in Gresham, Oregon. You will assist with meal preparation, facility upkeep, guest support, and coordination with case management and youth services to ensure a clean, safe, welcoming environment for all participants.

The role requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a team-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in human services, hospitality, shelter operations, residential services, or a related field.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse populations.
• Basic cooking, cleaning, organizational, and facility support skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, housing-first practices, and Just Compassion’s mission.
• Knowledge of homelessness, family services, or housing support systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct assistance and support to families and individuals staying in shelter with empathy, professionalism, and respect.
• Support participants in accessing daily resources such as hygiene items, meals, laundry, and shelter supplies.
• Assist with participant orientations and help families become familiar with shelter routines, expectations, and available services.
• Communicate participant concerns, incidents, or behavioral issues to the Program Supervisor or Case Manager as appropriate.
• Prepare and serve meals according to established schedules and food safety standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, dining, and food storage areas in compliance with public health requirements.
• Assist with inventory management, organization, and restocking of food, cleaning, and household supplies.
• Support volunteer meal service activities and community partner coordination as needed.
• Assist with upkeep of communal spaces through cleaning, organizing, and light custodial responsibilities.
• Set up and break down spaces for shelter activities, meetings, and family events.
• Report maintenance, facility, or safety concerns promptly to appropriate staff.
• Collaborate with case management, youth services, childcare, safety, and shelter staff to support coordinated participant care.
• Assist with activity setup, program preparation, and shift transitions as needed.
• Complete required documentation including daily logs, shift notes, meal counts, inventory tracking, and service documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Support data collection, HMIS documentation, and reporting requirements as assigned.
• Apply trauma-informed care, harm reduction, cultural humility, and housing-first principles in all interactions and services.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing program communication.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of shelter operations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Shift:

Friday, Sunday, Monday (10:00pm - 8:00am)

The Shelter Support team plays a key role in maintaining daily operations and providing hands-on support across all program areas within Just Compassion’s 50-unit family shelter in Gresham, Oregon. This position assists with meal preparation, facility upkeep, guest support, and coordination with case management and youth services teams to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants.

The Shelter Support position requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a team-oriented mindset. Shelter Support staff are often the first to respond to participant needs and are essential to the smooth and compassionate functioning of shelter life while maintaining a trauma-informed and housing-first approach.

Essential Duties

• Supports daily shelter operations by assisting with participant engagement, meal service, facility upkeep, and coordination of resources.
• Provides trauma-informed and participant-centered support to families and individuals residing in shelter.
• Maintains safe, clean, and organized shelter spaces while supporting program operations and participant needs.
  

Job Functions

• Provide direct assistance and support to families and individuals staying in shelter with empathy, professionalism, and respect.
• Support participants in accessing daily resources such as hygiene items, meals, laundry, and shelter supplies.
• Assist with participant orientations and help families become familiar with shelter routines, expectations, and available services.
• Communicate participant concerns, incidents, or behavioral issues to the Program Supervisor or Case Manager as appropriate.
• Prepare and serve meals according to established schedules and food safety standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, dining, and food storage areas in compliance with public health requirements.
• Assist with inventory management, organization, and restocking of food, cleaning, and household supplies.
• Support volunteer meal service activities and community partner coordination as needed.
• Assist with upkeep of communal spaces through cleaning, organizing, and light custodial responsibilities.
• Set up and break down spaces for shelter activities, meetings, and family events.
• Report maintenance, facility, or safety concerns promptly to appropriate staff.
• Collaborate with case management, youth services, childcare, safety, and shelter staff to support coordinated participant care.
• Assist with activity setup, program preparation, and shift transitions as needed.
• Complete required documentation including daily logs, shift notes, meal counts, inventory tracking, and service documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Support data collection, HMIS documentation, and reporting requirements as assigned.
• Apply trauma-informed care, harm reduction, cultural humility, and housing-first principles in all interactions and services.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing program communication.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of shelter operations.
  

Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in human services, hospitality, shelter operations, residential services, or a related field.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Basic cooking, cleaning, organizational, and facility support skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, housing-first practices, and Just Compassion’s mission.
• Knowledge of homelessness, family services, or housing support systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food service, social services, residential programs, or shelter environments.
• Food Handler’s Certification or ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities, including Spanish, Russian, or other languages commonly spoken by participants.
  

Why Just Compassion: Benefits & Total Rewards

Just Compassion is committed to supporting the health, well-being, and professional growth of our team members. Benefits for eligible employees may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing confidential counseling, financial, and legal support at no cost to team members
• Individual Retirement Account (IRA) retirement savings option
• Paid time off (PTO) for eligible employees
• Paid sick time in accordance with Oregon law
• Paid leave benefits in compliance with Oregon Paid Leave Oregon (PLO), Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as applicable
• Wellness time to support overall employee well-being
• Eleven (11) paid holidays annually
• Professional development opportunities

Just Compassion of East Washington County is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees and applicants for employment. This policy prohibits discrimination on all legally recognized bases including, but not limited to, race, creed, color, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, national origin, or service in the uniformed services.