Shelter Support Staff (Part-time)

The Women’s Center Massachusetts; New Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 2,617,000 - 3,031,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Flexible part-time schedule

Experience building in human services

Job summary

The Women’s Center Massachusetts is seeking a part-time Shelter Support Staff member in New Bedford, MA. This entry-level role provides an evening and overnight presence to keep the shelter safe and welcoming for residents and their children.

Responsibilities include monitoring the building, logging resident movements, and answering the 24-hour hotline with a supportive, respectful approach. Training is provided; Spanish proficiency is a strong plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; experience or coursework in human services is a plus but not required.
• Spanish language proficiency is a strong plus; proficiency in other languages also valued.
• Ability to stay awake through overnight shifts; reliable and alert.
• Commitment to confidentiality and respect for residents' privacy and independence.
• Comfort with a phone system, basic computer programs, and camera monitoring equipment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security cameras and maintain awareness of the building and grounds.
• Log residents' comings and goings in and out of the shelter.
• Complete hourly walk-throughs of the shelter to check on safety and building conditions.
• Answer the 24-hour hotline and general phone calls, offering a supportive, respectful response and sharing information and referrals.
• Be a welcoming, approachable presence for residents and their children.
• Follow safety, confidentiality, and emergency procedures, and document shift activity accurately.
• Communicate important information to incoming staff and supervisors.

Skills

Reliability

Calm under pressure

Good judgment

Spanish proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Phone system

Camera monitoring equipment

Basic computer programs

Job description

About The Women's Center

The Women's Center (TWC) is a domestic violence and sexual assault service provider committed to helping survivors (women, men, youth, gender non-conforming folks) of Massachusetts' Southcoast on their journey to safety, hope, and empowerment. We provide trauma-informed, client-centered support and advocacy to individuals and families affected by abuse.

About the Role

Are you looking for meaningful part-time work or a second job where your presence makes a real difference? Our emergency shelter serves adults and children affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Shelter Support Staff provide a calm, friendly, and dependable presence during evening and overnight hours, helping keep the shelter safe and welcoming while residents go about their own routines.

This is an entry-level position and a great fit for someone starting out in human services, a student, or anyone with a caring nature and a steady, responsible approach. This is not a social work, case management, or counseling role, and it does not involve assisting residents with personal care.

Job Type: Part-time | Non-Exempt

Location: New Bedford, MA | Fully-in person

Reports To: Shelter Manager

Hours: Choose from the following shifts needing coverage:

Weekend Shifts:

• Saturday 3pm - 11pm
• Sunday 7am - 3pm
• Sunday 3pm - 11pm

Overnight Awake shifts:

• Monday 11pm - 7am
• Tuesday 11pm - 7am
• Wednesday 11pm - 7am
• Thursday 11 pm - 7am

Additional shifts are often available on an as-needed basis for those wanting more hours.

Salary Range: $19.00 /hour base pay plus evening and weekend differentials.

What You'll Do

• Monitor security cameras and maintain awareness of the building and grounds.
• Log residents' comings and goings in and out of the shelter.
• Complete hourly walk-throughs of the shelter to check on safety and building conditions.
• Answer the 24-hour hotline and general phone calls, offering a supportive, respectful response to callers with domestic violence and sexual assault concerns, and sharing information and referrals according to agency guidelines.
• Be a welcoming, approachable presence for residents and their children.
• Follow safety, confidentiality, and emergency procedures, and document shift activity accurately.
• Communicate important information to incoming staff and supervisors.

What We're Looking For

• A warm, patient, and non-judgmental attitude toward people from all backgrounds.
• Reliability and the ability to stay alert and awake through an overnight shift.
• Good judgment and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations.
• Comfort using a phone system, basic computer programs, and camera monitoring equipment.
• A commitment to confidentiality and respect for residents' privacy and independence.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Experience or coursework in human services, social services, or security is a plus but not required.
• Spanish language proficiency is a strong plus. Proficiency in other languages is also valued.

What We Offer

• Paid training on trauma-informed care, hotline response, and shelter safety procedures.
• Flexible part-time schedule with opportunities for extra hours.
• Experience that builds a foundation for a career in human services.
• The chance to support survivors and their families in a meaningful way.

The Women's Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who have lived experience with domestic violence or sexual assault.