Trauma-Informed Shelter Support Specialist

NVFS Branding; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) seeks Shelter Support Specialists to provide on-site, 24/7 awake coverage at the SERVE Emergency Family Shelter. You will nurture a safe, trauma-informed environment, build trust with guests, and collaborate with Housing Counselors to support housing goals.

The role emphasizes evidence-based approaches, including Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction, with on-call shifts and a starting pay of $23.50 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience in human services, social services, housing, or related fields.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with homelessness, crisis, trauma, or mental health challenges preferred.
• Ability to stay calm and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and de-escalation skills.
• Fluency in English; bilinguals a plus.
• CPR/First Aid preferred; willingness to obtain certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Foster a safe, respectful, welcoming environment by building trusting relationships with shelter guests and responding to their needs with empathy, professionalism, and cultural humility
• Conduct shelter orientations within 24 hours of arrival to ensure understanding of shelter expectations, policies, procedures, and resources
• Encourage guest participation in shelter programming and support guests in developing skills that promote long-term housing stability and independence
• Model and reinforce positive interactions among shelter guests and help resolve conflicts using de-escalation and trauma-informed practices
• Ensure the safety and security of guests, volunteers, visitors, and staff by monitoring the shelter environment and conducting regular interior and exterior perimeter checks
• Document incidents accurately and confidentially in accordance with program guidelines
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe shelter environment, including light cleaning and upkeep of the facility and grounds
• Ensure CACFP compliance related to meal planning, menu preparation, and documentation
• Work with Housing Counselors to support eligibility screening, assessments, intakes, and program enrollment
• Assist guests with housing searches and progress toward rapid rehousing goals
• Help guests apply for essential services and documentation (IDs, SSN, birth certificates)
• Maintain accurate guest records in NVFS guidelines
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision with the Program Supervisor
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and contractors to provide coordinated services
• Maintain familiarity with shelter systems, program software, procedures, and resources

Skills

Customer service

Communication

De-escalation

Crisis management

Team collaboration

English fluency

On-call resilience

Education

Assoc/Bach in human services

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) seeks Shelter Support Specialists to provide on-site, 24/7 awake coverage at the SERVE Emergency Family Shelter. You will nurture a safe, trauma-informed environment, build trust with guests, and collaborate with Housing Counselors to support housing goals.

The role emphasizes evidence-based approaches, including Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction, with on-call shifts and a starting pay of $23.50 per hour.