Weekend Shelter Advocate

Penny Appeal USA; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Penny Appeal USA is seeking a Weekend Shelter Advocate to join our Charlotte, NC team in a part-time, on-site role. You will warmly welcome residents, conduct basic intake, and respond to immediate needs with trauma-informed care and cultural sensitivity.

The position includes monitoring spaces, enforcing shelter policies, and documenting incidents to maintain safety and dignity for all residents. You will coordinate access to resources, referrals to social services, crisis support, and

Qualifications

• Experience in client advocacy or direct service roles in shelters or social services.
• Strong interpersonal, de-escalation, and crisis-support skills.
• Ability to document accurately and follow procedures in a fast-paced shelter.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity when working with diverse, marginalized populations.
• Reliable weekend availability and on-site work in Charlotte, NC.

Responsibilities

• Welcome new arrivals and conduct basic intake.
• Respond to residents' immediate needs in trauma-informed and culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitor safety and cleanliness of communal spaces and enforce shelter policies.
• Document incidents or concerns per organizational procedures.
• Coordinate access to resources, referrals to social services, crisis support, and community programs.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to maintain a respectful, safe shelter environment.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Documentation

Cultural sensitivity

Team communication

Weekend availability

On-site work

Education

Relevant coursework or training

Job description

Company Description

Penny Appeal USA is a nonprofit organization committed to ending intergenerational poverty and removing socio-economic barriers faced by marginalized communities. The organization works collaboratively with people experiencing poverty, emphasizing partnership and inclusion rather than top-down solutions. By actively engaging donors, beneficiaries, and diverse communities, Penny Appeal USA aims to build sustainable pathways out of poverty in the United States and abroad. Team members join a mission-driven environment that prioritizes dignity, empowerment, and long-term impact for individuals and families.

Role Description

The Weekend Shelter Advocate is a part-time, on-site role based in Charlotte, NC, focused on supporting individuals and families residing in the shelter during weekend hours. This role provides direct client support, including welcoming new arrivals, conducting basic intake, and responding to residents' immediate needs in a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive manner. The advocate monitors the safety and cleanliness of communal spaces, enforces shelter policies, and documents incidents or concerns in accordance with organizational procedures. The position also involves coordinating access to resources, such as referrals to social services, crisis support, and community programs, while collaborating with staff and volunteers to ensure a respectful, safe, and supportive environment. Weekend Shelter Advocates are expected to maintain clear communication with the broader shelter team, participate in shift handovers, and uphold Penny Appeal USA's values of compassion, confidentiality, and empowerment.

Qualifications

• Experience in client advocacy or direct service roles in shelters, social services, or community-based organizations.
• Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills to support residents in crisis or distress.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation, follow procedures, and communicate effectively with team members.
• Demonstrated cultural humility and sensitivity in working with diverse, marginalized, and trauma-affected populations.
• Reliable weekend availability and ability to work on-site in Charlotte, NC in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer literacy for data entry, email communication, and use of shelter management systems.
• Knowledge of community resources, social services, or housing support programs is highly beneficial.
• Prior experience in nonprofit, social work, or human services settings, or relevant coursework or training in these areas.