Shelter Staff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

shelter staff job description

In an ever-changing society, the role of shelter staff has never been more crucial.

As societal issues evolve, so does the need for dedicated individuals who can provide, maintain, and enhance the welfare of those in need within our shelter systems.

But what does it truly mean to be a shelter staff member?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker interested in understanding the heart of this role,
  • A hiring manager looking to find the perfect candidate,
  • Or simply curious about the integral aspects of working within a shelter,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a fully customizable Shelter Staff job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Shelter Staff Duties and Responsibilities

Shelter Staff work in facilities like homeless shelters, animal shelters, or domestic violence shelters, providing care and support to individuals or animals in need.

They maintain the daily operations of the shelter and ensure the safety and comfort of its residents.

They are responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Facilitate intake procedures for new arrivals, including conducting interviews or assessments, and completing necessary paperwork
  • Provide direct care to residents, which may include serving meals, dispensing medications, or assisting with personal care tasks
  • In case of animal shelters, feed, groom, exercise animals and clean their cages or kennels
  • Monitor the behavior and condition of residents, and report any concerns to a supervisor or appropriate professional
  • Coordinate and provide assistance with resident programming, such as educational workshops, counseling sessions, or recreational activities
  • Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks to keep the facility safe and sanitary
  • Communicate with external parties, such as social service agencies, animal control, or potential adopters
  • Assist with administrative tasks such as answering phones, maintaining records, and processing donations
  • Ensure the safety of all residents by enforcing shelter rules and intervening in conflicts or crises

 

Shelter Staff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Shelter Staff member to join our team.

This role involves providing care to animals, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and assisting the public with animal adoption.

The ideal candidate should have a strong love for animals, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to animal welfare.

Prior experience in animal care is preferred.

 

Responsibilities

  • Provide daily care for animals including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring health conditions.
  • Maintain clean and safe animal enclosures
  • Assist potential adopters in finding a suitable pet
  • Administer medications as directed by the veterinarian
  • Assist in the intake of new animals, including initial health checks and documentation
  • Report any behavioral or health issues to the shelter manager
  • Assist with animal training and socialization programs
  • Provide information and advice to the public about animal care

 

Qualifications

  • Previous experience in animal care or shelter environment
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Ability to handle animals safely and calmly
  • Knowledge of basic animal health and behavior
  • Physical ability to perform required tasks including lifting heavy items
  • High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Paid time off
  • Training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Shelter Staff
  • Work Environment: Indoor and outdoor shelter setting. Work may involve exposure to loud noises and unpleasant odors.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Shelter Manager.
  • Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 maximum
  • Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
  • Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Shelter Staff Do?

Shelter Staff are professionals who work in animal or homeless shelters and provide a range of services to ensure the wellbeing of the residents.

In an animal shelter, they are responsible for feeding and caring for animals, cleaning cages and kennels, and assisting with animal adoptions.

They may also be tasked with providing basic medical care such as administering medications, vaccinations, and assisting in minor surgeries.

Additionally, they interact with the public, provide information on pet care, and process adoption paperwork.

In homeless shelters, shelter staff provide support to individuals and families in need.

They maintain the cleanliness and safety of the facility, distribute meals, and manage the shelter’s bedding materials.

They also help residents find resources such as job opportunities, healthcare services, and affordable housing.

In both roles, shelter staff typically work in shifts, which can include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Their work is crucial in providing care and support for those in need, whether they are animals or human beings.

 

Shelter Staff Qualifications and Skills

Shelter staff must possess a variety of skills and qualifications to effectively perform their roles and responsibilities, including:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills to interact positively and effectively with residents, staff, volunteers, and the public.
  • A basic understanding of human psychology to be able to support and provide assistance to individuals from diverse backgrounds and situations.
  • Practical skills in crisis intervention and conflict resolution to handle issues that may arise in a shelter environment.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team to provide comprehensive care and support for shelter residents.
  • Strong communication skills to effectively convey information, listen to residents’ concerns, and coordinate with other staff.
  • Knowledge of basic health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all residents within the shelter.
  • Understanding and sensitivity towards issues like homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence and other social problems faced by shelter residents.
  • Physical stamina to stand or move around for long hours and perform tasks like cleaning, arranging beds, preparing meals etc.
  • Basic administrative skills for record keeping, scheduling, and coordinating services.

 

Shelter Staff Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for shelter staff roles may have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically acquired through volunteering, internships, or part-time work at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or similar establishments.

These professionals may also gain valuable experience in roles such as Animal Care Assistant, Veterinary Technician, or Pet Adoption Counselor.

Candidates with over 3 years of experience often have honed their skills and knowledge in entry-level shelter staff roles.

They would have gained significant exposure to tasks like animal care, adoption procedures, and shelter management.

This level of experience often allows them to assume positions with more responsibilities, such as supervising volunteers or managing specific shelter programs.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience in their background and could be prepared to take on managerial roles within a shelter.

They might have overseen various shelter operations, trained new staff members, and coordinated with various stakeholders for fundraising and community outreach.

This level of experience can qualify them for roles such as Shelter Manager or Animal Welfare Program Director.

 

Shelter Staff Education and Training Requirements

Shelter staff typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as a basic education requirement.

However, a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field is often beneficial for those seeking positions with greater responsibility or advancement opportunities.

Most shelters provide on-the-job training to help staff understand the specific needs and challenges of the population they serve, whether it’s homeless individuals, abused women, at-risk youth, or animals.

Knowledge of first aid and CPR may also be required or beneficial, especially for those working in shelters for individuals or animals requiring medical attention.

Certifications in these areas can be obtained through various organizations.

For those working in animal shelters, experience with animals or a background in animal science, veterinary studies, or a related field can be advantageous.

Some roles, particularly those involving counseling, may require a master’s degree in social work or a related field.

These roles may also necessitate licensure, the requirements for which vary by state and often include a certain amount of supervised work experience and passing a state-administered exam.

Shelter staff are often required to have strong communication and problem-solving skills, and a genuine desire to help those in need.

Ongoing training and education in social issues, crisis intervention, and behavior management may also be beneficial.

 

Shelter Staff Salary Expectations

The average wage for Shelter Staff is $13.71 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings can vary depending on experience, location, and the size of the shelter or organization.

 

Shelter Staff Job Description FAQs

What skills does a shelter staff member need?

A shelter staff member should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills as they will be interacting with a diverse group of people.

They should also have good organizational skills to manage the administration tasks associated with running a shelter.

Experience in crisis management and a strong sense of empathy are also important as they will often be dealing with individuals who are in difficult situations.

 

Do shelter staff members need a degree?

While a degree is not always necessary to work as a shelter staff member, having a degree in a related field such as social work, psychology, or sociology can be beneficial.

However, most shelters prioritize experience working in a similar setting over academic qualifications.

 

What should you look for in a shelter staff resume?

When reviewing a shelter staff resume, look for experience in social services or working with homeless or at-risk populations.

This could include volunteer work, internships, or previous employment.

Skills to look for include crisis management, conflict resolution, case management, and administrative skills.

CPR and first aid certifications are also advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good shelter staff member?

A good shelter staff member is compassionate, patient, and nonjudgmental, as they often work with individuals in difficult and complex situations.

They should also be resilient and able to cope with stress, as the job can be emotionally demanding.

Effective communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are also important qualities.

 

What are the daily duties of a shelter staff member?

Shelter staff may have various duties depending on their specific role, but common tasks include assisting residents with daily needs, providing crisis intervention, managing intake and discharges, maintaining records, and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the shelter.

They may also coordinate with other social service agencies to provide resources and support to residents.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shone a light on what it truly means to be a part of a shelter staff.

And guess what?

It’s not just about feeding and caring for animals.

It’s about building a more compassionate and humane society, one rescued pet at a time.

With our practical shelter staff job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a difference.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every rescue, every adoption, is part of the bigger picture.

Let’s build that compassionate future. Together.

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