Shelter Support Staff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly compassionate world, the significance of Shelter Support Staff has never been more profound.

As society progresses, the demand for dedicated individuals who can facilitate, enhance, and secure our shelter services grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Shelter Support Staff member?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of shelter support,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Shelter Support Staff job description template, tailored for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Shelter Support Staff Duties and Responsibilities

Shelter Support Staff provide essential services in homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and other types of emergency housing facilities.

Their duties and responsibilities are often centered around assisting residents and ensuring the smooth operation of the shelter.

Shelter Support Staff duties and responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with the intake process for new residents, including explaining rules and procedures
• Providing direct care, support, and supervision to residents
• Creating a safe and welcoming environment for all residents
• Maintaining accurate records of residents’ information and progress
• Coordinating with other staff members to provide comprehensive care and support
• Responding to emergencies and crisis situations in a calm and efficient manner
• Assisting with meal preparation and distribution
• Cleaning and maintaining the shelter facility to ensure health and safety standards are met
• Facilitating and supervising daily activities, such as support groups and recreational activities
• Referring residents to other services as needed, such as job training, counseling, or medical treatment
• Respecting the privacy and dignity of all residents

 

Shelter Support Staff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Shelter Support Staff to assist in the day-to-day operations of our shelter facility.

The Shelter Support Staff will be responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of the shelter residents, providing assistance with daily living tasks, and offering emotional support.

Our ideal candidate has a strong commitment to social service, excellent interpersonal skills, and previous experience in a similar role.

Ultimately, the role of the Shelter Support Staff is to provide a compassionate, respectful and safe environment for all shelter residents.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily operations of the shelter, including meal preparation and distribution, cleanliness and safety checks
• Provide assistance to shelter residents with daily living tasks, such as personal hygiene and laundry
• Offer emotional support and crisis intervention to shelter residents
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of shelter residents
• Coordinate with community resources and organizations to provide additional services for shelter residents
• Facilitate group meetings and activities to foster community within the shelter
• Adhere to confidentiality and privacy rules and regulations
• Participate in staff meetings and ongoing training and development

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a social service setting or similar role
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Understanding of the issues faced by homeless or displaced individuals
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for client privacy
• High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Shelter Support Staff
• Work Environment: This position is located in a residential shelter setting. Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Shelter Manager or Director.
• 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)
• 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 Support Staff Do?

Shelter Support Staff are essential employees in homeless shelters, animal shelters, or any other kind of refuge center.

They work with other shelter employees, volunteers, and sometimes directly with the people or animals living in the shelter.

They play a crucial role in maintaining the day-to-day operations of the shelter, ensuring the facility is clean, organized, and safe.

In a human shelter, their responsibilities may include assisting with meal preparations, providing personal care, helping with paperwork, and supporting the residents’ emotional and physical needs.

They often work closely with social workers or case managers to ensure the residents are receiving the necessary support services.

In an animal shelter, shelter support staff are responsible for feeding animals, cleaning kennels, and sometimes assisting with basic medical care or animal behavior assessments.

They might also help facilitate adoptions by answering potential adopters’ questions and ensuring the animals and their new homes are a good match.

Shelter Support Staff must also observe and report any changes or unusual behavior among the residents or animals and contribute to maintaining the overall well-being of those in the shelter.

 

Shelter Support Staff Qualifications and Skills

A competent Shelter Support Staff should possess the necessary qualifications and skills that align with the job role, such as:

• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with different people, including staff, volunteers, and shelter residents.
• Problem-solving skills to handle and resolve issues that may arise among the shelter residents or between residents and staff.
• Understanding of social services and resources available for individuals and families in need to properly guide and support the shelter residents.
• Ability to manage stressful situations with empathy and compassion, providing emotional support to residents during their stay in the shelter.
• Knowledge of first-aid and CPR as well as ability to respond to emergencies in a calm and effective manner.
• Basic administrative skills for managing records, preparing reports, and coordinating with other social service agencies.
• Communication skills to listen and understand residents’ needs, concerns, and aspirations, as well as to communicate policies, rules, and procedures effectively.
• Physical stamina for the demands of the job which may include moving supplies, cleaning, and standing for extended periods.

 

Shelter Support Staff Experience Requirements

Entry-level Shelter Support Staff candidates typically need at least one year of experience, often achieved through volunteering or part-time work in a social service or non-profit environment.

This introductory experience should include exposure to basic client service and administrative tasks.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience may be expected to have more in-depth knowledge of shelter operations, including crisis intervention techniques, working with diverse and vulnerable populations, and case management processes.

These professionals often have experience working in similar roles such as Case Worker, Social Worker Assistant, or Outreach Coordinator.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are usually prepared for senior or supervisory roles within shelter support staff.

These individuals may have honed their skills in managing teams, coordinating with external social service agencies, and developing programs for residents.

They may have also gained substantial experience dealing with complex cases and crisis situations, making them ideal for leadership roles in the shelter.

 

Shelter Support Staff Education and Training Requirements

Shelter Support Staff typically require a high school diploma or GED as a minimum educational requirement.

They often need to have experience in social work, counseling, or a related field.

Some roles may require a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or a related field.

Shelter Support Staff are trained in understanding and managing issues such as homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health.

This training can be gained through work experience, internships, or specialized courses.

Certifications may be required or preferred, depending on the nature of the shelter.

For instance, CPR and First Aid certification can be beneficial in this role.

Some roles may require the Shelter Support Staff to have a valid driver’s license.

This is especially true if the role involves transporting residents to appointments or other locations.

Continual education is often encouraged for Shelter Support Staff, as it allows them to keep abreast of the latest practices and research in the field.

 

Shelter Support Staff Salary Expectations

A Shelter Support Staff can expect to earn an average wage of approximately $13.62 (USD) per hour.

However, the exact earnings can vary depending on factors such as work experience, the geographical location of the shelter, and the funding available to the organization.

 

Shelter Support Staff Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Shelter Support Staff need?

Shelter Support Staff should have excellent communication skills to engage effectively with diverse groups of people, including homeless individuals, co-workers, and social service providers.

They must have a compassionate and patient demeanor to handle emotionally charged situations.

In addition, they should have basic administrative skills for record-keeping and data entry tasks.

 

Do Shelter Support Staff need specific qualifications?

While a degree is not typically necessary, some shelters prefer candidates with a background in social work or a related field.

Experience working with vulnerable populations, like the homeless or those dealing with mental health issues, can be a significant advantage.

Furthermore, first aid training is beneficial, as Shelter Support Staff may need to respond to emergencies.

 

What should you look for in a Shelter Support Staff resume?

Look for experience in working with vulnerable populations, especially in a shelter or similar setting.

Any evidence of training in first aid, crisis management, or conflict resolution is also valuable.

In addition, administrative experience, particularly in data entry or record-keeping, can be beneficial for the role.

 

What qualities make good Shelter Support Staff?

Good Shelter Support Staff are compassionate, patient, and understanding, able to work with individuals from different walks of life and those facing challenging circumstances.

They should have good stress management skills to cope with high-pressure situations.

Attention to detail for administrative tasks is also necessary, as is respect for confidentiality and privacy.

 

What are the daily duties of a Shelter Support Staff?

On a typical day, Shelter Support Staff may assist with intake and registration of new residents, perform basic administrative tasks, and monitor the shelter environment for safety.

They often provide emotional support to residents, referring them to appropriate services or resources as needed.

In some cases, they may also assist with meal preparation and distribution.

 

Is it challenging to hire Shelter Support Staff?

Hiring Shelter Support Staff can be a challenge due to the emotionally demanding nature of the work.

It requires finding individuals with the right balance of compassion, resilience, and professionalism.

However, the role can also be incredibly rewarding for those passionate about social service and helping others.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve drawn back the veil on what it truly means to be a Shelter Support Staff.

Surprised?

It’s not just about providing basic care.

It’s about shaping the future of animal welfare, one paw at a time.

With our go-to Shelter Support Staff job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a difference.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every paw print is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Shelter Support Staff (Complete Guide)

Playing with Fire: Jobs That Dance with Danger

Rich Rewards: The Jobs That Promise More Than Just a Paycheck!

The Career Crown: Jobs That Are Reigning in the Market

The Dream Team of Careers: The Most Prestigious Jobs to Join