Shelter Support Specialist at Good Neighbor Center Shelter Support Specialist at Good Neighbor Center in Portland, Oregon Posted in about 21 hours ago.

Type:

full-time

Who We Are:

Good Neighbor Center is committed to offering a safe haven and vital resources to families confronting housing insecurity in Tigard and Washington County. Our services include a family homeless shelter, children's program, and housing case management designed to empower families toward stability and long-term prosperity. Through trauma-informed care, education, and collaborative partnerships, we strive to ensure that every family has access to safe, inclusive, and stable housing, along with the necessary support for holistic wellbeing and empowerment.

Job Summary:

You will play a vital role in creating a nurturing space for families staying in our shelter. With empathy, trauma-informed practices, and a commitment to our mission, you will provide compassionate, on-site assistance to families, addressing their daily needs and facilitating access to available resources. At times, you may serve as the only staff member on site, independently overseeing shelter operations while maintaining safety protocols and a clean, welcoming environment. Through effective communication and collaboration with staff and community partners, you will contribute to the seamless operation of our shelter program. This is an on-call on-site role as a Shelter Support Specialist at our 9-family shelter located at 11130 Southwest Greenburg Road, Tigard, OR 97223.

Job Type:

On-call, non-exempt

Starting Pay:

$20.50 per hour

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide trauma-informed support and resources to shelter families, addressing their immediate needs with empathy and respect
• Independently manage shelter operations during assigned shifts, including times when serving as the sole staff member on site, in accordance with established shelter policies, procedures, safety protocols, and program guidelines
• Remain alert and attentive during assigned shifts to ensure the safety and security of shelter residents, visitors, and the facility
• Maintain a safe and secured environment by conducting hourly facility and perimeter checks, monitoring security systems, and enforcing shelter guidelines
• Ensure cleanliness and organization by maintaining staff and common areas, preparing rooms for new families, assisting with guest room checks as needed, managing donations, and supporting laundry services
• Receive and process incoming donations, ensuring cleanliness before storage, and providing receipts to donors
• Document all meaningful interactions, critical incidents, and shelter activities during shifts, adhering to confidentiality protocols
• Build rapport with clients in order to effectively monitor safety and address concerns immediately
• Assist with data entry, administrative tasks, and answering phones as needed
• Facilitate smooth shift transitions by communicating pertinent details to incoming/outgoing staff
• Assist with guest intake and exit processes, provide shelter tours and ongoing support as needed
• Respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations, following established protocols and program guidelines
• Facilitate resident meetings, activities, and other supportive programming as assigned
• Promote a positive, inclusive environment by demonstrating cultural competence and respecting diversity
• Collaborate with shelter staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure seamless service delivery
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall functioning of the shelter and GNC programs

Required Skills:

• Exceptional verbal, written, and listening communication abilities to engage with families, document accurately, and collaborate effectively
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills to work cooperatively with staff and partners
• Initiative, problem-solving, and results-oriented approach to addressing challenges and finding practical solutions
• Flexibility to respond to diverse guest needs and adapt to evolving situations
• Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance
• Openness to feedback and willingness to enhance performance
• Calm, empathetic demeanor in crisis situations
• Proficiency in using email, MS Office apps like Word and Excel
• Discretion in handling sensitive, confidential information
• Sound judgment to prioritize guest safety and support in decision-making
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and contact emergency services when needed
• Cultural competence and willingness to work with diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of potential barriers to housing stability faced by different groups
• Willing to utilize language access tools and interpreter services to communicate with clients who have limited English proficiency
• Fluency in Spanish and English (preferred, with pay differential) The job may require mobility within the shelter, occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs, and proficiency in using typical office equipment.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Requirements:

Pre-employment drug screening and background check are required. GNC is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce