Shelter Support Specialist: part-time

Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of families experiencing homelessness? Apply today and become a part of a compassionate team making a tangible impact in your community.Join the NVFS Family:We are seeking a compassionate and reliable part-time Shelter Support Specialist to join our SERVE Homeless Shelter team. In this essential, on-site role, you will provide 24-hour awake coverage and supervision, helping ensure a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for families experiencing homelessness. As a Shelter Support Specialist, you are critical to the safety, well-being, and comfort of our shelter guests. Using best practices like motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction, you will support guests during their stay and help connect them with resources to move toward long-term stability.Why This Role Matters: Our SERVE Shelter provides more than temporary housing; it offers stability, dignity, and support during difficult times. As a Shelter Support Specialist, you play a vital role in creating a safe and compassionate environment where families experiencing homelessness can begin to rebuild and move toward long-term stability. We are looking to hire a Shelter Support Specialist for the following shift:Saturday & Sunday2pm- 10pmBenefits and Compensation: We want you to be well, have work/life flexibility, grow your career with us, and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing. The pay for this role is $20.21/hour and is an on-site role.In this role you will be responsible for:Ensure the safety and security of guests, volunteers, visitors, and staff by conducting regular internal and external perimeter checks and communicating shelter expectationsConduct shelter orientations for guests within 24 hours of entry to review policies, expectations, and available resourcesWork in partnership with Housing Counselors to support guest intake, eligibility screening, and program enrollmentAssist guests with housing searches and support progress toward rapid rehousing goalsHelp guests apply for essential services and documentation such as ID cards, Social Security cards, and birth certificatesConduct room and personal property inspections during shiftsRespond to emergencies by following agency and shelter protocols, including evacuations when necessaryDocument and report incidents according to agency guidelinesWork collaboratively with volunteers, contractors, and donorsPromote respectful and positive interactions among shelter guestsSupport cleanliness and upkeep of the shelter and grounds, including basic cleaning tasks when neededParticipate in regular supervision with the Program Supervisor and provide updates on guest needs and shelter operationsMaintain guest files and ensure accurate data entry according to program requirements and NVFS guidelinesMaintain familiarity with shelter systems, procedures, and program softwareYour Background: We understand that you may obtain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences.Relevant experience or a degree in the human services field preferred, with some knowledge of working with and supporting individuals in crisisPrefer some work experience in any of the following areas:customer serviceDirect Support Professional (DSP) with the elderly or developmentally disabledhospitality services such as hotel/front desk dutiesresidential servicesdaycare, childcare, or teachingsecurity or safetyAttendance reliabilityOral and written fluency in English; bilingual skills in client languages such as Spanish, Creole, and Farsi a plusCPR/1st Aide certification preferred; if not certified, must be willing and able to obtain certification through NVFS-provided trainingAbility to interact and communicate respectfully and effectively with shelter guests, visitors, and staffDemonstrated ability to stay calm in stressful situations and maintain professional boundaries while supporting shelter guestsAdditional Requirements:Successful completion of background checks upon hireTB testMay be called upon to drive the agency van to transport guests to appointments and other services if clear Motor Vehicle Record and a valid U.S. driver's licenseWorking at Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) means doing work that matters every day because of the difference you will make in the lives of children and families in Northern Virginia. NVFS' breadth, depth and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. At NVFS, we value every team member's contribution and our collective impact on our clients and the community. NVFS is an equal opportunity employer, E-Verify participant and drug-free workplace. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-04-02