Shelter Assistant

Shelter Assistant Job Description

International Women’s House provides shelter and supportive services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and human trafficking. IWH is committed to providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive services that promote safety, stability, empowerment, and self-sufficiency for survivors and their children.

Description:

This is a float/on-call position to cover shifts as needed within a 24-hour emergency shelter environment. On-call shifts are most often needed during evenings, overnight hours, weekends, and holidays. Shelter Assistants are responsible for supporting residents in a trauma-informed and professional manner, answering crisis calls, assisting with shelter operations, maintaining appropriate documentation, supporting day-to-day shelter functions, and helping ensure a safe and respectful communal living environment. (Hourly, eligible for overtime)

Hours: 16–32 hours per week; primarily evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as needed

Reports to: Shelter Operations Manager

Compensation: $19 per hour

Primary Duties:

• Document and communicate pertinent, relevant, and appropriate participant-related information to co-workers and supervisors.

• Provide emotional support, crisis stabilization, and practical assistance to residents in the absence of client advocates.

• Respond to crisis calls, emergencies, walk-ins, and shelter-related concerns in a calm and professional manner.

• Complete shelter intakes, orientations, and safety-related documentation as needed.

• Maintain accurate shift logs, incident reports, intake paperwork, and other required records.

• Support daily shelter operations, including monitoring shared spaces, distributing supplies, and assisting with meal coordination or donations when needed.

• Assist with conflict de-escalation and help reinforce shelter guidelines and community expectations respectfully and consistently.

• Provide appropriate referrals to community resources and support services.

• Assist residents with transportation coordination, appointment reminders, and basic advocacy support as appropriate.

• Help maintain a clean, organized, trauma-informed, and welcoming shelter environment.

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical and professional standards at all times.

• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Shelter Operations Manager.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required; some college preferred.

• Preference given to graduate students or individuals pursuing degrees in social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, public health, marriage and family therapy, human services, or related fields.

• Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual violence, trauma, homelessness, crisis intervention, or shelter settings preferred.

• Must have a valid driver’s license, current insurance, and pass all required background checks.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) language skills are strongly desired.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to individuals impacted by trauma and crisis.

• Ability to supervise and support residents in an assertive, respectful, and compassionate manner.

• Ability to maintain professionalism and appropriate boundaries in high-stress situations.

• Practices excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

• Demonstrates conflict resolution, de-escalation, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed and survivor-centered practices preferred.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

• Ability to work overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Some local travel may be required.

Job Location:

This position is based in DeKalb County and serves families throughout the metro Atlanta area. This is an in-person position.

To apply, submit resume and cover letter to Workforce@iwh-atlanta.org and write "Shelter Asst" and your name in the subject lline.