Emergency Residential Shelter - Relief Staff

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

For over 46 years, A Safe Place has been a beacon of hope in Lake County, empowering survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking to rebuild their lives. Join our mission to provide safety, foster independence, and create brighter futures.

As part of our team, you’ll transform lives daily—whether by directly supporting survivors or building the systems that sustain our work. Together, we create a resilient community where every survivor finds hope, safety, and the strength to thrive.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Shelter Relief Staff provides on-call, as-needed support to ensure smooth shelter operations during staff absences, high-demand periods, or emergencies. This position plays a key role in maintaining a safe, supportive environment for residents, offering essential coverage during evenings, weekends, holidays, and other shifts.

Role Overview:
Working under the direction of the Director of Shelter Services or designee, Relief Staff assist with shelter upkeep, client interaction, crisis response, and administrative tasks. Their presence helps ensure continuous coverage and consistent care, even during unexpected staff shortages.

  Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:

• Understanding of domestic violence dynamics and trauma-informed care
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills
• Experience in housing placement, case management, or advocacy
• Cultural competence and allyship, especially for BIPOC DV and LGBTQIA Survivors
• Awareness of unique challenges faced by diverse survivor populations
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Trauma-informed communication and conflict resolution abilities
• Commitment to fostering a violence-free, collaborative environment
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards
• Reliability, punctuality, and adaptability to changing needs
• Effective time management, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; accurate data entry skills
• Familiarity with electronic medical records
  
  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct support to shelter residents during assigned shifts
• Conduct wellness checks and maintain a visible presence in communal areas 
• Assist with resident intakes, exits, and support as needed
• Answer phones, respond to inquiries, and support the crisis line as appropriate
• Ensure shelter cleanliness and orderliness, including restocking supplies
• Document resident interactions and incidents in alignment with agency policy
• Provide emotional support and refer residents to on-call advocates or supervisors for case management
• Perform shelter walk-throughs and monitor for safety concerns
• Uphold shelter policies and report policy violations or concerns to supervisors
• Attend and participate in training sessions and team meetings as required
• Perform additional duties as assigned
  
  

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related field 
• OR High school diploma/GED with 2 years of experience in social services and domestic violence
• Bilingual Spanish fluency preferred (required for some shifts)

Work Experience Requirements:

• Experience in social services, customer service, or residential care preferred
• Completion of 40-hour Domestic Violence Training required within 45 days of hire
• IM+CANS training (preferred or to be completed post-hire)
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs and remain mobile throughout the facility

Work Schedule:

This is an as-needed, on-call position. Relief staff may be scheduled for coverage on any shift, including:

• Day Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Mid Shift: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM/ !0:00 AM – 6:00 PM 
• Evening Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Overnight Shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Availability for weekends, holidays, and emergency coverage is required. Flexibility and reliability are essential. 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: 

• Professional shelter setting focused on trauma-informed care
• 70% direct service commitment
• Occasional lifting, walking between shelter areas, and navigating stairs
• Reasonable accommodations are provided as needed

Compensation:

• Hourly Rate: $20.00 - $25.00 hourly, paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods/year)
• Compensation Factors: Based on grant funding, skills, experience, and expertise

Benefits:

This is a non-benefited, on-call position. While relief staff do not receive healthcare or paid time off, this role offers:

• Hands-on experience in emergency shelter and trauma-informed care settings
• Opportunities to develop skills in advocacy, crisis intervention, and client services
• Exposure to coordinated care networks and cross-functional shelter operations
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• A chance to contribute meaningfully to a mission-driven, survivor-centered organization

Why Join Us?

• Be the frontline of safety and care for survivors during overnight hours
• Work with a mission-driven team that transforms lives daily
• Gain hands-on experience in trauma-informed shelter and advocacy work

Commitment to Inclusion:

A Safe Place is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and fosters an inclusive workplace for all.

Take the Next Step.

Join A Safe Place and be the difference in someone’s journey to healing and independence. 

Apply today and transform lives — including your own.