Compassion Navigator

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role (Please Read Carefully)Are you committed to making a real difference by offering stability, empathy, and structure to women navigating extreme life challenges?As a Compassion Navigator at Norma Herr Women's Center, you will support adult women experiencing homelessness, trauma, crisis, and instability. This role is deeply meaningful and demanding. It requires emotional stamina, consistency, and dependable attendance to maintain safety and trust within the shelter.This is not flexible, on-call, or intermittent work. Residents rely on predictable, on-time staff for safety, emotional regulation, and continuity of care.Who We AreYWCA of Greater Cleveland works daily to address barriers to safe, affordable housing while providing trauma-informed, compassionate care.Since assuming operations in 2018, Norma Herr Women's Center has remained Cleveland's only low-barrier emergency shelter for adult women ages 18-80. We serve 200+ guests every night, 365 days a year, providing shelter, meals, and stabilization during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.What This Job Really IsA position where attendance is a safety issue, not a preference.An actively engaged in person role working with women experiencing trauma, grief, relapse, conflict, and crisis-sometimes all in the same shift.A role where you may leave your shift emotionally tired even if nothing "went wrong".Meaningful work that requires showing up consistently, even on hard days.What Success Actually Looks LikeArriving on time, every scheduled shift.Completing full shifts reliably.Fortifying your immune system to withstand increased exposure to communicable diseases.Holding firm boundaries while remaining compassionate.Asking supervisors for help early instead of pushing through until burnout.Following procedures, documentation requirements, and attendance policies consistently.What This Job Is NotIt is not flexible around frequent call-offs or late arrivalsIt is not a stepping stone for individuals still actively stabilizing their own livesIt is not primarily advocacy or relationship-building-it also involves operations, structure, and follow-throughIt is not a role where passion alone can replace reliabilityYour Impact as a Compassion NavigatorProvide direct support to shelter guests, including check-ins and basic needs assistanceComplete intake packets, incident reports, shift reports, and required documentationOffer emotional support and crisis intervention, connecting guests to appropriate servicesPractice trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniquesSupport daily shelter operations including meals, laundry, donations, and maintaining a safe, clean environmentKey Competencies & QualificationsAbility to show up consistently and on timeProficiency in de-escalation and crisis responseEmotional regulation and boundary-setting skillsStrong communication and problem-solving abilitiesComfort using computer and communication systemsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamPrior experience in social services or shelter settings is a plus, but reliability is essentialCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive hourly wage starting at $17/ hourMedical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance401(k) and additional benefitsPaid training and professional developmentMeaningful work experience in social servicesYour Next StepIf you've read this entire posting and believe you can consistently show up, manage emotional intensity, and commit to this level of responsibility, we encourage you to apply.We are excited to meet candidates who are not only compassionate, but ready.The YWCA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status, or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.