Shelter Assistant for Low-Barrier Shelter

Background

Founded in 1983, Good Shepherd has grown to become the largest provider of services to the hungry and homeless in the Cape Fear region. Programs and services include a soup kitchen, food salvage program, day and night shelters, on-site medical clinic, rehousing-focused case management, and supportive housing for homeless Veterans and chronically homeless individuals with disabilities. The organization has 40 part- and full-time staff and more than 500 volunteers. Good Shepherd has worked diligently and intentionally to move beyond serving merely as a safety net for hungry and homeless guests, devoting equal time and resources to transitioning our guests back to housing and stability in the community. This commitment is reflected in our mission: To feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and foster transition to housing.

Position Summary

The Shelter Assistant supports safe, orderly, and effective shelter operations by delivering high-quality services to shelter guests in a compassionate, professional, and trauma-informed manner. This position plays a critical role in maintaining a secure facility, monitoring guest activity, and ensuring daily operations align with program requirements, safety standards, and organizational policies. We are currently hiring primarily for the 3-11pm shift, which includes weekends.

This is a safety-sensitive position requiring continuous awareness, sound judgment, and the ability to respond appropriately to routine and emergency situations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Guest Services & Program Support

• Provide consistent supervision of shelter guests and common areas to promote safety, respect, and compliance with shelter guidelines.
• Enforce program guidelines consistently and fairly.
• Greet guests in a professional, courteous, and welcoming manner.
• Perform entry screenings, to include background checks, bag checks, and security scans.
• Explain shelter programs, expectations, and regulations to new and existing guests.
• Coordinate daily routines including bed assignments, curfews, volunteers, and other scheduled activities.
• Respond to guest questions, concerns, and conflicts using de-escalation techniques and sound decision-making.
• Provide emergency assistance to guests and coworkers as needed and follow established incident response procedures.

Facility Monitoring & Operational Support

• Conduct routine walkthroughs of the facility to identify safety concerns, maintenance issues, and policy violations.
• Report facility, safety, or maintenance concerns promptly to appropriate supervisory or facilities staff.
• Support cleanliness, organization, and basic upkeep of shelter spaces; perform light housekeeping tasks as needed.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with safety, health, and fire standards.

Documentation & Communication

• Accurately and thoroughly document shift activity in communication logs, including incidents, safety concerns, guest issues, and relevant operational updates.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and other team members to ensure continuity of care and operations across shifts.
• Follow established protocols for incident reporting, escalation, and follow-up.

Professional Conduct & Training

• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality; adhere to assigned schedules and shift coverage requirements.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all interactions.
• Remain calm and effective in high-pressure or unpredictable situations.
• Participate in required training related to Low-Barrier sheltering, Housing First, trauma-informed care, safety procedures, overdose response protocol, and other evidence-based best practices.
• Model appropriate professional appearance, communication, and behavior, including during difficult or corrective conversations.

Schedule & Availability

This is a shift-based position. Shifts are 7am-3pm, 3-11pm, and 11pm-7am. Candidates must be able to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays, as required to support 24/7 shelter operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience working in shelter operations, supportive housing, facilities, maintenance, security, or human services environments is preferred but not required.
• Ability to move throughout the facility, conduct frequent rounds, and respond quickly to emergent situations.
• Bilingual skills (such as Spanish or American Sign Language) are welcomed but not required and may be noted in a cover letter.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Criminal background check
• Drug screening

Mission Alignment

This position directly supports Good Shepherd Center’s mission to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and foster transitions to stable housing.

Application Process

Please submit a resume for consideration.
Criminal background checks and drug screening are required prior to a final offer of employment.
The position will remain open until filled.

No phone calls, please. Thank you for your interest in Good Shepherd Center.

Good Shepherd Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20