Shelter Ministry Safety Worker

Shelter Ministry Safety Worker Job Description

Summary

As part of the Safety Team, the Shelter Ministry Safety Worker ensures the security, safety, and well-being of staff, guests, volunteers, and facility assets. This role performs security rounds, screenings, searches, intake supervision, and general oversight to maintain a safe, welcoming, and orderly environment consistent with New Life Center’s mission and values. This position reflects Christ’s love through compassionate service, respectful communication, and a ministry-minded approach to every interaction. 

At New Life Center, our work is rooted in our Christian faith and driven by our mission to guide people experiencing homelessness or addiction toward holistic transformation through the love of Jesus. Every role contributes to this ministry and advances our shared vision. Our team members are followers of Jesus Christ, affirm our Statement of Faith, and demonstrate our BEACON values—Bring Your Best, Engage with Empathy, Act in Unity, Choose Humility, Offer Hope, and Never Stop Growing—in the way they serve guests, support one another, and represent New Life Center each day. 

Essential Functions

Essential Function 1:  Safety, Security, and Ministry Engagement 

• Conduct metal detection screening at facility entrances to prevent weapons, contraband, and drugs from entering. 
• Perform scheduled interior and exterior security rounds, including stairwells, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and offices. 
• Maintain access control and monitor traffic flow through entrances and exits. 
• Monitor video surveillance, intrusion, and fire alarm systems, report irregularities immediately. 
• Detect and prevent fires, vandalism, theft, or rule infractions; maintain order and safety of property and persons. 
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalate conflicts, and engage guests calmly and respectfully. 
• Collaborate with law enforcement, fire, and emergency responders when needed. 
• Support and participate in emergency drills and safety training. 
• Build trusting and supportive relationships with guests, offering compassionate listening and encouragement. 
• Be able and willing to pray with guests and offer spiritual support when appropriate. 
• Lead devotions and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ when opportunities arise, ensuring ministry interactions are respectful, Spirit-led, and consistent with NLC’s faith principles. 
• Uphold the highest ethical and professional standards at all times. 
• Interface with third-party security company. 

Essential Function 2: Searches and Inspections 

• Conduct bag and locker searches in accordance with shelter policy. 
• Inspect rooms, restricted areas, and outdoor grounds for hazards or unsafe conditions. 
• Assist in logging, monitoring, and storage of guest property. 
• Perform random security and safety inspections throughout the facility. 
• Maintain detailed records of searches, confiscations, and incidents. 

Essential Function 3: Guest Intake & Processing 

• Greet guests with a ministry-minded approach and promote compliance with shelter rules. 
• Supervise guest intake and screening processes with professionalism and compassion. 
• Conduct searches during intake and ensure adherence to policy. 
• De-escalate tense situations and assist staff in maintaining a peaceful environment. 

Essential Function 4: Reporting, Communication, and Facility Oversight 

• Maintain accurate incident reports, shift logs, and documentation. 
• Communicate promptly and effectively with the Campus Ministry Safety Manager and leadership regarding safety concerns. 
• Identify and report hazards, unsafe behavior, or facility issues. 
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure a safe, coordinated environment. 
• Recommend process or safety improvements based on observed needs. 
• Maintain accountability for assigned equipment and ensure proper use and care. 
• Attend required staff meetings and review internal communications regularly. 
• Monitor the front entrance for incoming donations, promptly greet donors, and ensure they receive timely, courteous assistance. 
• Remain attentive to donor activity to minimize wait times and provide a positive, respectful donation experience. 

ADA & Reasonable Accommodation

New Life Center complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Qualified individuals are considered for positions based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law unless doing so would cause undue hardship or pose a direct threat to safety.  

Position Reports to the Campus Ministry Safety Manager

This job description identifies the major responsibilities of this job. It does not include all aspects of the position such as the potential additional duties assigned by the Program Director, the requirement for flexibility in helping others, or the highly valued team-oriented approach used for the overall benefit and success of New Life Center.

Personal:

• Must be engaged in a local church and exhibit a personal, evident, growing relationship with Jesus Christ. 
• Compassionate heart for those in need 
• Willingness to serve others. 
• Desire to see the lost transformed through the love of Christ. 

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Prior security, corrections, or safety experience. 

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.
• If in recovery, a minimum of one year of sustained recovery with active participation in a 12-step program is required; two or more years is preferred.
• Possess a valid driver's license, maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with the organization's insurance carrier requirements, and provide proof of insurance, as preferred for the performance of job duties for overnight staff.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation abilities. 
• Must exhibit leadership, good judgment, sensitivity, and compassion. 
• Must be a person who works well with people, is concerned about their needs, and exhibits ability to motivate and to provide appropriate corrective measures when necessary. 
• Must be able to problem solve alone as well as have the ability to work as a team. 
• Possess a basic working knowledge of computers and desktop computing software. 
• Ability to multi-task efficiently. 

Work Environment:

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and mobility required. 
• Must navigate stairwells, building interiors, and outdoor areas in all weather conditions. 
• Frequent walking up to 4 miles per shift; must be able to climb multiple flights of stairs. 
• Occasional lifting up to 75 lbs.; frequent lifting up to 30 lbs. 
• Exposure to potentially stressful or tense situations. 
• Requires sufficient vision, hearing, and mental focus to safely and effectively respond to emergency situations, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Must be able to maintain physical and mental stamina to perform essential job functions in a high-stress environment, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Must be available to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on organizational needs. 
• If working the night shift, must remain awake and alert for the entirety of the overnight shift. 

Religious Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications BFOQ
New Life Center is a faith-based Christian ministry. Consistent with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, alignment with New Life Center’s Statement of Faith and values may be considered a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) for this position. Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the organization’s Christian mission, beliefs, and code of conduct.