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baycove

Shelter Support Worker - Weymouth Shelter

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

The Shelter Support Worker is responsible for creating a welcoming and safe place for individuals who are unhoused. The shelter is a low-threshold environment anchored in harm reduction and trauma ...

baycove

Shelter Support Worker - Weymouth Shelter

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

The Shelter Support Worker is responsible for creating a welcoming and safe place for individuals who are unhoused. The shelter is a low-threshold environment anchored in harm reduction and trauma ...

baycove

Shelter Support Worker - Per Diem

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Shelter Support Worker is responsible for creating a welcoming and safe place for individuals who are unhoused. The shelter is a low-threshold environment anchored in harm reduction and trauma ...

baycove

Shelter Support Worker - Per Diem

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Shelter Support Worker is responsible for creating a welcoming and safe place for individuals who are unhoused. The shelter is a low-threshold environment anchored in harm reduction and trauma ...

Ascend Staffing

Shelter Support Staff

Phoenix, AZ

$16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Weekly Pay Shelter Support Staff Tasks & Duties * Use approved chemicals to disinfect surfaces ... Many of our talented workers stay with us for years because they like what they get from Ascend.

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How much do shelter support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for shelter support worker in the United States is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do I need to work in a shelter support worker?

To work as a shelter support worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. Some positions may require background checks, first aid certification, or training in trauma-informed care. Relevant experience in social services or customer service can also be beneficial.

Is working at a shelter a good job?

Shelter support workers provide assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness or crisis, often working in social services or nonprofit organizations. The job involves direct client interaction, case management, and sometimes crisis intervention, requiring strong communication skills and empathy. It can be rewarding for those interested in helping vulnerable populations but may also involve emotional challenges and irregular hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shelter support worker?

To thrive as a Shelter Support Worker, you need knowledge of social services, crisis intervention, and a background in social work or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications like First Aid/CPR. Familiarity with case management software and incident reporting systems is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust and effectively support vulnerable individuals. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing safe, effective, and client-centered support in challenging shelter environments.

What is the difference between Shelter Support Worker vs Outreach Worker?

AspectShelter Support WorkerOutreach Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in crisis intervention or first aid often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in community outreach or crisis response often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndoor shelter settings assisting residents directlyCommunity-based settings engaging clients outside shelters
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government shelters, social service agenciesCommunity organizations, nonprofits, social service agencies

While both roles support vulnerable populations, Shelter Support Workers primarily assist residents within shelter facilities, providing direct support and crisis intervention. Outreach Workers engage with clients in community settings, focusing on prevention and connecting individuals to services. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the same industry, but their work environments and daily tasks differ.

What are some common challenges shelter support workers face in their daily work, and how can they effectively manage them?

Shelter Support Workers often encounter challenges such as supporting clients with complex needs, managing crisis situations, and maintaining professional boundaries while offering compassionate care. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to utilize strong communication and de-escalation skills, seek regular supervision, and participate in ongoing training. Collaboration with colleagues and external agencies also helps provide comprehensive support to clients and ensures a safer and more supportive environment for both staff and residents.

What is a shelter support worker?

Shelter support workers are professionals who provide assistance, guidance, and care to individuals or families living in shelters, such as those experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence. They help residents access resources, maintain safety, and work towards stable housing or other goals. Shelter support workers also offer emotional support, help with daily living activities, and connect clients to community services. Their role is vital in fostering a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable populations.
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Cities with the most Shelter Support Worker job openings:

What states have the most Shelter Support Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Shelter Support Worker jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Shelter Support Worker jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Shelter Support Worker jobs are:

Shelter Support Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shelter Support Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,962 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Shelter Support Worker - Weymouth Shelter

Bay Cove Human Services, Inc.

Weymouth, MA • On-site

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Bay Cove Human Services' mission is to partner with people to overcome challenges and realize personal potential. Bay Cove pursues this mission by providing individualized and compassionate services to people facing the challenges associated with developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness at more than 175 program sites throughout Greater Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts.
Reports To: Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Schedules Available:
  • Friday - Monday 11pm-7am
  • Tuesday - Saturday 11pm-7am

Job Summary: The Shelter Support Worker is responsible for creating a welcoming and safe place for individuals who are unhoused. The shelter is a low-threshold environment anchored in harm reduction and trauma informed care principles. The goal is to support safety and engagement of people who are unhoused and experiencing behavioral health and/or substance use disorders. The Shelter Support Worker will promote safety by offering respectful support and consistent application of policies and procedures established for the safety of each person served and all stakeholders of the shelter community.
This is a non-exempt position.
Essential Functions of Position:
  • Provide care for guests and maintain safety by visual monitoring of all guests, actively and respectfully interacting with guests and the team to ensure routines and safety procedures are followed and recognize that the majority of guests have endured trauma and employ trauma-informed care in all interactions.
  • Ensure safety of the guests and facility by conducting scheduled safety checks, monitoring common areas inside the facility (entrances, stairwells, bathrooms, and other accessible locations), outside the program (parking lot, front of building, and area that trash is maintained, etc), and provide supportive feedback and redirection to guests when needed.
  • Facilitate a respectful and safe check-in process.
  • Complete required documentation at intake, HMIS (Homeless Management Information System), incident reporting, etc. as required.
  • Follow safety plans and restrictions established by shelter leadership.
  • Immediately communicate any safety concerns to colleagues and work collaboratively to identify and carry out a response plan and report incidents verbally to the supervisor on duty or on-call as soon as it is safe to do so and follow up with a written incident report as soon as the situation has stabilized and duties allow, but before the end of the shift.
  • Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed. Contact 911 when issues arise that cannot be managed safely in the setting (medical emergencies, guests not responsive to de-escalation techniques, etc.) and provide emergency intervention to stabilize the situation until professional help arrives (naloxone administration, basic first aid, CPR, etc.)
  • Maintain confidentiality of all guests and their circumstances except for those team members, collateral partners, and emergency first responders with a designated need to know.
  • Participate in all required team meetings, individual supervision meetings, and required training.
  • Other job related duties as assigned

Requirements for the position:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Six months experience in health or human service-related fields preferred, preferably working with those who are unhoused and those experiencing behavioral health and/or substance use disorders.
  • Demonstrated verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Individuals with lived expertise are encouraged to apply.
  • Basic proficiency in word processing and other computer functions using Windows, Word, and Google Email and Apps.
    Personal Characteristics:
  • Utilizes a flexible and responsible work style that meets evolving needs of the agency.
  • Works with integrity and respects the dignity and value of all individuals.
  • Exhibits mission through job knowledge, pride in work role, and advocacy.
  • Promotes diversity and inclusion of all individuals.
  • Works in a collaborative, compassionate manner with stakeholder/ partners.

Physical Requirements:
  • Frequent interaction with providers, colleagues, customers, persons served, and visitors requiring the employee to communicate, as well as detect and interpret information, needs, and issues quickly and accurately, occasionally during emergency situations.
  • Frequent communication of accurate information, instructions, and ideas so others will understand.
  • Bending to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment up to twenty five (25) pounds.
  • Frequent movement throughout the program, including up and down stairs, to access, obtain, or distribute supplies (sometimes pushing or pulling equipment), interact with persons served, etc.
  • Undertake lifesaving efforts by conducting CPR via the provision of chest compressions and rescue breathing as needed until relieved by medical professionals.
  • Remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time, as needed.

Other Qualifications: None
Bay Cove Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other groups as protected by Massachusetts or federal law. All qualified candidates, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply.
Bay Cove Human Services does not offer visa sponsorships at this time and will require candidates to be authorized to work in the United States.
Pay Rate: $20.40 Hourly

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