“Doing the Most Good.” In these four words, our mission – to feed, to clothe, to comfort, to care, to rebuild broken homes and broken lives. By walking with the addicted, we can lead them to recovery. By fighting hunger and poverty, we can feed and nurture the spirit. And, by living and sharing the Christian Gospel and meeting tangible needs, we give the world a lasting display of the love behind our beliefs.
The Salvation Army operates more than 50 social service agencies strategically placed throughout Southern California. Material and spiritual support is our standard - social services delivered with compassion is our model - anyone in need is our prerequisite. Our work is funded through kettle donations, corporate contributions, and the sale of goods donated to Salvation Army Family Stores. Eighty-two cents of every dollar we raise supports our various programs across Southern California. We are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions are deductible for Federal Income Tax Purposes to the extent permitted under Section 170(b)(2) for corporations.
An international movement, The Salvation Army is an evangelical arm of the universal Christian Church. Our message is based on the Bible, and our ministry is motivated by the love of God. We preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Provide client-centered support and monitor shelter residents and facility safety, responding to crises and coordinating with emergency services when needed.
Handle front desk administration, client intake and discharge, records and supplies, and daily shelter operations such as cleaning, laundry, and meal service.
What you need
A high school diploma or equivalent and experience working with people are required, along with proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Clarity/HMIS, and WellSky.
Candidates should be comfortable using new software, working with diverse clients, following organizational policies, and supporting The Salvation Army’s mission.
Education: a high school diploma
Key skills
Client SupportCustomer ServiceCrisis Prevention And InterventionConflict ResolutionClient Intake And DischargeBehavior MonitoringIncident ReportingEmergency Response CoordinationDatabase Data EntryMicrosoft SuiteClarity/HMISWellSkyRecordkeepingSecurity Camera MonitoringPolicy ImplementationShelter Operations
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Job Title: Shelter Associate
FLSA Status: Full Time - non-exempt
Reports to: FHC Program Manager
Schedule: 40 hours weekly
Rate of Pay: $18.10 hourly
Closing Date: 11/2/2026
Benefits: Standard; Full-Time, Non-Exempt employees are eligible for but not
limited to the following:
* Health, vision, dental, life as well as voluntary life and disability
insurance
* Sick leave benefit – 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and
availability begins at hire)
* Vacation benefit – 10 vacation days per year, accrued at the rate of .0385
hours for each hour worked, excluding overtime (accrual begins at hire but
may not be used until the completion of six months of employment)
* One floating day off for use (accrued immediately, and again annually, but
may not be used until the completion of the initial three-month introductory
period of employment)
* Pension Plan (after one year of continuous service)
* Voluntary Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (403(b)plan)
Function
Under the supervision of the RJ Montgomery Family Hope Center Program Manager,
the Shelter Associate provides administrative and operational support to the
Program Manager and general administration as assigned. Serves as the point
person for most office matters. Ensures office systems are in place and most
effective in the overall operations and functions of the department.
Duties and Responsibilities
· Interact with and monitor clients’ behavior and maintain good rapport by
providing excellent customer service.
· Encourage clients to comply with facility policy and procedures.
· Make frequent rounds throughout the entire facility including the perimeter of
the building, all bunk areas, bathrooms, patio, and kitchen.
· Monitor clients and the facility via security cameras, through the windows,
and during scheduled checks.
· Complete logs, incident reports, and all other required documentation
· Respond appropriately to situations of child abuse and neglect.
· Make calls to the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Human
Services, or other first responders as directed.
· Observe and report irregularities regarding client behavior or building or
security issues as necessary.
· Act as the liaison with police and other emergency services.
· Employ crisis prevention and intervention if a conflict occurs.
· Maintain a strength-based and client-centered approach.
· Monitor clientele’s progress toward their goals.
· Model appropriate social skills with clients throughout the shelter
environment.
· Provide encouragement and moral support to clients.
· Maintain proper personal and professional boundaries.
· Perform basic front desk duties including answering phones, data entry, filing
documents, monitoring video surveillance cameras, and fire prevention/detection
alarm notification system.
· Distribute supplies, medications, and other belongings to clients.
· Have a humane and caring attitude toward all clients.
· Give high priority to the welfare of all the clientele.
· Always maintain a professional attitude and appearance.
· Assist in gathering and recording required information from all clientele.
· Understand all policies and procedures for the center and implement them in
daily work.
· Accurate collection of vital statistics during intake and discharge of clients
· Maintain accurate attendance records of all clienteles.
· Maintain supplies necessary for front desk operations.
· Ability to be comfortable working with a diverse population.
· Ability to perform intake and exits of clients.
· Ability to inform a client he/she/them must leave based on his performance and
assist in bagging up their personal belongings when necessary.
· Ability to enter intake information into two databases and assign beds.
· Ability to search clients and their belongings in a proper manner.
· Oversee or perform the daily operation of shelter tasks including cleaning,
laundry, and setting up the kitchen for meals and serving the meals.
· Oversee the cleaning of the front desk area including the staff bathroom.
· When required, will perform drug/alcohol testing on clientele.
· Responsible for adhering to and implementing policies of the RJMC and those of
The Salvation Army
· Performs other duties as required.
Education, Experience, Skills, Qualifications
· High school diploma or equivalent
· Experience working with people
· Microsoft Suite, Clarity/HMIS, Wellsky, required.
· Working knowledge of integrated database applications
· The ability to use new software programs with basic training
· Supportive of The Salvation Army’s mission.
· Ability to reflect and model the high standards of our organization as one of
the world’s most distinguished human services charitable organizations.
Driving
If the position requires driving:
- A minimum age of 21 (for insurance provision) and possession of a valid
in-state driver’s license is required.
- An MVR will be processed every year in accordance with The Salvation Army’s
policies.
Background Check
- Continued employment will be contingent upon a biennial (every two years)
background check that is processed in accordance with The Salvation Army’s
policies.
Physical Requirements
· Ability to maneuver.
· Ability to remain in a stationary position.
· Ability to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead.
· Ability to operate telephone.
· Ability to lift 25 pounds.
· Ability to access and produce information from the computer.
· Ability to understand written information.
· Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the
position with or without accommodation.