Support Specialist

Veteran Support Specialist – Nights & Weekends

Position Type: Part-Time
Schedule: Primarily nights, weekends, holidays, and other designated coverage periods (once a month overnight shift)
Reports To: Executive Director

Position Summary

The Veteran Support Specialist is responsible for providing a safe, structured, supportive environment for veterans residing at the shelter during evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours. This position serves as an on-site staff presence and is responsible for supervising residents, providing supportive counseling and crisis intervention, enforcing shelter policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), monitoring curfew and attendance, conducting required drug and alcohol testing, documenting incidents, and connecting veterans with appropriate resources.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, dependable, calm under pressure, and comfortable working with individuals who may be experiencing homelessness, substance-use challenges, mental health concerns, or other barriers to stable housing.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesResident Supervision & Safety

• Maintain a consistent, professional, and supportive presence throughout assigned shifts.
• Supervise veterans and ensure the shelter remains safe, orderly, and respectful.
• Monitor resident activity and ensure compliance with shelter rules and expectations.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs of the facility and address safety or security concerns.
• Monitor entrances, exits, and resident movement as required by shelter policy.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, conflicts, medical concerns, and behavioral issues.
• Contact emergency services or designated supervisors when circumstances require immediate assistance.

Curfew & Accountability

• Enforce established shelter curfew and quiet-hour requirements.
• Monitor and document resident arrivals, departures, and overnight attendance.
• Address late arrivals, unauthorized absences, or other violations according to SOPs.
• Verify that residents are accounted for during required overnight checks.
• Document violations consistently and professionally and notify management of significant or repeated concerns.

Drug & Alcohol Testing

• Conduct scheduled and/or required drug and alcohol testing in accordance with organizational policies and applicable requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism during the testing process.
• Properly document test results and follow established procedures for positive or refused tests.
• Notify appropriate supervisory personnel of results requiring further action.
• Maintain accurate testing records and chain-of-custody procedures when applicable.

Veteran Support & Counseling

• Provide supportive, non-judgmental communication to veterans.
• Listen to residents' concerns and provide encouragement, guidance, and appropriate referrals.
• Assist veterans in identifying barriers to housing, employment, healthcare, benefits, transportation, and other services.
• Provide basic crisis intervention and de-escalation when appropriate.
• Recognize situations that require referral to a licensed mental health, medical, substance-use, or other professional.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Encourage residents to participate in their case management and individualized service plans.

SOP & Policy Compliance

• Ensure all residents follow established shelter rules, policies, and SOPs.
• Consistently enforce policies fairly and without favoritism.
• Follow procedures related to curfew, visitors, substance use, conduct, safety, medications, property, emergencies, and resident discipline.
• Report policy violations to the appropriate supervisor.
• Make recommendations to management regarding recurring behavioral or operational concerns.
• Remain familiar with current shelter SOPs and participate in required training.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete shift reports accurately and before the end of each shift.
• Document incidents, behavioral concerns, rule violations, drug testing, curfew violations, and other significant events.
• Maintain accurate resident logs and required records.
• Communicate important information to incoming staff during shift changes.
• Immediately report serious incidents, safety concerns, suspected abuse, medical emergencies, or other critical matters to management.
• Maintain confidentiality of veteran information and organizational records.

Facility Responsibilities

• Ensure common areas remain clean, orderly, and safe during assigned shifts.
• Monitor compliance with kitchen, bathroom, laundry, smoking, and other facility-use policies.
• Report maintenance, security, or facility concerns promptly.
• Assist with emergency preparedness and evacuation procedures.
• Ensure the shelter is secured appropriately at designated times.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with veterans, homeless populations, residential programs, shelters, behavioral health, social services, corrections, security, or similar environments preferred.
• Experience with crisis intervention, conflict resolution, or de-escalation preferred.
• Ability to work independently during nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while demonstrating compassion and empathy.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during difficult or confrontational situations.
• Must be comfortable enforcing rules and holding residents accountable.
• Must be dependable and punctual.
• Ability to maintain accurate written and electronic documentation.
• Ability to pass required background checks and other organizational screening requirements.

Core Competencies

• Compassion and Empathy
• Professional Boundaries
• Conflict Resolution
• Crisis Management
• Accountability
• Dependability
• Sound Judgment
• Confidentiality
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Attention to Detail

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, and extended periods as scheduled.
• Ability to remain awake and alert throughout overnight shifts.
• Ability to walk throughout the facility and conduct routine checks.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and safety concerns.
• May occasionally be required to assist with moving supplies or performing light physical tasks.

Important Position Expectation

This position requires both compassion and accountability. The Veteran Support Specialist should treat every veteran with dignity and respect while consistently enforcing the rules necessary to maintain a safe, stable, and structured living environment. The employee is expected to avoid personal conflicts with residents, maintain appropriate boundaries, and follow established SOPs rather than making individual exceptions.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Duties may be modified as organizational needs change.

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person