Location:

Community & Family Shelter

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Department:

Shelter

Reports To:

Shelter Manager

Job Status:

Part-Time, 16 hrs. per week

Schedule:

Saturday & Sunday Weekends Only

Pay Rate:

 $23.00 per hour

About Path of Life Ministries

Path of Life Ministries (POLM) is a 501c3 organization serving those experiencing homelessness in the greater Riverside area. Our strategy is to provide a holistic system of care in an integrated, seamless manner for individuals and families, leading them from a place of crisis to a life of stability and self-sufficiency. Our goal is to walk people home. We seek talented and compassionate individuals able to thrive in a high-capacity and complex landscape of providing human services in a non-profit setting.

Position Overview

The Safety Specialist is responsible for providing supportive services and logistical support to the Shelter Program. This role ensures a safe, welcoming, and client-focused environment by balancing facility safety with a trauma-informed approach to service delivery. The Safety Specialist works to de-escalate situations, support shelter operations, and encourage guest progress toward housing stability.

Essential Job Functions

Shelter Support & Environment:

• Ensure a safe, trauma-informed, and client-focused environment for guests.
• Assist in the implementation of shelter activities to ensure quality service delivery.
• Maintain facility safety through perimeter checks, traffic control, and gate services.
• Perform basic searches of persons or property in accordance with organizational policy.
• Assist with shelter setup, maintenance, and general cleanliness (including waste management).
• Other duties as assigned.

Participant Engagement:

• Provide support to guests in a professional, empathetic manner, preserving their right to personal dignity.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques to manage conflict and resolve potentially difficult situations.
• Perform crisis intervention as needed, following established safety protocols.

Logistics & Administration:

• Assist with receiving and verifying vendor orders, including completing tally sheets.
• Organize supplies and manage facility needs.
• Maintain accurate logs of shelter activities, incident reports, and rule violations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers, and guests, both verbally and in writing.

Benefits:

• 401k

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Path of Life Ministries is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Education and Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in social services, security, emergency response, or a relevant public-facing position.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness or crisis.
• High level of tolerance and patience; ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Strong de-escalation, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage documentation (logs, reports, tally sheets).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook) for communication and reporting.
• Ability to utilize facility safety equipment and maintain accurate logs.
• Bilingual (Spanish) fluency preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

Requirements Include:

• Employment eligibility verification. 
• Successful completion of background screening.

Work Schedule Requirements:

• Work schedules are subject to change or start and end times may vary based on business needs and operational requirements.
• Flexibility and adaptability are essential to meet the demands of the role and the organization.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods and maneuver quickly between shelter functions.
• Must be able to lift, bend, push, and carry up to 50 lbs. for facility maintenance.
• Finger dexterity for office equipment (computers, phones, filing systems) and repetitive administrative tasks.
• Continuous talking and hearing for communication; visual acuity for monitoring the facility.
• Indoor/outdoor shelter setting; potential exposure to common communal illnesses.

Special Requirements:

• Must have or obtain slip resistant shoes