Position Summary
The Floating Client Support Specialist (CSS) is a member of the Shelter Operations and Client Support Team, responsible for providing trauma-informed support, promoting structure, and reinforcing communal living expectations across multiple Safe Harbor shelter locations. This role carries a shelter support caseload and provides coverage across shifts and sites, ensuring continuity of care and operational consistency during staff absences. The Floating CSS supports shared space routines, documents shelter support interactions, responds to helpline calls, and contributes to shelter upkeep, safety, and engagement activities.
This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position eligible for full benefits.
Reports to: Director of Shelter Operations
Key Responsibilities
Client Support & Shelter Engagement
Carry a shelter support caseload focused on trauma-informed emotional support, redirection, and community living structure
Provide check-ins, coaching, and reminders based on shelter expectations and communal living agreements
Refer clients to the Advocacy Team for all case management, goal setting, or external resource needs
Document support interactions clearly and promptly in the database
Address shared space concerns through supportive follow-ups and behavioral redirection
Maintain professional boundaries with clients while offering respectful, nonjudgmental support in daily shelter routines
Recognize and report signs of emotional distress, safety concerns, or behavioral escalation to a supervisor promptly
Shelter Operations Support
Assist with daily shift tasks including room preparation, inspections, OTC/personal care requests, and client documentation updates
Maintain and restock staff and client supplies, including the creation of new arrival kits
Organize and rotate food supply areas to ensure cleanliness and safety
Assist with grocery and supply pickups and coordinate groceries/supplies for hotel-based clients
Support inventories of personal care, household, and food items while maintaining a consistent staff presence
Flexible Role-Based Support
Facilitate or assist with roommate agreements, mediations, and communal living support conversations at the direction of a supervisor
Support with client exits and coordinate celebrations for planned transitions
Plan and facilitate Community Living (CL) Groups centered on trauma-informed communal expectations and peer connection
Respond to and log helpline calls as assigned
Participate in or support fire drills and monthly safety classes
Assist with shelter organization projects (decluttering, labeling, organizing storage areas)
Team Collaboration
Provide floating support at Anderson and Greenville shelter locations
based on staffing needs, shift coverage, and supervisor direction
Collaborate with other CSS, CSOS, and Shelter Operations leadership to ensure consistent communication and care
Assist with after-hours on-call support
Participate in team check-ins, shelter walk-throughs, staff trainings, and assist with shadow training of new hires as assigned
Maintain regular communication with supervisors to report concerns, receive guidance, and ensure alignment with shelter standards
Adjust to changes in client needs, shift demands, or shelter flow while maintaining consistency in role expectations
Documentation & Communication
Document all relevant client interactions, incidents, observations, and shelter concerns using agency-approved systems in a timely and accurate manner
Observe and report emerging client patterns or concerns related to safety, emotional well-being, or communal living to Shelter Operations leadership
Respond to helpline calls in accordance with agency procedures and trauma-informed practices
Follow up on assigned tasks and ensure documentation is completed accurately and on time
Demonstrates reliability by completing assigned tasks within expected timeframes and notifying the supervisor of any delays or barriers
Additional Responsibilities
Attends required staff meetings, supervision sessions, and trainings to stay informed of program updates and expectations
Actively participates in onboarding, ongoing training, and professional development to strengthen trauma-informed practices and shelter operations knowledge
Enthusiastically represents and supports the mission and vision of Safe Harbor in all interactions with clients, teammates, and community partners
Completes other duties as assigned by the supervisor and/or agency leadership
Assists with any additional responsibilities necessary to support a safe, structured, and supportive shelter environment
Qualifications
1–2 years of experience in shelter, communal living, or trauma-informed environments preferred
Strong understanding of community living expectations and trauma-informed care
Flexibility to adapt and travel between shelter locations as needed
Computer literacy required, including the ability to navigate internal systems, complete documentation, and use Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams)
Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills
High school diploma or GED required
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Based in a residential shelter setting with travel between sites as assigned
Requires walking, standing, lifting, and direct engagement with clients and shelter spaces
Must respond to client needs and emergencies calmly and professionally
Must follow all shelter documentation, and safety protocols
Expected to uphold strict confidentiality in all shelter-related documentation, communication, and interactions both onsite and externally
