Shelter Support Staff (Part-time)

About The Women's Center

The Women's Center (TWC) is a domestic violence and sexual assault service provider committed to helping survivors (women, men, youth, gender non-conforming folks) of Massachusetts' Southcoast on their journey to safety, hope, and empowerment. We provide trauma-informed, client-centered support and advocacy to individuals and families affected by abuse.

About the Role

Are you looking for meaningful part-time work or a second job where your presence makes a real difference? Our emergency shelter serves adults and children affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Shelter Support Staff provide a calm, friendly, and dependable presence during evening and overnight hours, helping keep the shelter safe and welcoming while residents go about their own routines.

This is an entry-level position and a great fit for someone starting out in human services, a student, or anyone with a caring nature and a steady, responsible approach. This is not a social work, case management, or counseling role, and it does not involve assisting residents with personal care.

Job Type: Part-time | Non-Exempt

Location: New Bedford, MA | Fully-in person

Reports To: Shelter Manager

Hours: Choose from the following shifts needing coverage:

Weekend Shifts:

• Saturday 3pm - 11pm
• Sunday 7am - 3pm
• Sunday 3pm - 11pm

Overnight Awake shifts:

• Monday 11pm - 7am
• Tuesday 11pm - 7am
• Wednesday 11pm - 7am
• Thursday 11 pm - 7am

Additional shifts are often available on an as-needed basis for those wanting more hours.

Salary Range: $19.00 /hour base pay plus evening and weekend differentials.

What You'll Do

• Monitor security cameras and maintain awareness of the building and grounds.
• Log residents' comings and goings in and out of the shelter.
• Complete hourly walk-throughs of the shelter to check on safety and building conditions.
• Answer the 24-hour hotline and general phone calls, offering a supportive, respectful response to callers with domestic violence and sexual assault concerns, and sharing information and referrals according to agency guidelines.
• Be a welcoming, approachable presence for residents and their children.
• Follow safety, confidentiality, and emergency procedures, and document shift activity accurately.
• Communicate important information to incoming staff and supervisors.

What We're Looking For

• A warm, patient, and non-judgmental attitude toward people from all backgrounds.
• Reliability and the ability to stay alert and awake through an overnight shift.
• Good judgment and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations.
• Comfort using a phone system, basic computer programs, and camera monitoring equipment.
• A commitment to confidentiality and respect for residents' privacy and independence.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Experience or coursework in human services, social services, or security is a plus but not required.
• Spanish language proficiency is a strong plus. Proficiency in other languages is also valued.

What We Offer

• Paid training on trauma-informed care, hotline response, and shelter safety procedures.
• Flexible part-time schedule with opportunities for extra hours.
• Experience that builds a foundation for a career in human services.
• The chance to support survivors and their families in a meaningful way.

The Women's Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who have lived experience with domestic violence or sexual assault.