Safety Coordinator – Family Shelter

Location Portland, OR Compensation $24 - $25 per hour (USD)

Job Title:

Safety Coordinator – Family Shelter

Reports To:

Program Supervisor – Family Shelter

Location:

Gresham, Oregon Full-Time | 40 hours/week | Salary Range: $24/hr – $25/hr (DOE) | Benefits Included

Shifts:

Friday-Tuesday 11am-7pm or Wednesday-Sunday 11am-7pm
** About Just Compassion
** Just Compassion of East Washington County is a community-centered nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of unhoused individuals by building relationships and working toward long-term housing stability. We operate with a low-barrier, housing-first approach, ensuring equitable access to services for all individuals.
** Position Summary
** The Safety Coordinator ensures a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment for all participants, staff, and visitors at Just Compassion’s 50-unit family shelter in Gresham, OR. This position maintains a consistent presence in public areas of the shelter, helping to prevent conflicts, enforce community agreements, and respond to emergencies calmly and effectively.

Safety Coordinators work collaboratively with program and clinical staff to uphold a balance of safety and compassion—ensuring shelter operations remain low-barrier, dignified, and grounded in harm-reduction principles.
** Essential Duties and Responsibilities
** Safety and Facility Oversight
* Maintain a visible, approachable presence in common areas, hallways, and outdoor spaces to promote a sense of safety and stability.
* Conduct regular facility walkthroughs to monitor safety conditions, identify maintenance concerns, and ensure secure access to the property.
* Monitor entrances and exits, verifying authorized access and maintaining visitor logs.
* Enforce shelter policies through trauma-informed communication and problem-solving rather than punitive action.
* De-escalate conflicts using nonviolent crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.

Crisis and Emergency Response
* Respond promptly and appropriately to behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and facility safety concerns.
* Use sound judgment in determining when to contact emergency services or on-call supervisory staff.
* Assist in safety planning and incident documentation following established procedures.
* Support evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures as directed during emergencies.
* Maintain accurate incident reports, shift notes, and safety logs.

Participant and Staff Support
* Model respectful, empathetic engagement with participants and uphold Just Compassion’s trauma-informed care standards.
* Provide calm, supportive intervention during conflicts, family stress, or behavioral escalations.
* Collaborate with case managers and behavioral health staff to support participants experiencing crises.
* Assist participants with access to immediate needs (e.g., hygiene items, transportation assistance, or referrals).
* Ensure communal areas remain organized, welcoming, and conducive to family well-being.

Training, Collaboration, and Communication
* Participate in all required trainings, including trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and emergency preparedness.
* Attend staff meetings and safety debriefings to discuss trends, concerns, and improvements.
* Communicate clearly with shelter leadership, sharing updates on incidents, facility conditions, and participant needs.
* Partner with program staff, security vendors, and community responders to promote consistent safety practices.

Compliance and Documentation
* Complete shift logs, incident reports, and facility safety checklists accurately and on time.
* Uphold confidentiality standards in all participant interactions.
* Ensure compliance with state, county, and organizational safety standards.
* Support ongoing quality improvement and policy refinement efforts related to safety and emergency protocols.
** Qualifications
*
* Required:

* High school diploma or equivalent.
* 2+ years of experience in a residential, shelter, security, or human services environment.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to stay calm under pressure.
* Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and de-escalation.
* Ability to…