Homeless Shelter Job Descriptions

by Valerie Bolden-Barrett, Demand Media

Homeless shelters house either women or only men and some are havens for children. Since their services differ, the people they hire do, too. Most shelters have a director or general manager, counselors, case workers and daytime and overnight caretakers, if they provide 24/7 refuge. Positions are full- or part-time, depending on the shelter’s services.

Shelter Director

Shelters have directors who oversee all of the home’s daily operations. They manage client services, including intake and discharge procedures. They manage the home’s finances, including budgets and billing. They also ensure that the home meets local and state regulations covering health, safety and capacity requirements. Shelter directors hire and manage staff and oversee volunteers. They develop skills-training, vocational and recreational programs for residents. Directors typically have four-year degrees in human services and previous managerial experience. Some are child advocates or specialize in handling domestic violence or substance-abuse cases. Directors usually work fulltime and earn, on average, $57,950 annually.

House Manager

House managers in some shelters are “directors” with the same responsibilities. In other shelters, they oversee operations in the director’s absence. They usually have human services training and a two- or four-year degree. House managers work fulltime, depending on a shelter’s size and services. They earn about $32,000 a year.

Case Manager

Case managers work one-on-one with residents. They handle residents’ problems case-by-case, which might include struggles with domestic violence, physical or emotional illness, alcoholism, drug abuse and other conditions that contributed to their homelessness. Case managers coordinate services for clients who need permanent housing, health care, financial help or job training. Case managers usually have a bachelor’s degree and previous experience in human services. They earn an average annual salary of $35,000.


Shelters hire counselors as basic caretakers for residents. Counselors may drive residents to community services for help with permanent housing, health care, drug or alcohol problems and children’s needs. They maintain the residents’ safety in shelters and either live on the premises or work part-time night shifts. Counselors in this role usually need a high school diploma and a state driver’s license. They earn about $11 per hour. Professional counselors may treat addictions and emotional illnesses or may help long-term unemployed adults cope with homelessness. Some counselors have experience in handling troubled youth or released prisoners. Most work part time at shelters. Psychologists and some social workers are mental health counselors. Professional counselors have at least a four-year degree. Psychologists must be state-certified. Mental health counselors earn a median wage of $37,410 and substance abuse counselors, $36,750. Shelter psychologists earn a median salary of $53,380.

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