Front Desk at JUST COMPASSION OF EAST WASHINGTON COUNTY in Portland, Oregon

Job description

• The Front Desk serves as the first point of contact for participants, visitors, and community partners at Just Compassion’s Tigard Shelter. This position is responsible for maintaining a welcoming, safe, and trauma-informed reception area while performing administrative and data entry tasks to support overall shelter operations.
• The Front Desk position balances hospitality and administrative responsibilities, ensuring that all participants receive professional, compassionate service and that essential data, including entries into HMIS and internal systems, are completed accurately and timely.

Responsibilities

• Supports daily shelter operations by providing front desk coverage, participant support, administrative coordination, and data entry services.
• Maintains a welcoming, organized, and trauma-informed reception environment for participants, visitors, and community partners.
• Ensures accurate documentation, communication, and coordination of participant information and shelter operations.
• Greet and assist participants, visitors, community partners, and service providers in a professional, welcoming, and trauma-informed manner.
• Answer and route phone calls, emails, and in-person inquiries to appropriate staff or departments.
• Monitor entry and exit activity to maintain building security and ensure only authorized individuals access the facility.
• Maintain participant, visitor, and service provider sign-in logs and related documentation.
• Provide information regarding shelter services, expectations, policies, and available resources.
• Respond calmly and professionally to participant concerns, conflicts, or behavioral escalations and notify supervisory staff as appropriate.
• Input and maintain participant data, service records, bed utilization information, and related documentation within HMIS and internal tracking systems.
• Ensure accuracy of daily data entry including participant intakes, exits, service transactions, and shelter utilization records.
• Maintain paper and electronic files consistent with HIPAA, confidentiality standards, and agency policies.
• Prepare logs, reports, data summaries, and administrative documentation as assigned.
• Support administrative functions including filing, copying, supply tracking, document organization, and work order coordination.
• Assist with internal communications, scheduling coordination, and document management.
• Serve as a communication point during incidents or emergencies by relaying information to staff, participants, and emergency responders as needed.
• Monitor lobby and reception areas to promote safety, cleanliness, and organization.
• Document incidents, facility concerns, maintenance needs, and operational updates promptly and accurately.
• Collaborate with Program Supervisors, Safety Coordinators, Case Managers, and other shelter staff to support coordinated participant services and daily operations.
• Assist with participant check-ins, orientations, and shelter intake processes.
• Communicate effectively across shifts to maintain continuity of information and participant support.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing education related to trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and data management systems.
• Apply housing-first, harm reduction, trauma-informed, and participant-centered approaches in all interactions and services.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of shelter operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in administrative support, customer service, front desk operations, or a related field.
• Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar platforms.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in data entry, recordkeeping, and documentation.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused in fast-paced or crisis situations.
• Demonstrated understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, and trauma-informed engagement practices.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Experience working in a shelter, housing, social services, or human services environment.
• Familiarity with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) or similar data management systems.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities including Spanish, Russian, or other languages commonly spoken by participants.

Skills

Required

• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Calmness under pressure
• Professionalism
• Trauma-informed engagement
• Microsoft Office
• Google Workspace
• Data entry

Benefits

• Just Compassion is committed to supporting the health, well-being, and professional growth of our team members. Benefits for eligible employees may include:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing confidential counseling, financial, and legal support at no cost to team members
• Individual Retirement Account (IRA) retirement savings option
• Paid time off (PTO) for eligible employees
• Paid sick time in accordance with Oregon law
• Paid leave benefits in compliance with Oregon Paid Leave Oregon (PLO), Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as applicable
• Wellness time to support overall employee well-being
• Eleven (11) paid holidays annually
• Professional development opportunities
• $21-$23/hour