Shelter Program Lead

POSITION TITLE:             Shelter Program Leader

DEPARTMENT:                 Social Services 

STATUS:                            Regular-Full-Time; Non-Exempt 

SUPERVISOR:                  Corps Officer

Join a team where you can offer compassion, dignity, and sustainable opportunities for people in need in your local community!

The Salvation Army is an inspiring place to work. With offices in every major US city and over 120 countries around the globe, it’s a place where people can invest in people on every level. In the Northwest region of the US, we serve people with food to shelter opportunities and almost everything in between. We are committed to being an efficient and effective network of local offices that make up a huge western region team. In other words, we’re committed to being big and small at the same time. That makes us a seriously great place to work. As one of the most impactful social service organizations in the world, we hire people who constantly seek new ways to keep us moving forward. We welcome you on finding your place to offer opportunities for people in need!

GENERAL STATEMENT:

The Salvation Army is a branch of the Christian Church, and the ultimate goal of all programs is spiritual regeneration of all people.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

• The Shelter Program Leader works in conjunction with the Shelter Supervisor to oversee nightly shelter operations, supervise Program Aides, and help ensure clients are treated with dignity, empathy, care, and concern.
• The Shelter Program Leader provides on-shift leadership by delegating tasks, following up on expectations, coaching Program Aides, enforcing policies and procedures, and promoting safe work practices.
• The Shelter Program Leader is expected to address immediate needs that arise during the shift, seek assistance from the Shelter Supervisor or Corps Officer when situations cannot be handled at the shift level, and support continuity of shelter operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Answer incoming phone calls and determine the most appropriate resolution.
  Supervise shelter clients and Program Aides during assigned overnight shifts.
• Lead Program Aides during shifts, including task delegation, follow-up, performance expectations, and safe work practices.
• Uphold and enforce The Salvation Army and shelter policies, procedures, safety practices, and standards of conduct.
• Assist Program Aides with daily shelter tasks and ensure assigned duties are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Monitor shelter operations and respond to immediate client, staffing, safety, or operational needs; contact the Shelter Supervisor or Corps Officer when additional direction or assistance is required.
• Address staff call-outs and help maintain shift coverage; fill in for absent staff when needed.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and productive work environment for Program Aides and clients.
• Coach and support Program Aides in providing consistent, trauma-informed, respectful service to shelter clients.
• Document and report incidents and significant events, including who, what, when, and where, in accordance with shelter procedures.
• Maintain client confidentiality and protect shelter records and information.
• Attend and support monthly staff meetings, trainings, and other meetings as directed by the Shelter Supervisor.
• Complete all required trainings within established timelines.
• Work with outside agencies and ensure that they are following The Salvation Army and Shelter Policies and Procedures
• Perform other job-related tasks and functions as assigned.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred, but not required. Regardless of education level, the employee must be able to read, write, and count accurately.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness is preferred.
• Experience supervising or leading staff is preferred.
• Experience working overnight or in an overnight shelter setting is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Detail oriented and attention to detail
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Team player with the ability to lead others and maintain a professional, respectful presence during challenging situations.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing homelessness, crisis, trauma, or significant life stressors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate, record, and report who, what, when, and where when incidents arise.
• Ability to remain calm, use sound judgment, de-escalate conflicts, and seek supervisory support when needed.
• Ability to enforce policies consistently while treating clients with dignity, respect, empathy, and care.
• Ability to organize work, delegate tasks, follow up on assignments, and ensure duties are completed in a timely manner.
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license, be able to pass The Salvation Army motor vehicle report standards, and be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability and willingness to maintain strict confidentiality of client and organizational information.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and make appropriate decisions within the scope of the position.

SOFTWARE-RELATED SKILLS:

• Microsoft Office products suite - Word and Excel required, Airtable, helpful
• Ability to operate a telephone, tablet, computer, and other basic electronic equipment used for shelter operations and documentation.
• Ability to learn and use organizational databases, electronic records, apps, and other software with basic training, as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit, walk, kneel, twist, crouch, squat, bend, stoop, and climb ladders on an intermittent or continual basis.
• Ability to grasp, push, and pull objects and reach overhead.
• Ability to carry and move shelter equipment, supplies, sleeping cots, storage carts, and personal possessions as needed.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds and occasionally lift up to 45 pounds. (usually client backpacks)
• Ability to operate a telephone, tablet, computer, and other basic electronic equipment.
• Ability to successfully complete all required trainings
• Ability to follow and enforce established policies and procedures

Working Conditions:

• Working environment is generally indoors with moderate noise and routine interaction with shelter clients and staff.
• Primary work schedule is overnight at the shelter. This is a full-time position and may require up to 40 hours per week, based on shelter operational needs.
• Work shifts may vary based on staffing and operational needs and may include additional or alternate shifts when necessary to maintain shelter coverage.
• Promote a safe and productive work environment for staff and clients and adhere to The Salvation Army policies and procedures.
• Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally consist of hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt; lighting and temperature are generally adequate.
• •Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions when operationally required.

Work Schedule / Location: 

This is an in-person position located at The Salvation Army’s overnight shelter. Shelter overnight operations are typically between 6:00 pm and 8:00 am with the occasional operations during the day.

The Salvation Army reserves the right to reassign, review the job or to require that different or additional tasks be performed based on the organization’s need or when circumstances change.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.  A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order meet the physical requirements of the position.  The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

A generous benefits package is included with full-time positions:  paid holidays, vacation time, sick time, and medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Health Insurance:  Low bi-weekly premiums for employee-only coverage, Kaiser HMO for those residing in a Kaiser service area, Anthem EPO/PPO is available for those residing outside a Kaiser service area.  Voluntary 1 and family coverage at additional cost.  Delta Dental DHMO and DPPO dental insurance are offered. 

Life and Voluntary Options:  An employer-paid life insurance policy covers employees.  Voluntary supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability plans are available.

Retirement Plans:  Employer-funded Money Purchase Pension Plan (Defined Contribution Plan) 50% vested at five years eligible service time. Plus, an employee-funded voluntary 403(b) option.

Parental Leave:  The benefit is 40 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying events.

Sick Leave:  12 days of Sick Leave annually accruing from day one, eligible for use after three months’ service time. 

Paid Vacation:

Two weeks annually, accruing from day one, for non-exempt positions.
Four weeks annually, accruing from day one, for exempt positions.
Accrued vacation is eligible for use after six months’ service time.

Paid Holidays:  13 designated holidays 1 floating holiday per ye

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Minorities/Women/Veterans/People with Disabilities.