What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Guest Service Assistant position at The Salvation Army?
Hours 7am to 330pm 1st shift, 300pm to 1130pm (2nd shift), 1100pm to 730am (3rd Shift), Sat & Sun Only 230pm to 1230am (Weekend)
Hiring 4 positions (3 FT & 1 PT)
Work Location In person, 736 West Main Street Lexington, Ky 40508
FUNCTION
The Lead Guest Services Assistant provides on‑site supervision and operational leadership during their assigned shift to ensure that Guest Services operations run safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Salvation Army policies. This role supports both staff and residents by overseeing daily shelter workflow, ensuring adherence to procedures, maintaining accurate documentation, promoting a secure environment, and providing trauma‑informed guest interaction.
Shift Supervision & Leadership
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.
Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.
Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ
and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Hiring 4 positions (3 FT & 1 PT)
Work Location In person, 736 West Main Street Lexington, Ky 40508
FUNCTION
The Lead Guest Services Assistant provides on‑site supervision and operational leadership during their assigned shift to ensure that Guest Services operations run safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Salvation Army policies. This role supports both staff and residents by overseeing daily shelter workflow, ensuring adherence to procedures, maintaining accurate documentation, promoting a secure environment, and providing trauma‑informed guest interaction.
Shift Supervision & Leadership
- Provide direct supervision, guidance, and support to Guest Services Assistants assigned to the shift.
- Serve as the acting leadership authority onsite; model professionalism, calm decision‑making, and respectful engagement.
- Address staff issues in real time and escalate concerns to the Director as needed.
- Ensure adherence to shelter rules, policies, and safety protocols
- Assist with creating, managing, and adjusting staff schedules.
- Respond to call offs and emergencies; coordinate coverage to maintain required staffing.
- Communicate schedule changes or gaps to leadership promptly.
- Cover shifts when needed to ensure uninterrupted operations.
- Greet all individuals entering the facility in a warm, respectful, and trauma informed manner.
- Conduct check ins, building tours, and assist guests in understanding policies and expectations.
- Support guests during meals, ensure orderly dining room operations, and communicate any necessary announcements.
- De-escalate conflicts, respond to crisis situations, and maintain resident safety.
- Circulate throughout the building and grounds at least every 45 minutes to ensure safety and compliance.
- Keep hallways clear of loitering, monitor visitor access, and sign ins.
- Support the cleanliness of facility spaces as assigned.
- Read shift log before beginning duty; record all relevant events during shift.
- Maintain accurate guest headcounts (minimum three per shift).
- Third shift Lead responsible for completing and submitting the official overnight census and medication log.
- Complete incident reports, operational logs, and shift handoff notes.
- Keep assigned statistics updated and accurate.
- Serve as liaison between frontline staff and leadership.
- Communicate operational concerns, incidents, and facility needs promptly.
- Ensure consistent expectations are shared across shift.
- Assist with audits, inspections, and compliance checks.
- Have working knowledge of Employee and Resident Procedure Manuals.
- Provide additional operational support as required to ensure efficient functioning of Guest Services.
- Attend all required training sessions, conferences, and meetings.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a shelter.
- 1-year supervisory experience preferred.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
- Must be sensitive to the issues of families, children, cultural diversity, and homelessness- must be able to assist people and provide assistance in a calm, courteous and polite manner.
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.
Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.
Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ
and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.