What are the responsibilities and job description for the Room at the Inn Program Manager position at Unity Shelter?
Unity Shelter: Providing safe shelter through community care
www.unityshelter.org
Unity Shelter, Inc. provides basic needs support, emergency shelter, and transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in Corvallis and Benton County. Creating safe, low-barrier spaces where people can rest, recover, and connect with supportive services is central to our mission.
Position: Room at the Inn Program Manager
Reports to: Executive Director
Hours: Full-time; variable Monday - Friday with evening and weekend availability
Pay Rate: Salaried, starting at $50,000/year DOE
Location: 1166 NW Jackson Ave., Corvallis; other locations as needed
Position Summary:
The Room at the Inn Manager oversees the daily operations of Room at the Inn Women’s Shelter, providing nightly shelter, basic needs, a safe space to sleep, and coordinated services for female-identifying and gender-nonconforming individuals experiencing homelessness.
This role supervises Shelter Staff and volunteers, maintains regular engagement with shelter guests, and coordinates closely with internal teams and external service partners. The Program Manager serves as a primary point of contact for community partners and works with Unity Shelter leadership to ensure safe, effective operations grounded in dignity, trauma-informed care, equity, and accountability.
Position Responsibilities
Facilities & Operations
- Oversee daily shelter operations to ensure a safe, welcoming, and low-barrier environment.
- Coordinate basic maintenance and address facility concerns in a timely manner.
- Manage shelter facilities and on-site microshelters to maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety for guests, staff, volunteers, and partners.
- Coordinate inventory and restock shelter supplies, and document donations, including food and in-kind items.
- Supervise meal set-up and service in compliance with food safety guidelines.
- Ensure accurate documentation of attendance, incidents, and services using daily logs and shelter management software.
Guest Safety, Engagement, & Care
- Support guests in understanding shelter routines and expectations while maintaining flexibility consistent with Unity Shelter’s low-barrier model.
- Model and reinforce trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and gender-affirming interactions.
- Utilize de-escalation and harm-reduction strategies to calmly and effectively respond to conflict or crises.
- Uphold shelter policies, procedures, and ethical standards while prioritizing dignity, safety, and respect.
Staff & Volunteer Leadership
- Supervise, schedule, and support Shelter Staff and volunteers to ensure consistent coverage and quality care.
- Foster a workplace culture rooted in compassion, accountability, professionalism, and effective communication.
- Ensure new staff and volunteers are oriented to shelter operations, safety protocols, and Unity Shelter values.
- Support training completion and ongoing professional development of staff.
- Address performance concerns promptly and fairly, using coaching and corrective action aligned with Unity Shelter policies.
Training, Coordination, & Collaboration
- Participate in program, management, and leadership meetings as required.
- Coordinate with Unity Shelter’s Care Team, case management partners, and community providers to support guest stability and access to services.
- Serve as a collaborative and professional representative of Unity Shelter with partners, host sites, and community stakeholders.
- Elevate guest feedback, operational concerns, and systemic barriers to leadership to support continuous improvement.
Safety, Ethics, & Accountability
- Ensure shelter operations comply with organizational policies, safety standards, and applicable regulations.
- Respond to emergencies and incidents appropriately, ensuring timely documentation and communication.
- Use data, observations, and staff input to improve shelter operations and enhance guest experience.
Other Duties:
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Desired Skills & Qualifications
- Minimum two years of program management or staff supervision experience.
- Minimum two years of experience in social services preferred.
- Associate degree or higher in health and human services, public health, social work, or related field preferred.
OR equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing homelessness in a shelter setting.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and harm reduction.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and respond calmly in crisis situations.
- Experience working with diverse populations with sensitivity to culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, age, and mental or physical health.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in highly active, fast-paced environments.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft 365.
- Ability to accurately document client and staff information.
- Valid driver’s license, car insurance, and reliable transportation.
- Knowledge of local resources in Corvallis, Benton County, and surrounding areas preferred.
- Completion of or willingness to complete training in food handling, CPR/First Aid, Narcan administration, Mental Health First Aid, and Trauma-Informed Care.
Equal Opportunity & Accessibility Statement
Unity Shelter is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, religion, criminal history, disability, age, or veteran status.
Unity Shelter complies with federal and state disability laws and provides reasonable accommodations for employees and volunteers. To request accommodations during the application or interview process, contact Lexi Greenley at lexi@unityshelter.org.
Pay: From $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
- Overnight Shift (Required)
Work Location: In person