Community Shelter Director

Summary

As the Emergency Shelter Director, you will oversee the operations and management of the shelter, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for residents. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will leverage your leadership and supervisory experience to develop a skilled team, implement care plans, and enhance long-term care services. Your core skills in communication and team development, combined with premium expertise in complex psychiatric conditions and substance use/abuse, will be essential in fostering a compassionate atmosphere. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related mental health field OR at least five years of experience managing an adult emergency shelter. Extensive experience in emergency shelter management may substitute for educational requirements.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals diagnosed with complex psychiatric conditions and/or substance use disorders in a human services setting.
• Experience with trauma-informed care principles and the ability to integrate them into shelter operations is preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to mentor, motivate, and develop a team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and inclusivity.
• Ability to manage crisis situations, make sound decisions under pressure, and de-escalate conflicts effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to operate general office equipment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English.
• Commitment to serving individuals from diverse backgrounds, including various socioeconomic statuses, races, ethnicities, ages, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, political and religious beliefs, family compositions, and mental, physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and some holidays.

Primary Responsibilities

Shelter Operations & Staff Management

• Supervise and support shelter specialists and kitchen staff, ensuring a high standard of service and professionalism.
• Develop and manage the annual emergency shelter budget in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Oversee shelter operations, ensuring adherence to all policies and procedures while reviewing and updating guidelines annually.
• Ensure all client data is accurately recorded and maintained in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), ensuring compliance with reporting standards.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed shelter environment for residents and staff.
• Create and manage shelter staff schedules to maintain adequate coverage and smooth operations.
• Provide on-call support for shelter staff on a rotating basis or as assigned, addressing urgent issues as they arise.

Community Partnerships & Service Coordination

• Develop and maintain partnerships with local service providers, government agencies, healthcare providers, and mental health organizations to enhance shelter client support services.
• Liaise with healthcare and mental health professionals to coordinate care for residents and maintain compliance with service agreements.
• Ensure staff are trained in making appropriate referrals to community resources, ensuring wraparound support for residents.

Training, Compliance & Program Development

• Train and educate shelter specialists on policies, procedures, trauma-informed care, and best practices for shelter operations.
• Facilitate regular shelter staff meetings to ensure clear communication, problem-solving, and professional development.
• Monitor and assess shelter programs to ensure effectiveness, making recommendations for improvements.
• Ensure client paper and electronic records are accurate, up to date, and compliant with confidentiality and documentation standards.
• Promote an equitable and inclusive work environment, ensuring policies and practices support diverse shelter staff and residents.
• Plan and implement structured activities that promote a rehabilitative and therapeutic environment for shelter residents.
• Stay informed on best practices in emergency shelter operations, homelessness, mental health, and addiction services.

Other Duties

• Perform other tasks assigned by the Executive Director to support the mission and operations of the shelter.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance (BCBS)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Simple IRA Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO) (Available after the probationary period)
• Flextime & Flexible Scheduling (Position Dependent)
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Birthday Leave

Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $71,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• On call
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Springfield, IL 62703 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Springfield, IL 62703: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $71,000