Are you a dedicated leader passionate about supporting underserved communities, particularly women experiencing homelessness? The Sophia Way is looking for a compassionate and empathetic individual to join our team as a Shelter Lead. Your expertise and dedication will play a crucial role in making significant and lasting positive changes in the lives of our clients.
Our Mission
The Sophia Way is a place of hope and change for women. We support them on their journey from homelessness to safe and stable living.
The Position
The Shelter Lead is responsible for guiding and supervising staff within the shelters, ensuring a safe and supportive environment, and maintaining the quality of shelter operations. This role also involves providing direct services to clients. Candidates must be skilled in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care models. Ongoing training will be provided to support these competencies.
Responsibilities
The essential functions of this role include but are not limited to:
-
Collaborate with Programs Managers and HR to onboard, train, and mentor new shelter staff.
-
Supervise shelter staff and shift leads, ensuring clear communication and adherence to shelter policies and procedures.
-
Utilize trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, de-escalation, and harm reduction techniques.
-
Monitor staff progress through training programs and assist with completion of materials.
-
Fill in for staff absences and participate in the on-call rotation.
-
Lead monthly shelter team and community meetings and facilitate groups within the shelter; participate in program and agency meetings and relevant trainings, including inter-agency groups.
-
Ensure smooth transitions and up-to-date information exchanges during staff changeovers.
-
Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for staff and clients.
-
Assist clients with understanding shelter routines, program requirements, and policies.
-
Intervene in client crises using de-escalation and conflict mediation tools.
-
Manage and coordinate client shelter intakes and exits in conjunction with housing case managers and staff; update HMIS with client attendance data and ensure accuracy.
-
Document relevant client interactions in the confidential daily log.
-
Oversee the setup of donated and delivered meals, ensuring food safety guidelines are followed.
-
Monitor supplies, update inventory, and manage ordering as needed.
-
Complete required documentation for in-kind donations received at the shelter.
Organizational & Supervisory Responsibilities:
-
Understand and follow TSW organizational policies, leading by example.
-
Provide frequent feedback and hold staff accountable.
-
Conduct Shelter Log and shelter staff Shift Duty Checklist audits; track and respond to client grievances
-
Communicate Shelter Activity Calendar updates to staff; coach staff on activity facilitation and assist as needed.
Assist with other organizational activities as directed.
Education and experience
-
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in social or human services, psychology, sociology, or other related field, and
-
Minimum of one year of related professional experience
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.
Qualifications
-
Knowledge of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, de-escalation, and harm reduction techniques; ability to effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and provide respect, dignity, and compassion in a culturally sensitive manner.
-
Ability to maintain clear personal and professional boundaries.
-
Ability to work effectively in an evolving and often demanding or chaotic environment; ability to respond calmly and responsibly in emergency and crisis situations.
-
Ability to complete assignments and tasks independently; ability to communicate well both orally and in written form, and follow detailed instructions.
-
Ability to remain alert and on duty for the duration of shifts.
-
Basic computer skills including the use of Google Suite programs; ability to accurately document information for required client and staff records.
-
Physical ability to lift at least 35 pounds on a regular basis; ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and perform light cleaning duties.
-
Current CPR/First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens and Food Worker training certifications, or ability to obtain immediately after hire (paid for by The Sophia Way).
-
Current driver's license.
-
Recent TB test or ability to obtain immediately after hire (must show proof of negative TB test results).
Position reports to the Programs Managers and participates in a shared leadership model involving supervision of Shelter Staff, Shift Leads, and Volunteers.
Schedule
This is a full-time, exempt position. The schedule may vary due as operational needs change.
Compensation and Benefits
The pay for this position starts at $59,740 per year.
In addition to making a positive impact in clients' lives, some of the benefits offered by The Sophia Way include:
-
Generous PTO
-
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options
-
IRA with 3% employer match
-
Educational Assistance Program
-
Free telehealth services
-
Employe Assistance Program
-
And more
EOE