Assistant Shelter Director

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River, MA Inc

Published: 6/14/2022

Job Description

The Assistant Shelter Director supports the Shelter Director in overseeing the day-to-day leadership and strategic oversight of St. Joseph’s Shelter. St. Joseph’s Shelter is an individual emergency overnight shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. The shelter operates under a Housing First model, prioritizing rapid and successful housing placement for individuals experiencing homelessness, followed by supportive services to promote stability and self-sufficiency. This role ensures the shelter delivers safe, efficient, dignified, trauma-informed services, and collaborates with local networks of service providers and community partners. The Assistant Shelter Director will ensure that operational policies and procedures are enforced at all times.

The Assistant Shelter Director is responsible for ensuring the functions of the program are met while providing services that are safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and client-centered.

Ability to work as part of a team with a commitment to end homelessness
Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times
Exemplify our mission in action: which is helping those in need and treating others with compassion, dignity and respect.
Ensure the shelter environment remains welcoming, trauma-informed and culturally responsive.
Promote and nurture a positive, accountable workplace culture that reflects the values of collaboration.
Assist the Shelter Director in overseeing daily operation of shelter, including client intake, bed assignment, meal coordination, facility maintenance, and safety and security procedures.
Collaborate with the Shelter Director on the development and implementation of operational procedures and service improvement.
Monitor and enforce compliance with all applicable regulations (local, state, federal), shelter policies, safety procedures, and health regulations.
Manage scheduling and coverage for shelter staff (including evenings/weekends/holidays) –provide coverage during staff absence.
Supervise direct support professionals, case managers, and volunteers – providing coaching, performance oversight, training, and support.

Collaborate and strategize daily with the interdisciplinary team to identify clients’ needs, including resources to help clients access housing, employment, and other mainstream services.

Supervise and work collaboratively with Case Managers to ensure that clients are connected to housing opportunities, employment/training programs, healthcare (including behavioral health), mainstream benefits, and applicable local services.
Work with local services providers (behavioral health, veteran services, affordable housing providers, employment agencies) to build pathways for partnerships.
Provide oversight, direction, and guidance to shelter staff, as well as assist with scheduling, ensuring all shifts operate per required ratio.
Address client crisis, conflicts or challenges (mental health, substance use, medical emergencies) in coordination with the Shelter Director and relevant agencies.
Support the Shelter Director in managing the emergency “winter overflow” shelter.
Monitor shelter capacity trends – maintain accurate operational and programmatic records (bed utilization, client outcomes, incidents, referrals) and produce regular reports as required.
Collaborate with the Shelter Director to evaluate program effectiveness, and identify service gaps, to develop strategic planning for improvement.
Monitor performance metrics (e.g., length of stay, housing placement, exit rate, and reentries) and make appropriate recommendations in response to the program performance.
Facilitate regular team meetings, before and after shift de-briefs, and ongoing training on trauma-informed practice, and de-escalation techniques.
Oversee the daily operations of the day program, ensuring the development and implementation of activities that promote engagement, independence, and well-being.
Collaborates with the Day Program Coordinator to maintain a supportive environment and continuously evaluates program effectiveness, and ensures all activities meet the individual needs and goals of participants.
Ensure the meal menus, inventory supplies, food orders, kitchen duty are completed/assigned by the Shift Supervisor.
Must be certified and maintain Food Sanitation Certification, and prepare meals as needed.
Provide direct support tasks and engage regularly with guests as needed.
Maintain positive relationships with vendors, donors and assisting with volunteer opportunities including outreach to community organizations.
Represent the shelter in local networks/meetings, e.g., the Barnstable County Reginal Network on Homelessness, Winter Response/Emergency Planning Meeting, and other nonprofit/housing agencies.
Must set appropriate boundaries and hold staff and clients accountable for shelter rules and expectations.
Must adhere to all Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) program requirements.
Responsible for the timely completion of all required documentation, including critical incident reports, accident reports and human rights issues according to company policy.
Ensure that the shelter, internal and external property is clean and safe by conducting routine safety and security checks.
Respond to after-hours needs, emergency situations and ensure appropriate action.
Oversee records of shelter safety, building inspections, fire drills, staff meetings and in-services.
Ensure the weekly and monthly vehicle checklist are completed as required.

· Perform Abbott Binax COVID-19 tests for shelter guests/staff as needed.

Assist in recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating the performance of all staff.
Must exhibit strong assessment skills, excellent documentation skills, organization, and communication skills to adequately communicate with clients and co-workers.
Complete all tasks assigned by the Shelter Director.

\nCompany Description

Anchored in faith, our mission is to embrace the dignity of every individual by fostering empowerment, resilience, opportunity, and hope.

Company Description

Catholic Charities is the human services arm of the Diocese of Fall River, MA, offering diverse services throughout Bristol and Barnstable counties including homeless shelters, immigration services, food pantry, meals center, and permanent supportive housing. \r\n\r\nAnchored in faith, our mission is to embrace the dignity of every individual by fostering empowerment, resilience, opportunity, and hope.