Shelter Program Manager
Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: 22-25 DOE
Recovery Option Center Emergency Shelter Supervisor
Compassionate Addiction Treatment (CAT) Location: Spokane, Washington Employment Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Reports To: Program Director
---
Position Summary
The Emergency Shelter Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day oversight, safety, and operations of Compassionate Addiction Treatments Recovery Option Center Emergency Shelter. This position ensures that all services align with the Washington State Department of Commerce Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG) guidelines, organizational policies, and trauma-informed, client-centered best practices.
The Supervisor leads frontline shelter staff, ensures consistently high guest services, maintains accurate data and documentation, and oversees facility needsincluding weekly shopping and supplies for meal service.
Core Responsibilities
Facility & Operations Management
Provide daily oversight of shelter operations to ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment.
Ensure compliance with CHG contract requirements, shelter policies, and safety standards.
Oversee meal-service operations, including:
o Conducting all weekly shopping and procurement of food and related supplies.
o Monitoring inventory to prevent shortages and maintain food-safety standards.
Maintain facility cleanliness standards and coordinate maintenance or repairs as needed.
Monitor shelter capacity, bed availability, and adherence to intake, discharge, and guest-support procedures.
Client Support & Housing Progress Tracking
Develop supportive rapport with clients utilizing trauma-informed, harm-reduction principles.
Ensure clients understand program expectations, available services, and pathways toward housing.
Track and monitor each clients progress along the housing-readiness and housing-navigation process, in accordance with CHG reporting and organizational requirements.
Assist clients in accessing basic needs and connecting with internal and external resources.
Respond appropriately to crises, behavioral issues, or safety concerns; document incidents according to policy.
Data Management & Reporting
Maintain complete, timely, and accurate entries in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), including:
o Intakes
o Service provision
o Housing-progress updates
o Exits and outcome data
Monitor data quality for shelter staff and correct errors quickly.
Assist leadership with required CHG program reporting, audits, and data verification.
Staff Supervision & Leadership
Supervise shelter staff, including scheduling, task delegation, support, and performance guidance.
Provide training in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, data entry, shelter procedures, and CHG requirements.
Facilitate team communication, staff meetings, shift handoffs, and ongoing operational updates.
Model professionalism, accountability, and compassionate service to clients.
Compliance, Safety, & Documentation
Ensure shelter operations follow all CAT policies, CHG guidelines, and state/local requirements.
Maintain incident logs, safety documentation, and facility checklists.
Uphold confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times.
Participate in required training, including HMIS certifications, emergency response, and program compliance updates.
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in social services, homeless services, behavioral health, or related field.
Familiarity with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and low-barrier shelter models.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage weekly meal-service shopping and supply tracking.
Computer proficiency and ability to maintain accurate, timely HMIS data entry.
Ability to respond calmly and effectively to crises.
Valid drivers license and ability to transport supplies, food, and equipment as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous supervisory or lead-worker experience.
Prior HMIS data-entry experience.
Experience working with CHG-funded programs, homeless service systems, or housing-navigation services.
Working Conditions
Fast-paced shelter environment with frequent interaction with individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and trauma.
Requires regular lifting of groceries and supplies (up to 35 lbs), local travel for shopping and resource coordination, and extended periods of walking or standing.
Evening, weekend, and holiday coverage may be required depending on program needs.
Workspace Organization & Professional Appearance
Maintains a clean, organized, and professional desk and work area at all times, ensuring the workspace reflects the standards of CATs Emergency Shelter operations.
Keeps work surfaces clear of unnecessary clutter and stores materials, supplies, and confidential documents in appropriate, secure locations.
Organizes files (paper and electronic) in a consistent, efficient manner to support timely access to information and effective communication.
Ensures shared/front-facing areas (as applicable) are orderly and welcoming, including arranging materials neatly and promptly removing outdated or unnecessary items.
Adheres to agency expectations for professionalism, including appropriate display of signage, posted materials, and personal items in the workspace.
Completes multiple walk-throughs daily of the shelter space and kitchen to ensure all areas remain clean, organized, and professional in appearance at all times.
Before leaving for the day, restores the desk and immediate work area to a clean, orderly condition to ensure a professional and ready workspace for the next shift/day.
Follows established safety and sanitation practices, including routine cleaning of the workstation and proper disposal of waste and sensitive documents.
Inpatient Treatment Facility Partnerships & Shelter Access Coordination
Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with all local inpatient treatment facilities to establish consistent referral pipelines into the Emergency Shelter/Recovery Options Center.
Conducts outreach to inpatient treatment centers, including in-person visits as needed, to provide contact information and ensure discharge staff are aware of shelter access pathways for eligible individuals.
Initiates, requests, and schedules meetings with inpatient treatment leadership and discharge planning teams to align referral processes, expectations, and communication protocols.
Serves as the primary point of contact for inpatient treatment facilities regarding post-discharge shelter placement for individuals who are homeless and lack safe housing options.
Coordinates timely intake and placement to support expedited, priority access for individuals discharged upon successful completion of inpatient treatment, consistent with program criteria and bed availability.
Maintains clear, professional communication with facility staff to facilitate rapid referrals, reduce barriers to placement, and support continuity of care following discharge.
Documents outreach efforts, partnership activities, and referral outcomes in accordance with agency standards and reporting requirements.