Shelter Lead

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Mission

The Father's Heart Street Ministry is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving homeless adults in Oregon City and surrounding areas. Our mission is to extend hope, help, and resources to those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and crisis by meeting basic needs, as well as providing supportive services and pathways to stability and independence.

Overview

The Lead Shelter Navigator provides strategic leadership and program oversight for The Father’s Heart 24/7 stabilization shelter. The Lead Shelter Navigator role provides leadership support to shelter staff and participants experiencing houselessness and housing instability.

This role ensures effective program design, staff management, and community partnerships that advance the organization’s mission of extending hope, help, and resources to those experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

This role specializes in de-escalation of conflict, team dynamic support, and community partnership building. The Lead Navigator is involved in daily operations, enforcing shelter policies, and responding to participant needs and crises with compassion and professionalism. This role oversees individual case plans and case conferences with participants and staff to assist individuals towards sustainable housing success.

As a member of the leadership team, the Lead Navigator is responsible for making decisions on significant matters, including staff hiring, performance management, approval of timecards, program design, policy enforcement, and community partnership development. The role focuses on guiding shelter operations at a systems level, ensuring trauma-informed practices, maintaining compliance with policies and regulations, and fostering a supportive, accountable team culture.

This is a 24/7 shelter with shifts around the clock. Staff shifts are typically 10 hours in length. We utilize a rotating schedule of Wednesdays off. The standard days/nights schedule is Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat. This results in an alternating 3-days on and 4-days off, then 4-days on and 3-days off.

This is a salaried, exempt position.

Key Responsibilities

This is a complex position requiring the ability to adapt to high stress situations and de-escalate conflict. Adherence to HIPAA privacy and general computer skills are required.

Program & Policy Leadership

• Design, implement, and evaluate shelter programs and policies to ensure alignment with organizational mission and participant needs.
• Develop and oversee strategies to promote trauma-informed, inclusive, and equitable shelter practices, with particular attention to historically marginalized communities.
• Oversee data quality and compliance, including case management records, HMIS data, and reporting for funders and leadership.
• Make decisions regarding shelter rules, participant eligibility, and case plan structures.
• Oversee case notes and HMIS data collection.
• Coordinate directly with leadership to communicate staff and program needs.
• Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies, including medical or behavioral incidents.

Staff Leadership & Oversight

• Manage Shelter Navigators and other assigned staff, including recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Approve timecards and ensure compliance with labor policies and organizational standards.
• Provide regular one-on-one supervision and coaching to staff; conduct performance evaluations and corrective action when necessary.
• Lead team meetings and case conferences to review participant progress and guide staff practice.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive team environment that emphasizes accountability, professional growth, and mission alignment.
• Hold one-on-ones with Shelter Staff Navigators to professionally develop and support team.
• Oversee case plan implementation for staff.
• Provide basic support to participants, including referrals, guidance, and de-escalation when needed.
• Monitor shelter areas to ensure cleanliness and safety in common areas, order, and adherence to shelter rules.
• Ensure meal distribution is timely and emergency supply deliveries are actively tracked.
• Work with Shelter staff to identify and develop individual case plans for referrals who are eligible for the shelter program to set up participants for long term success. This can be done before and after shelter intake.
• Work with Shelter staff to document critical incidents and participant specific data.
• Ensure the shelter environment is trauma-informed, inclusive, and respectful, with particular consideration given to historically marginalized communities.

Partnership & Community Engagement

• Build and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, service providers, and government agencies to expand resources available to participants.
• Research and build relationships with community partners to bridge the gap between participant needs and community resources.
• Represent the shelter program at external meetings, coalitions, and community events as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between shelter staff and external partners to ensure effective coordination of services.

Decision-Making & Crisis Oversight

• Exercise independent judgment in responding to complex issues, including participant crises, behavioral interventions, and escalated conflicts.
• Develop and enforce shelter policies and procedures to ensure participant and staff safety.
• Support staff in handling emergencies by providing leadership, guidance, and final decision-making authority.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, with relevant human services or social work experience; Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, public administration, or related field (or equivalent experience) preferred.
• At least two years of experience in shelter, residential, or social service program management, including staff supervision.
• Prior experience working in a shelter, residential facility, or with vulnerable populations is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to design programs, develop policies, and manage compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Strong leadership skills, including hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating staff.
• Experience with HMIS or similar data management systems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions on significant organizational matters.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Successful background check.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

· Support the core values of The Father’s Heart in attitude and action.

· Strategic leadership with the ability to guide staff and programs toward long-term success, and demonstrated ability to lead a team through communication and proactive problem solving; identifying and resolving problems in a timely manner.

· Works well in group problem solving situations.

• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to manage sensitive personnel and participant issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and lead with compassion.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and written communication.
• General knowledge of computer and internet communication and software.
• Ability to remain calm in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and a nonjudgmental attitude.

Work Environment

This position involves standing, walking, and light lifting.

May include weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts.

Exposure to individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance use, or trauma-related behaviors.