Director of PADS AM

Hesed House; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Generous PTO

Counseling and therapy services

Wellness reimbursement

Cell phone reimbursement

Job summary

Hesed House in Aurora, IL seeks a Director of PADS AM to lead the daytime shelter program from 7 AM to 3 PM, seven days a week, ensuring safety and dignity for guests. You will hire and train staff, mentor team members on trauma-informed practices, and collaborate across departments to maintain strong operations and reporting.

Reporting to the Division Director of Programs, you will manage budgets, coordinate with the PM Shelter Director, engage community partners, and drive program success with

Qualifications

• 5+ years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• 3–5 years in homeless services, shelter operations, human services, or related field.
• Experience supporting people facing mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, and crisis.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Budget management and reporting experience.
• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, nonprofit leadership, or related field preferred; relevant experience considered.
• Ability to pass DCFS and criminal background checks, obtain CPR certification within 60 days of hire, and complete annual TB testing.
• MSW or related master's degree preferred; Spanish/English bilingual skills a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build and model a strong culture rooted in Hesed House's core values across the AM program.
• Hire, schedule, and supervise AM shelter staff and interns, and step in to cover when needed.
• Train and develop staff in best practices, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care.
• Take the lead on complex guest situations and keep daily operations safe and orderly.
• Partner closely with the PM Shelter Director to keep the 24/5 program coordinated.
• Build relationships with community partners and lead or attend multi-agency meetings about the guests we serve.
• Work with Development and the Director of Volunteers to strengthen volunteer engagement.
• Develop and manage the PADS Shelter budget with Finance and the PM Associate Director, tracking program expenses and grants.
• Prepare program reports for the Hesed Board and grant funders.

Skills

Leadership

Shelter operations

Crisis intervention

Budget management

Staff development

Communication

Trauma-informed care

Mental health support

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

MSW preferred

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director of PADS AM

Full Time Aurora, IL, US

9 days ago Requisition ID: 1095

Salary Range: $68,000.00 To $72,000.00 Annually

Director of PADS AM (Daytime Shelter Director)

Full-Time

Program: PADS

Pay: $68,000 to $72,000

Hesed House is a faith-based organization and a national model for ending homelessness. Open 24/7, 365 days a year, we serve more than 1,000 people annually through shelter, supportive housing, case management, and connections to healthcare, legal aid, job coaching, and rehousing services.

Our mission

"To feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, and give people the chance to have hope again."

The Role

Our adult emergency shelter serves more than 200 people every night. As Director of PADS AM, you'll lead the daytime program which runs 7 AM to 3 PM, seven days a week, making sure it runs safely and smoothly and reflects the dignity and care at the heart of Hesed House.

Reporting to the Division Director of Programs, you'll hire, train, and lead the AM shelter team, spending much of your time on the floor alongside staff and guests. You'll also represent Hesed House with community partners and work across departments on budgets, volunteers, and reporting.

What you'll do:

• Build and model a strong culture rooted in Hesed House's core values across the AM program
• Hire, schedule, and supervise AM shelter staff and interns, and step in to cover when needed
• Train and develop staff in best practices, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care
• Take the lead on complex guest situations and keep daily operations safe and orderly
• Partner closely with the PM Shelter Director to keep the 24/5 program coordinated
• Build relationships with community partners and lead or attend multi-agency meetings about the guests we serve
• Work with Development and the Director of Volunteers to strengthen volunteer engagement
• Develop and manage the PADS Shelter budget with Finance and the PM Associate Director, tracking program expenses and grants
• Prepare program reports for the Hesed Board and grant funders

You'll Thrive Here If You...

• Are a hands-on leader who's most effective on the floor, not behind a desk
• Stay calm, steady, and decisive in fast-paced, sometimes chaotic situations
• Hold your team accountable while helping them grow
• Are compassionate but firm, with a deep commitment to serving people experiencing homelessness

This may not be the right fit if you prefer a primarily administrative role or a predictable, quiet environment.

What You Bring

• 5+ years of supervisory or leadership experience
• 3–5 years of experience in homeless services, shelter operations, human services, or a related field
• Experience supporting people facing mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, and crisis
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills
• Budget management and reporting experience
• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, nonprofit leadership, or a related field preferred; relevant experience considered
• Ability to pass DCFS and criminal background checks, obtain CPR certification within 60 days of hire, and complete annual TB testing
• Ability to climb stairs regularly and lift up to 50 lbs
• MSW or related master's degree preferred, Spanish/English bilingual skills a plus

Schedule

Generally, Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, overlapping with the PM team for coordination. Some flexibility is needed for weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, starting your first full month
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Generous PTO, including vacation, personal days, and holidays
• Counseling and therapy services
• Wellness reimbursement and cell phone reimbursement