Shelter 3rd Shift Supervisor

Porchlight Inc; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Porchlight Inc. is seeking a Shift Supervisor to lead third shift shelter operations for adult residents in a Madison, WI shelter. The role focuses on directing Shelter Assistants, maintaining a safe and structured environment, and providing crisis intervention as needed.

The supervisor will ensure consistent operations, accurate record-keeping, and adherence to shelter policies while collaborating with case management and other staff to support residents’ housing stability and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two years in shelter operations, human services, residential programs, security, or related field.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work calmly during crises or high-stress situations.
• Experience with diverse populations facing homelessness and related challenges.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise third shift Shelter Assistants.
• Provide leadership, coaching, accountability, and real-time problem solving for staff on duty.
• Monitor staff performance and ensure tasks are completed appropriately and consistently.
• Assist with staff training, onboarding, and mentoring of new employees.
• Collaborate with the Shelter Manager to create the third shift schedule and communicate staffing needs.
• Conduct shift briefings and ensure accurate pass-down communication between shifts.
• Model professionalism and trauma-informed interactions at all times.
• Oversee day-to-day shelter operations during the shift and ensure policy compliance.
• Monitor safety, cleanliness, and security; address facility issues and incidents.
• Coordinate with case management and other staff for resident intake, bed assignments, and access.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Crisis management

Staff coaching

Decision making

Education

High school diploma

Associate's or Bachelor's preferred

Job description

Position Summary

The Shift Supervisor provides direct leadership and oversight of shelter operations during assigned shifts. This role is responsible for supervising third shift shelter staff, maintaining a structured environment, responding to crises, and ensuring high-quality care and services for residents.

Shift Supervisors serve as the on-site leaders for their assigned shift and are responsible for ensuring consistent operations, accountability, communication, and adherence to shelter policies and procedures. The position requires strong leadership skills, sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders, and other barriers to stability.

Shift Supervisors will oversee shelter operations across all shelter shifts to ensure continuous supervision and consistency in care and operations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Shift Leadership & Staff Supervision

• Directly supervise third shift Shelter Assistants.
• Provide leadership, coaching, accountability, and real-time problem solving for staff on duty.
• Monitor staff performance and ensure responsibilities are completed appropriately and consistently.
• Assist with staff training, onboarding, and mentoring of new employees.
• Collaborate with the Shelter Manager to create the third shift schedule. Ensure proper shift coverage and communicate staffing concerns to management.
• Conduct shift briefings and ensure accurate pass-down communication between shifts.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and trauma-informed interactions at all times.

Shelter Operations

• Oversee day-to-day shelter operations during assigned shift.
• Ensure shelter policies, procedures, and program expectations are consistently followed by staff and guests.
• Collaborate with Waitlist Administrator, Intake Staff, and Case Managers as needed to monitor resident intake, check-in/check-out procedures, bed assignments, and facility access.
• Maintain accurate logs, reports, incident documentation, and daily records.
• Complete routine walkthroughs of the facility to ensure safety, cleanliness, and security.
• Address operational concerns and notify management of significant incidents or facility issues.

Resident Care & Crisis Intervention

• Foster a respectful, safe, and supportive environment for shelter guests.
• Respond to guest concerns, conflicts, behavioral incidents, and emergencies.
• Utilize de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques when addressing difficult situations.
• Support guests with dignity while maintaining appropriate boundaries and shelter expectations.
• Coordinate with case management or outside emergency services when necessary.

Safety & Facility Oversight

• Monitor building safety and security throughout the shift.
• Enforce emergency procedures and respond appropriately to fire alarms, medical emergencies, or critical incidents.
• Ensure cleanliness and organization of shelter spaces.
• Identify and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in shelter operations, human services, residential programs, security, or related field.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during crises or high-stress situations.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations experiencing homelessness and related challenges.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to complete documentation accurately.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• Training in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, motivational interviewing, CPR/First Aid, and Narcan administration.
• Experience working in a residential or emergency shelter environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and crisis situations.

Work Environment

This position operates in an emergency shelter environment serving adult men experiencing homelessness. The environment may include exposure to crisis situations, behavioral health challenges, and emergency response situations requiring professionalism, sound judgment, and flexibility.