Shelter Associate

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Sick leave

Vacation days (10 per year)

Floating day off

Pension plan

403(b) plan

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory is seeking a Shelter Associate in Colorado Springs. This full-time, non-exempt role reports to the FHC Program Manager and supports administrative and operational tasks for the program.

The position requires strong client interaction, facility monitoring, and teamwork to maintain a safe shelter environment. Responsibilities include front desk duties, incident reporting, coordination with emergency services, and daily shelter tasks such as cleaning and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience working with people is required.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Suite, Clarity/HMIS and Wellsky is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of database applications is expected.
• Ability to learn new software with training.
• Supportive of The Salvation Army's mission.
• Demonstrate high standards and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Interact with clients and maintain rapport with excellent customer service.
• Monitor facility rounds and ensure safety and policy compliance.
• Record logs, incident reports, and required documentation.
• Coordinate with police, fire and human services when needed.
• Oversee front desk duties and basic data entry.
• Assist in shelter operations, cleaning, laundry, and meals.
• Maintain professional boundaries and client-centered approach.

Skills

Experience with people

Ability to use new software programs

Working knowledge of integrated DBs

Model high standards

Supportive of Salvation Army mission

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Clarity/HMIS

Wellsky

Job description

Job Title: Shelter Associate

FLSA Status: Full Time - non-exempt

Reports to: FHC Program Manager

Schedule: 40 hours weekly

Rate of Pay: $18.10 hourly

Closing Date: 11/2/2026

Benefits: Standard; Full-Time, Non-Exempt employees are eligible for but not limited to the following:

• Health, vision, dental, life as well as voluntary life and disability insurance
• Sick leave benefit - 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and availability begins at hire)
• Vacation benefit - 10 vacation days per year, accrued at the rate of .0385 hours for each hour worked, excluding overtime (accrual begins at hire but may not be used until the completion of six months of employment)
• One floating day off for use (accrued immediately, and again annually, but may not be used until the completion of the initial three-month introductory period of employment)
• Pension Plan (after one year of continuous service)
• Voluntary Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (403(b)plan)

Function

Under the supervision of the RJ Montgomery Family Hope Center Program Manager, the Shelter Associate provides administrative and operational support to the Program Manager and general administration as assigned. Serves as the point person for most office matters. Ensures office systems are in place and most effective in the overall operations and functions of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Interact with and monitor clients' behavior and maintain good rapport by providing excellent customer service.
• Encourage clients to comply with facility policy and procedures.
• Make frequent rounds throughout the entire facility including the perimeter of the building, all bunk areas, bathrooms, patio, and kitchen.
• Monitor clients and the facility via security cameras, through the windows, and during scheduled checks.
• Complete logs, incident reports, and all other required documentation
• Respond appropriately to situations of child abuse and neglect.
• Make calls to the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Human Services, or other first responders as directed.
• Observe and report irregularities regarding client behavior or building or security issues as necessary.
• Act as the liaison with police and other emergency services.
• Employ crisis prevention and intervention if a conflict occurs.
• Maintain a strength-based and client-centered approach.
• Monitor clientele's progress toward their goals.
• Model appropriate social skills with clients throughout the shelter environment.
• Provide encouragement and moral support to clients.
• Maintain proper personal and professional boundaries.
• Perform basic front desk duties including answering phones, data entry, filing documents, monitoring video surveillance cameras, and fire prevention/detection alarm notification system.
• Distribute supplies, medications, and other belongings to clients.
• Have a humane and caring attitude toward all clients.
• Give high priority to the welfare of all the clientele.
• Always maintain a professional attitude and appearance.
• Assist in gathering and recording required information from all clientele.
• Understand all policies and procedures for the center and implement them in daily work.
• Accurate collection of vital statistics during intake and discharge of clients
• Maintain accurate attendance records of all clienteles.
• Maintain supplies necessary for front desk operations.
• Ability to be comfortable working with a diverse population.
• Ability to perform intake and exits of clients.
• Ability to inform a client he/she/them must leave based on his performance and assist in bagging up their personal belongings when necessary.
• Ability to enter intake information into two databases and assign beds.
• Ability to search clients and their belongings in a proper manner.
• Oversee or perform the daily operation of shelter tasks including cleaning, laundry, and setting up the kitchen for meals and serving the meals.
• Oversee the cleaning of the front desk area including the staff bathroom.
• When required, will perform drug/alcohol testing on clientele.
• Responsible for adhering to and implementing policies of the RJMC and those of The Salvation Army
• Performs other duties as required.

Education, Experience, Skills, Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with people
• Microsoft Suite, Clarity/HMIS, Wellsky, required.
• Working knowledge of integrated database applications
• The ability to use new software programs with basic training
• Supportive of The Salvation Army's mission.
• Ability to reflect and model the high standards of our organization as one of the world's most distinguished human services charitable organizations.

Driving

If the position requires driving:

• A minimum age of 21 (for insurance provision) and possession of a valid in-state driver's license is required.
• An MVR will be processed every year in accordance with The Salvation Army's policies.

Background Check

• Continued employment will be contingent upon a biennial (every two years) background check that is processed in accordance with The Salvation Army's policies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maneuver.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position.
• Ability to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead.
• Ability to operate telephone.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Ability to access and produce information from the computer.
• Ability to understand written information.
• Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Qualifications

Education: High School or Equivalent (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.