Shelter Manager

Walker's Point Youth & Family Center; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Walker's Point Youth & Family Center is seeking a Program Director/Shelter Manager to oversee a licensed emergency youth shelter. You will lead daily operations, ensure safety, manage admissions, and supervise staff within a 24-hour program.

The role requires compliance with Wisconsin DCF 57 and strong leadership. Responsibilities include developing treatment plans, coordinating services, maintaining documentation, and preparing for licensing reviews.

Qualifications

• The Program Director/Shelter Manager must meet Wisconsin DCF 57 requirements for both positions.
• Bachelor's degree or higher with supervisory child welfare experience or 5 years licensed group care experience.
• Must meet resident care staff requirements under DCF 57.10(3)(c) and related licensing.
• Experience supervising staff in 24-hour programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation, safety, staffing, and overall shelter functioning.
• Approve admissions, discharges, and service coordination.
• Develop and update resident assessments and treatment/service plans.
• Ensure licensing compliance and adherence to agency standards.
• Directly supervise staff and ensure 24-hour coverage.
• Prepare for licensing reviews, audits, and corrective actions.
• Respond to crises and participate in on-call rotations.
• Maintain communication with parents, schools, and community partners.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Leadership

Crisis intervention

HMIS

Documentation

Staff development

Staff scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in related field

2+ years supervised child welfare experience OR 5 years licensed group care experience

Tools

HMIS system

Safety protocols

Job description

Shelter Manager

Department: Crisis & Shelter Services

Reports To: Director of Programs & Compliance

Supervises: Youth & Family Specialists; Shelter and Transitional Case Manager

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: $55,000-60,000 annually, based on experience and education

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 3-11pm Friday- Saturday 7am-3pm

The Program Director/Shelter Manager is responsible for the overall program oversight and daily operation of Walker's Point Youth & Family Center's licensed emergency youth shelter. This position fulfills the responsibilities of both the Program Director and Group Home Manager under Wisconsin DCF 57.

The position oversees shelter operations, admissions, resident services, staffing, supervision, training, documentation, licensing compliance, and program quality. The Program Director/Shelter Manager ensures youth receive safe, consistent, trauma-informed, and youth-centered services while maintaining compliance with state licensing requirements, agency policies, grants, and contracts.

Essential Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation, safety, staffing, and overall functioning of the emergency youth shelter.
• Oversee and approve resident admissions, discharges, and service coordination.
• Develop, review, and update resident assessments and treatment/service plans as required by DCF 57.18.
• Periodically review and update shelter policies and procedures to maintain compliance with licensing requirements and agency standards.
• Directly supervise Youth & Family Specialists and the Shelter & Transitional Case Manager.
• Develop staff schedules and ensure adequate coverage for the 24-hour shelter.
• Participate in interviewing, hiring, onboarding, supervision, performance management, and staff development.
• Ensure staff complete required orientation, training, background checks, certifications, and personnel documentation before working independently when required.
• Monitor youth files, case notes, assessments, treatment/service plans, incident reports, communication logs, HMIS/data entry, and other required documentation.
• Ensure youth receive appropriate case management, counseling referrals, educational support, transportation, meals, basic needs, recreation, and connections to community resources.
• Maintain compliance with DCF 57, government contracts, grant requirements, agency policies, and other applicable standards.
• Prepare for licensing reviews, monitoring visits, audits, and corrective action activities.
• Respond to and provide supervisory guidance during youth behavioral, medical, safety, or crisis situations.
• Maintain appropriate communication with parents/guardians, schools, service providers, law enforcement, and community partners as needed.
• Oversee shelter food, groceries, supplies, menus, and basic operational needs within the approved budget.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and ensure effective communication across shifts.
• Promote a safe, respectful, trauma-informed environment that protects youth rights, confidentiality, dignity, and well-being.
• Participate in the agency's on-call rotation and respond to urgent shelter situations as assigned.
• Complete other duties necessary for the safe and effective operation of the program.

Required Qualifications

The Program Director/Shelter Manager must meet the qualifications required under Wisconsin DCF 57 for both the Program Director and Group Home Manager positions.

The individual must have one of the following qualifications for Program Director:

• Bachelor's degree or higher and at least 2 years of supervised child welfare work experience; OR
• At least 5 years of experience working with children or adults in a licensed group care setting.

The individual must also meet all applicable resident care staff requirements under DCF 57.10(3)(c) and any other licensing requirements applicable to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Experience working in a youth shelter, group home, residential care, crisis, homelessness, or child welfare setting.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin DCF 57 licensing requirements.
• Experience supervising staff in a 24-hour program.
• Experience with trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, case management, HMIS, and government-funded programs.
• Strong organizational, communication, documentation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to crisis situations.

Schedule & On-Call Expectations

This is a full-time leadership position supporting a 24-hour youth shelter. The Program Director/Shelter Manager must maintain flexibility based on program needs and participate in the agency's on-call rotation. Occasional evening, weekend, holiday, and after-hours work may be required.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to safely navigate the shelter environment, including stairs; respond to emergency situations; and lift or carry at least 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Equal Opportunity

Walker's Point Youth & Family Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects and supports the youth, families, and communities we serve.