Shelter Staff Lead

The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 29,618 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Employer-funded pension plan

Comprehensive health care coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory seeks a Shelter Staff Lead in Cambridge, MA to manage shelter operations, staff performance, and ensure safety for all guests. Responsibilities include guiding staff, maintaining a secure environment, and assisting those experiencing homelessness. The role requires at least two years of relevant experience and strong leadership skills.

This position offers a wage of $21.50 to $25.00 per hour, based on experience, alongside a generous benefits package. Join us to provide meaningful support to those in need.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in shelter services or human services.
• Completion of leadership training program required.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Screen guests and enforce shelter guidelines.
• Lead staff during shifts and provide coaching.
• Document incidents and maintain logs accurately.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Conflict Resolution

Leadership

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Salvation Army’s Cambridge Corps is hiring a Shelter Staff Lead (2). Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, holidays, and up to three personal days.
• Employer‑funded pension plan (company contributions begin after one year of employment).
• Comprehensive health care coverage with low‑cost employee premiums, co‑pays, and deductibles.
• Supplemental insurance options, including Short Term Disability, AFLAC, and Voluntary Term Life.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Eligibility for the Federal Government’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Most importantly – a job with a good purpose.

Location

402 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA

Hours per Week

40 hours per week

Exemption Status

Non‑exempt

Pay Range

$21.50 to $25.00 per hour. Starting pay may vary depending on experience and qualifications.

Duties & Responsibilities

Maintain a Safe and Secure Environment

• Screen guests upon arrival and assess their ability to function within shelter guidelines.
• Orient new guests to shelter guidelines and expectations.
• Monitor all activities within the shelter facility, ensuring that all guests adhere to established rules and program expectations.
• Respond appropriately to the needs and requests of shelter guests and assist in resolving conflicts and crises.
• Encourage, support, and motivate guests to foster cooperative participation within the shelter community.
• Maintain detailed logs of events, incidents, guest concerns, and pertinent information for staff communication and continuity of care.
• Field phone inquiries and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Respond to emergencies, incidents, and critical situations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Complete incident reports and ensure proper notification of supervisory staff when necessary.

Lead and Support Shelter Operations

• Serve as the lead staff member during assigned shifts, acting as the primary point of contact for staff and guests.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to shelter staff regarding policies, procedures, and guest interactions.
• Assist with training and orientation of new shelter staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Ensure consistent implementation of shelter policies, safety procedures, and program expectations.
• Monitor staff performance during assigned shifts and communicate concerns, successes, and operational issues to the shelter director.
• Assist with shift scheduling, coverage coordination, and communication regarding staffing concerns as needed.
• Participate in the review and implementation of shelter procedures and best practices.
• Assist in preparing for audits, inspections, accreditation reviews, and compliance monitoring activities.

Maintain a Clean and Orderly Environment

• Implement established procedures to keep the kitchen, common areas, offices, and sleeping areas clean and orderly.
• Monitor use of laundry facilities and distribution of towels, linens, and bedding.
• Assist in preparing, serving, and cleaning up meals as needed while supervising guest participation.
• Maintain inventory of shelter supplies and communicate needs to the shelter director.
• Conduct routine facility walkthroughs to identify safety hazards, maintenance needs, and cleanliness concerns, reporting findings appropriately.

Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities

• Review daily logs and documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensure all required forms, guest records, and reports are completed according to agency standards.
• Assist with data collection, reporting requirements, and program statistics as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of guest information in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulations.

Team Participation

• Participate in weekly staff meetings and required trainings.
• Assist in fostering a collaborative, respectful, and mission‑focused work environment.
• Support implementation of program goals and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties within the scope of the position as assigned.

Qualifications

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required. Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Completion of Aspire Leadership Training or a similar program required.
• Completion of HMIS Clarity Training required.

Work Experience

• Minimum of two years of experience in shelter services, residential programs, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Previous supervisory, leadership, or team coordination experience preferred.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or other barriers to housing preferred.

Other Qualifications

• Interest in and ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to lead by example and support a positive team environment.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment during emergencies and crisis situations.
• Proficiency in documentation and recordkeeping.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification.

Physical Requirements

• Sit, stand, walk, bend, squat, kneel, climb, twist, and move about the work environment on an occasional to frequent basis.
• Reach, grasp, push, pull, and handle objects such as files, office supplies, equipment, and reference materials, including reaching overhead when necessary.
• Set up, adjust, and operate office equipment and technology commonly used in a professional work environment.
• Use a telephone, computer, and other electronic communication devices effectively.
• Operate standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, scanners, and other related devices.
• Occasionally lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Regular travel throughout the service area, including visits to schools, homes, courts, community agencies, and partner organizations. Evening and occasional weekend hours may be required to meet the needs of youth and families.

Cognitive and Professional Requirements

• Apply sound judgment and make informed decisions in a variety of situations.
• Analyze information, think critically, and solve complex problems effectively.
• Plan, organize, and manage projects from inception through completion.
• Demonstrate creativity, innovation, intuition, and perceptiveness in addressing challenges and opportunities.
• Adapt to changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with colleagues, youth, families, service providers, and community partners.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Salvation Army is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified job applicants, job candidates, and employees with disabilities to ensure they enjoy equal access to all employment opportunities and benefits of employment as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO is the law.