Director of Shelter Services

Description

Lead a Team. Support Survivors. Make a Lasting Impact.

A Safe Place is seeking a passionate and experienced Director of Shelter Services to lead our emergency shelter program in Waukegan, Illinois.

The Director of Shelter Services oversees the daily operations of A Safe Place's emergency shelter and partner hotel shelter programs, ensuring survivors and their families receive comprehensive support, advocacy, and crisis services.

This position combines hands-on client support with program leadership, staff development, crisis management, and quality assurance to ensure high-quality services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A minimum of 60% of work time is dedicated to direct client services.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Lead and oversee daily shelter operations across shelter and hotel locations.
• Ensure consistent, safe, and trauma-informed service delivery.
• Collaborate with agency leadership to establish goals, improve services, and measure outcomes.
• Maintain program compliance with agency policies, funding requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Client Services & Advocacy

• Conduct assessments, intake, safety planning, crisis intervention, and service planning.
• Support survivors in accessing housing, employment, education, childcare, healthcare, transportation, counseling, and legal services.
• Provide education regarding domestic violence, Orders of Protection, and survivor rights.
• Coordinate referrals and ongoing support services.
• Respond to crises and support staff in managing emergency situations.

Staff Supervision & Team Development

• Supervise shelter staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and case consultation.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, and staff development.
• Manage staffing schedules and ensure adequate program coverage.
• Participate in on-call supervision and after-hours emergency response.

Compliance, Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure timely, accurate client documentation and record management.
• Monitor program outcomes, service delivery, and performance measures.
• Support Medicaid documentation and service tracking requirements.
• Prepare reports for leadership, grants, accreditation, and quality improvement efforts.
• Monitor client assistance resources and program expenditures.

Community Partnerships

• Maintain strong relationships with community providers and partner hotels.
• Coordinate services with internal programs and external agencies.
• Promote collaborative, survivor-centered care across all service areas.

Requirements

Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Public Health, Business Management, or a related field.

Three to five years of leadership, program management, and staff supervision experience.

Eligibility as a Mental Health Professional (MHP) or Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) under Illinois guidelines.

Strong leadership, crisis intervention, communication, and organizational skills.

Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and active automobile insurance.

Preferred

LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, or related professional licensure.

Experience in domestic violence, shelter, residential, behavioral health, or social service programs.

Knowledge of Medicaid documentation, IDHS requirements, and CARF standards.

Experience supervising teams in a 24/7 service environment.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed at the emergency shelter, partner hotel locations, agency offices, and community sites, with regular local travel required.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities to support a 24/7 program.
• Ability to effectively manage high-stress situations involving crisis intervention, trauma, and emergency response while maintaining professionalism and sound judgment.
• Must be able to move throughout shelter and hotel locations and respond quickly to emergency situations, including navigating stairs when necessary.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move supplies, donations, furniture, and other items weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Comfortable working around companion animals, emotional support animals, and service animals.

Why Join A Safe Place?

At A Safe Place, you'll have the opportunity to lead a vital program that helps survivors and their families find safety, stability, and hope. You'll work alongside a passionate team committed to creating a community free from violence while making a meaningful impact every day.

Apply today and help survivors build safer, stronger futures.

A Safe Place is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.