Assistant Shelter Director (RPC)

PathForward•Arlington, VA

About The Position

Are you a strong, compassionate leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and wants to make a direct impact on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness? PathForward is seeking an Assistant Shelter Director for our Residential Programs Center (RPC) to help lead daily shelter operations, support frontline staff, and ensure a safe, structured, and dignified environment for our guests. This is a highly visible leadership role that blends operational oversight, staff supervision, crisis response, and program excellence. If you are energized by responsibility, teamwork, and meaningful work, this role offers both challenge and purpose. As the Assistant Shelter Director, you will serve as a key operational leader of the shelter. In partnership with the Shelter Director, you will ensure the shelter runs safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with agency, County, State, and Federal standards. When the Shelter Director is not present, you will assume full responsibility for shelter operations. This role is ideal for someone who is hands-on, decisive, calm under pressure, and deeply committed to both staff development and client care. Please note: the contents of this job advertisement are a high-level synopsis of job responsibilities. Candidates who are chosen to proceed in the interview process will be provided with a full job description upon request.

Requirements

BSW or similar degree required
Minimum of 3 years of management experience
Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness
Experience in multicultural environments
CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
Strong judgment and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and documentation abilities
Ability to lead with empathy, professionalism, and consistency
High level of organization, confidentiality, and accountability
Proven ability to develop and motivate teams
Calm, confident presence during emergencies
Reliable, flexible, and solution-oriented
Valid driver’s license and auto insurance
Ability to lift at least 30 pounds
Ability to work in a shelter environment with frequent interruptions
Willingness to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, holidays, and in varied weather

Responsibilities

Lead and directly supervise all Shelter Monitors
Ensure client safety, shelter security, and regulatory compliance
Respond to crises, emergencies, and complex client situations
Maintain shelter operations, documentation, and reporting
Support a positive, professional, and accountable workplace culture
Collaborate with Case Managers, Medical Respite staff, and other shelter partners
Maintain Shelter SOPs, Guest Handbook, and compliance documentation
Monitor shelter environment to ensure safety, cleanliness, and order
Respond immediately to emergencies or security incidents
De-escalate conflicts and intervene in client crises
Ensure proper move-in/move-out procedures and bed tracking
Manage hypothermia operations during hypothermia season
Ensure accurate, timely daily logs, incident reports, and CIRs
Maintain ETO data and reporting to meet all regulatory requirements
Communicate shelter activity and client issues with Case Management and leadership
Report facility maintenance and safety needs
Hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and discipline Shelter Monitors
Provide real-time coaching, feedback, and corrective action
Develop staff schedules ensuring 24/7 coverage
Approve timesheets and ensure accurate payroll documentation
Conduct 180-day and annual evaluations
Plan and deliver ongoing staff training and development
Provide active on-call leadership support during crises and emergencies
Serve as acting Shelter Director when the Shelter Director is absent
Work closely with Case Managers, Medical Respite, and partner programs
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and inter-agency collaborations
Support interns and volunteers alongside the Volunteer Coordinator