Shelter Director

Primo Center•Chicago, IL

37d•$70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Primo Center is seeking qualified, caring individuals who want to make a difference by supporting families experiencing homelessness by working as the Interim Housing Shelter Director . ABOUT PRIMO CENTER The mission of Primo Center is to empower families to become productive, responsible, and independent members of their community. Today, the Primo Center is a leader in providing family shelter and permanent supportive housing, as well as integrated physical, dental, and mental health care, early childhood development, and supportive services to homeless families in Chicago. The organization has considerable capacity and experience as a provider of services to families affected by extreme poverty and homelessness, assisting more than 1100 people each year with the aid of volunteers, over 90 staff members, and an annual operating budget of nearly $10 million. Primo Center operates facilities in high-need communities across Chicago, with locations in Austin on the city’s west side, Englewood on the south side, and Hermosa on the northwest side.

Requirements

Commitment to Primo Center’s mission and values
BA/BS in Social Work, Human Services, or related field; or 5-10 years equivalent experience
5+ years of direct supervisory/management experience in social services
5+ years working with families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or trafficking
Deep knowledge of community resources, mainstream benefits, and child welfare
Proficiency with HMIS, ClientServe, STARS, or similar data systems
Strong verbal, written, and cultural-competency skills
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Availability for after-hours, weekend, and on-call shifts as needed
To ensure effective on-site leadership and client support, this role requires the ability to: Lift and carry up to 25 lbs. (e.g., supplies, personal belongings) Stand, walk, bend, and climb stairs frequently throughout a shift Respond rapidly to crises—move quickly across the facility and grounds Perform routine inspections of communal areas (bending, reaching) Work in a variety of indoor settings; occasional exposure to loud or crowded environments

Responsibilities

Develop community partnerships and create MOUs with service providers
Collaborate with the treatment team, creating comprehensive intake assessments for families referred to the program
Determine family status: diversion, short-term support, or shelter enrollment
Maintain regulatory-compliant case files; submit documentation to clinicians
Provide clinical direction and consultation to case managers, including crisis interventions
Generate monthly progress reports with therapists and program staff
Oversee outcomes evaluations and ensure accurate HMIS, Client Serve, STARS, etc., data entry.
Facilitate weekly social-emotional groups for adults and children
Conduct programmatic meetings and case staffing sessions
Offer immediate crisis intervention and de-escalation support
Enforce communal living guidelines, house rules, and safety codes
Support families in obtaining and maintaining mainstream benefits
Provide reflective supervision to case managers and house managers
Stay current on best practices through training, workshops, and conferences
Represent Primo Center at community events and stakeholder meetings
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Chief Programs Officer
Partner with the Facilities Director to ensure regular inspection and maintenance of client areas.
Coordinate facility improvements to maintain high‑quality living environments for residents.
Establish and monitor operational routines to ensure readiness for external audits and city inspections.