Assistant Shelter Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The Assistant Shelter Program Manager assists the Shelter Program Managers in providing day-to-day leadership and operational oversight across Agate's housing-focused shelter sites. The role combines staff supervision, operational coordination, and direct service to help ensure guests' basic needs are met and that each shelter remains safe, hospitable, clean, and supportive for guests and staff. Agate's shelters primarily serve individuals that identify as females and couples. Each shelter has a full-time Shelter Program Manager who retains primary leadership and accountability.

As part of Agate's shelter leadership structure, the Assistant Shelter Program Manager reinforces consistent practice across sites and helps staff deliver responsive, housing-focused services. In coordination with the Shelter Program Managers, this position addresses emerging operational needs, coaches staff through difficult situations, supports continuity across shifts, and steps into direct guest service when needed. The work reflects Agate's commitment to Housing First, Harm Reduction, trauma-informed care, equity, and practical pathways toward housing stability. This position is part of the 24/7 shelter rotation schedule, meaning that you would be assigned 24-hour coverage responsibilities that rotate among a team of 6.

Schedule : Mon-Thur or Thur-Mon, Rotating with other Assistant Managers (4 days per week)

Primarily 1pm-11pm, rotating 1st, 2nd shifts. 3rd shift, weekend, and holiday shifts, as needed for coverage.

Compensation: $62,000-65,000

Full time, exempt, non-union position

Position Responsibilities:

• Quality Assurance and Safety
• Help ensure each shelter is a safe, welcoming, clean, and affirming space for guests and staff by communicating and upholding shelter expectations.
• Support guests experiencing crises, conflict, or disciplinary concerns and model positive, person-centered de-escalation.
• Assist in managing emergency situations and maintaining the safety and security of guests and staff.
• Uphold best practices, including Harm Reduction, Housing First, trauma-informed care, and professional boundaries.
• Supervision and Staff Development
• Assist the Shelter Program Managers with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating full-time, part-time, and on-call shelter staff.
• Meet regularly with direct reports, provide coaching, approve timecards, support individual development goals, and complete performance evaluations in a timely manner.
• Provide clear shift expectations, team-building support, and consistent follow-up while ensuring staff complete required training.
• Partner with the Shelter Leadership Team to anticipate coverage needs, coordinate timely staffing solutions, and provide leadership coverage through Agate's on-call supervisor structure when assigned.

Program Oversight and Operations:

• Assist in maintaining positive daily operations aligned with Agate's mission and the shelters' goals of hospitality, safety, and dignity.
• Use shift documentation, staff check-ins, and cross-site communication to identify follow-up needs, close operational gaps, and carry priorities forward between teams.
• Monitor completion of meal service, cleaning, supplies, maintenance, and equipment tasks and escalate unresolved operational risks to the appropriate Shelter Program Manager.
• Ensure adequate operational supplies and coordinate building and equipment maintenance needs with the Shelter Program Managers and internal or external partners.

Program and Administrative Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure staff complete accurate and timely data entry and reporting in HMIS, ClientTrack, and other required systems.
• Complete routine administrative tasks, including timecard approvals, reimbursement forms, personnel forms, and other daily or weekly documentation.

Other Duties:

• Assist with special projects as assigned.
• Support the strategic direction of Agate's shelter and emergency response programs.
• Participate in internal agency meetings and trainings.
• Equity, Professional Practice, and Community Representation
• Translate Agate's equity commitments into daily supervisory practice by examining how policies, shift decisions, and service responses affect guests and staff and by addressing patterns that create unequal access, treatment, or outcomes.
• Strengthen personal and team practice through reflection, feedback, and required learning related to racism, homelessness, bias, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive service delivery.
• Represent agency decisions constructively, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and communicate Agate's mission and programs effectively to community partners and other constituents.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in homeless services, or a related field.
• At least 1 years of supervisory experience, including hiring and performance management.
• Strong understanding of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and trauma-informed care.
• Demonstrated experience supporting guests experiencing mental health concerns, substance use, and related challenging behaviors, including the ability to respond calmly, maintain professional boundaries, and use person-centered de-escalation and crisis intervention practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings/weekends or on-call responsibilities.
• Have a valid Driver's License, car insurance and pass a background check.  
• Experience with HMIS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, or related field.
• Knowledge of Hennepin County housing and homeless services, including coordinated entry. 
• This position requires use of your own personal vehicle and will require insurance liability coverage of at least one hundred thousand dollars per person and three hundred thousand dollars per occurrence and must have a valid Driver's License and a good driving record.

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required for the position. The organization reserves the right to modify, add, or remove job duties as business needs evolve.