Shelter Programs Lead - 11-037 - SC/ Bell Shelter

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Shelter Programs Lead will serve in a hands-on assisting role, providing direct support to the Bell Shelter's Low Barrier and Interim Housing programs leadership/management. This position is designed to assist management, case managers, and housing navigators, with the coordination and daily operations of the shelter programs funded through multiple sources, including LAHSA, DMH, and surrounding cities. The Lead will work closely with Case Managers by offering guidance, support, and coverage as needed, including carrying a small caseload when necessary. This role will also assist in staff training, onboarding, and ongoing coaching to ensure consistency in service delivery, as well as support quality assurance efforts to maintain compliance with program requirements and accurate documentation. In addition, the Shelter Programs Lead will help monitor day-to-day operations, ensuring that services are delivered effectively and align with grant expectations and organizational standards. This role is expected to model best practices in client care by consistently promoting a trauma-informed approach in all interactions, supporting both staff and participants in a respectful, empathetic, and solution-focused environment.

Essential Functions

• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the various funders contracts that support the facility's operation.
• Collaborate with the intake team to ensure that program meets occupancy requirements set by the founder.
• The Shelter Program Lead is responsible for assisting in the completion and maintenance of current documents required for the participant files, including intake documents, assessment, individualized case plan, case notes, and exit report.
• Collaborate with Bell Shelter Quality Assurance Coordinator at ensuring staff is performing continuous quality control of HMIS data and accurate and timely reporting to funders from HMIS data.
• Ensure that programs are on track to meet target measures set by the funder on a quarterly and yearly basis.
• Monitoring and assisting that the case managers provide participants with advocacy for mainstream benefits, including General Relief, SSI, and other applicable Federal, State and County assistance programs.
• Monitoring and assisting that files have updated progress notes and recovery plans; prepare participant exit summary in the required format; maintain proper documentation of participant medication regimen and adherence.
• The Shelter Programs Lead will assist hosting monthly house meetings to create and provide a sense of supportive community within the programs. In addition, the position requires participation in community events and represents Bell Shelter at public, social, and business functions as assigned.
• Monitoring and assisting that counseling, referrals, educational and employment services are available and offered to participants.
• Take a leading role in ensuring program preparedness for program audits and planned internal and external audits.
• Assist during the scheduled departmental staff meetings to provide program updates and discuss target measures and audit preparation.
• Assist management in developing, updating, and implementing program policies & procedures to assure compliance with contract standards.
• Assist in updating and creating new forms as necessary to ensure forms follow contract requirements.
• Assist management in the internal reporting systems to support continuous quality control of assigned programs.
• Conduct periodic reviews and/or audits of service documentation (e.g., progress notes, assessment and treatment plans, and discharge plans) to ensure operational compliance with contract documentation standards.
• Review daily incident or grievance reports and follow-up on all incident and grievance reports.
• Participate in In-Service training for program staff.
• Assisting in providing training events to program staff pertaining to quality assurance/improvement and ensure that program teams meet the annual training requirements established by contracts.
• Analyze data to support continuous quality improvement for enrollment, engagement, retention, service delivery, & outcomes.
• Assist in maintaining a shelter environment that is both safe and conducive to the successful transition of program participants to permanent housing.
• Assisting in preparing funders program required reports.
• When needed will maintain a caseload of participants, including providing all case management functions.
• Work within a team-oriented approach to meet the needs of participants to ensure excellence in overall service delivery.
• Position is subject to hostile and emotionally volatile participants and visitors.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions from participants, coworkers, visitors, agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents and visitors.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone. Ability to lift to 25 lbs. Local travel required. Some night and weekend hours are required.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in Social Work or other related field preferred, and/or three (3) years experience working with the population experiencing homelessness, addition, and metal health needs.
• Understand and support the mission statement of The Salvation Army.
• Must possess solid proficiency of Microsoft Office.
• Must obtain CPR/First Aid certificates prior to hire.
• Must be TB-cleared prior to hire.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• If working with children a criminal background check is required with certification for Protect the Mission.
• Good verbal and written communication skills. Must possess basic grammar and spelling skills.
• Possess necessary initiative, adaptability, and responsibility to work with minimum responsibility.
• Good time management skills. Must possess the ability to meet deadlines, and work with attention to detail.
• Ability to interact with others professionally.