Assistant Shelter Director (RPC)

Company: PathForward
Location: Arlington
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Assistant Shelter Director, RPC Arlington, VA 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. You will: - 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 This role is ideal for someone who is hands-on, decisive, calm under pressure, and deeply committed to both staff development and client care. Schedule, On-Call & Coverage Expectations Primary schedule is Monday–Friday, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, with flexibility to attend meetings outside of this time frame required. This position also may be eligible to hold a more flexible work schedule (Tuesdays – Saturdays, for example), on a case by case basis per shelter leadership. This is an on-call leadership position, which means: - You must be available to support shelter operations outside of normal business hours when needed - You will respond to staff calls for guidance, incident support, and crisis decision-making - You may be required to provide in-person coverage during evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays - If on-call staff are unavailable to cover an open shift, you are expected to provide coverage yourself - You may occasionally attend early morning meetings or respond to urgent operational needs - You are responsible for ensuring the shelter is always appropriately staffed and supported. Key Responsibilities Shelter Operations & Client Safety - 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 Documentation & Compliance - 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 Supervision & Leadership - 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 Team Collaboration - 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 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. Education & Experience - BSW or similar degree required - Minimum of 7 years experience in a shelter setting or the human services field - Minimum of 5 years experience of management (preferably in a shelter setting) - Management experience in shift workers preferred - Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness - Experience in multicultural environments - CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire) Skills & Attributes - 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 Other Requirements - 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

Keywords: PathForward, Baltimore , Assistant Shelter Director (RPC), Social Services , Arlington, Maryland