Housing and Operations Director

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually.

Mission:

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Position Profile:

The Housing and Operations Director is responsible for the success of agency Housing efforts, and the provision of basic needs services including shelter to aid in achieving this goal. They are responsible for ensuring we offer high quality basic needs services and housing focused case management to achieve housing outcomes, consistent with our overall mission and vision of the Shelter Association. They will supply the staff with the technical support necessary for them to perform their duties. They are expected to set the highest possible example of responsible and ethical work practice and operate in accordance with agency values. This role is expected to focus on continuous quality improvement of operations and service provision. Hours will vary depending on the season. The role requires working weekends, and holidays, as needed. The Shelter is a 24/7 operation and does not close.

Pay & Benefits:

The is a salaried, exempt position with an annual salary ranging between $70,000 - $80,000. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County offers a strong benefits package that includes: platinum medical, dental, and vision insurance with very low deductibles and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) paying half of the total deductible; 403(b) retirement matching; flexible spending accounts, generous paid time off, disability & life insurance, employee assistance program, and bonus opportunities. We are dynamic work environment that works to inspire hope in those we serve.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Adhere to National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Model and act according to low barrier shelter principles.
• Oversee day to day shelter and basic needs service provision.
• Manage Warming Shelter during the winter months including winter rotating shelter.
• Oversee operations of Housing Programs, ensuring quality and best practice services within the guiding principles of Social Work and community standards. 
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of care provided to the Shelter Association client population
• Oversee hiring, training, supervision, and ongoing professional development to team.
• Directly assist staff in crisis situations. Take control and manage crisis situations as necessary.
• Understand, produce and implement program policy and procedures.
• Review Grants, regulations and ensure compliance in programs and data collection. Ensure high level of data quality.
• Design, implement, and evaluate operational changes to continuously improve shelter operation efficiency and effectiveness including expansion of shelter capacity
• Share on-call responsibilities with agency program leadership staff
• Work with shelter leadership team to set, operationalize, and pursue strategic objectives; manage pursuit of strategic objectives related to shelter operations and housing.
• Institute program evaluation and program planning; evaluate, measure, and strengthen best practices and measurable outcomes.
• Assist in ensuring highest quality of stewardship of volunteer base as necessary for role including within the rotating shelter program.
• Assist Development Team in maximizing efforts to support, recruit and maintain volunteers.
• Oversee building repairs, maintenance, cleaning, beautification, and supplies. Manage vendor relationships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective services.
• Direct team responsible for implementation of fire drills, safety planning, emergency preparedness planning to ensure agency is prepared for potential emergencies
• Design and coordinate on-site services and programs by area organizations, businesses, and groups in collaboration with Volunteer Coordinator to ensure quality and frequency of services
• In collaboration with program management staff, assist shelter staff with designing and implementing service plans to help shelter guests meet their needs and access services
• Steward and maintain partnerships and collaborations with local community organizations.
• Carry out other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field required. Master of Social Work or similar degree preferred. Related or alternative equivalent experiences to degrees also considered.

· Minimum two years of case management experience working in a housing/homelessness, mental health, counseling, substance use, or similar setting.

· Minimum three-years supervisory experience in a similar field supervising a team of more than 5 individuals. Five years or more of increasing supervisory experience in a similar field strongly preferred.

· HMIS or similar electronic records system experience strongly preferred.

· Experience in agency operations including facilities management preferred

· Experience in hiring, training and development of staff

· Knowledge of community resources.

· Must have good verbal and written communication skills.

· Must have strong critical thinking skills.

· Must have a positive attitude, be open to change, and eager to be a part of achieving greater mission of ending homelessness.

· Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Access.

· Demonstrated leadership and vision in managing staff groups and major projects or initiatives.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style.

· Willingness to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.

· Excel at operating in a fast pace, community environment.

· Excellent people manager, open to direction and collaborative work style and commitment to get the job done

Additionally the person that fills this position must be:

· Empathetic and energetic

· Able to work as a team member

· Utilize good judgment and clear thinking in crisis situations

· High degree of cultural competency and equity lens

· Able to be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations and the primacy of client needs.

· Commitment to economic justice, civil and human rights issues.

· Mature in nature and professional in action.

· Ability to occasionally transport clients, with a Valid Michigan driver’s license and access to a vehicle with proof of insurance and registration.

· Able to carry up to approximately 50 pounds for limited distances.

· Have reliable transportation and willingness to transport clients in own vehicle.

· Be reliable and willing to work required shifts, including holidays and weekends.

Application Process:

Please go to annarborshelter.org/employment and submit your resume and cover letter. Please note that the application deadline is February 10. Please apply early as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Last updated on Jan 16, 2025