Description

Director of Shelter Services

Hours: 9am – 5pm, Monday–Friday (with flexibility for shelter needs)
Supervisor: Chief Programs Officer
Department: Shelter Services

About Austin Street Center

Founded in 1983, Austin Street Center provides emergency shelter and meets the basic needs of some of the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in Dallas. Guided by our values of Kindness, Trustworthiness, Empowerment, and Determination, we operate with a trauma-informed, housing-focused, and harm-reduction mindset.

Position Purpose

As one of the largest low-barrier shelters in Dallas, Austin Street Center serves more than 450 neighbors each night. The Director of Shelter Services ensures that our 24/7 shelter runs smoothly, compassionately, and effectively. This role provides leadership for Guest Services, Dining Services, Laundry, and Clothing Room operations — ensuring that neighbors’ basic needs are met with dignity, that staff and volunteers are fully equipped to succeed, and that shelter systems are consistent, healing, and housing-focused.

This leader will supervise a team of managers and frontline staff, build strong volunteer partnerships, and ensure that every shift is covered with trained and capable people. If you are a mission-driven leader who can combine compassion with process excellence, this is a chance to transform lives daily.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead and develop teams: Supervise managers and frontline staff, ensuring excellent training, accountability, and performance.
Ensure process excellence: Oversee daily operations for Guest Services, Laundry, Clothing Room, and Dining Services. Ensure all processes are documented, consistently followed, and continually improved.
Promote safety and dignity: Resolve grievances, respond to emergencies, and ensure a safe, trauma-informed environment for all neighbors.
Drive outcomes: Monitor data and performance measures, ensuring quality documentation and continuous progress toward agency goals.
Engage volunteers: Equip and steward volunteers to serve neighbors with warmth and excellence.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in social work, management, or a related human services field (or equivalent experience)
At least three years of experience in customer service and/or personnel management
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Sensitivity to diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based systems
Ability to lift 25 lbs. regularly, work in noisy environments, and occasionally work outdoors in adverse weather
 

Preferred Experience

Previous supervisory experience
Master’s degree in human services or nonprofit management
Licensure in a human services discipline (LBSW, LMSW, LCDC)
Bilingual in Spanish
Training in Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, or the Transtheoretical Model of Change
Military service or lived experience with homelessness, recovery, or deep poverty

Interested Candidates

Interested Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and salary requirements.