Shelter Monitor

Provide safety. Offer compassion. Help change lives.

The Salvation Army Emergency Shelter is seeking Shelter Monitors to help provide a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. 

This role is ideal for someone who leads with empathy, remains calm under pressure, and wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. No prior social work experience required; we'll provide the training you need to succeed.

Why This Role Matters

For individuals and families facing housing instability, the Emergency Shelter offers more than a place to sleep - it provides safety, dignity, and hope. As a Shelter Monitor, you help create a welcoming, structured environment where clients feel respected, supported, and encouraged as they work toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.

Your presence helps ensure the shelter remains a place of care, accountability, and compassion.

Position Details

Position Status: Part-time up to 19 hours/week, expected to work a minimum of 4 hours every 2 weeks

Pay Rate: $17.00/hour, plus $1.00/hour shift differential for overnight shifts

Shifts Available: Flexible scheduling with a strong need for candidates available to work overnight shifts and weekends, including holidays as required

Position Overview

Shelter Monitors play a crucial role in the daily operation of the Emergency Shelter by maintaining safety, supporting clients, and ensuring shelter rules and policies are followed with consistency and respect. This position combines supervision, documentation, basic client assistance, and light food service and custodial duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor shelter premises to ensure the safety and security of clients, visitors, and staff
• Maintain a welcoming, supportive, and structured environment while enforcing shelter rules and policies
• Complete client intakes, update files, and maintain accurate documentation
• Assist clients with access to basic needs such as food, linens, and hygiene items
• Provide emotional support, respond to client concerns, and make referrals as appropriate
• Document incidents, safety concerns, and maintenance needs and report them to management
• Maintain shelter journals, logs, referrals, and incident reports
• Answer phone calls, take messages, and relay information to appropriate staff
• Assist with light custodial duties, including cleaning common areas and restocking supplies
• Prepare and serve meals as required
• Participate in staff meetings and required training sessions

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in social services, shelter work, or related fields is helpful, but not required
• Compassionate, respectful, and nonjudgmental approach when working with individuals and families
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust with diverse populations
• Ability to work independently while remaining a collaborative team member
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and composed in stressful or sensitive situations
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment
• Basic cooking, cleaning, and computer skills for daily tasks and documentation

Physical & Working Conditions

• Ability to move or lift up to 25lbs regularly and up to 50lbs occasionally, with assistance or equipment
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, reach, stretch, and climb

Employee Benefits & Perks

We believe in caring for our employees just as we care for our community. When you join The Salvation Army team, you'll enjoy meaningful perks that support your well-being, growth, and sense of purpose, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance - Comprehensive health coverage options for eligible full-time employees
• Employer-Sponsored Pension Plan - Full-time employees can participate in The Salvation Army's pension plan, helping plan for the future while serving today
• Paid Time Off (PTO) - We value work-life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge
• Free Individual Kroc Center Membership - Enjoy access to fitness, aquatics, and wellness opportunities
• Family Membership Upgrade Available - Upgrade to a family membership for just $10/month
• Supportive Team Environment - Work alongside caring, mission-minded teammates who support one another
• Purpose-Driven Work - Be part of a respected, faith-based organization dedicated to hope, dignity, and service
• Skill Development - Build valuable experience in human services, crisis response, trauma-informed care, de-escalation, documentation, and client support, while developing strong communication, professionalism, and problem-solving skills 
• Pride in Impact - Know your work directly supports individuals and families in need

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is dedicated to putting faith in action by meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs - without discrimination. We serve with compassion, respect dignity, and work daily to rebuild lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.

The Quincy Area Command serves multiple counties across Illinois and Missouri, providing emergency shelter, case management, food pantry and breadline services, and housing support. The Emergency Shelter accommodates up to 20 individuals, including single adults and families, and is co-located with Family Services programs.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're looking for meaningful work where compassion and consistency truly matter, we invite you to apply today and join us in serving our community, one life at a time.

Qualifications

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, minorities, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice systems, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for this position, please call Dylan Altmix, Human Resources Assistant, at 217-231-5655.

*The Salvation Army work sites are Drug & Alcohol Free Workplaces, and are totally free of the use, possession or working under the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol.

*The Salvation Army, as a church, is exempt from participation in federal and state unemployment insurance programs. Upon termination, employees are not eligible for Unemployment Compensation.