Program Team Lead

Employment Type:

Shift:

Description:

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Team Lead at a Low-Barrier Shelter is responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for shelter guests. This role requires strong leadership, crisis management skills, and a compassionate approach to serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The Team Lead works closely with the Shelter Manager to maintain a low-barrier, harm reduction model that prioritizes the safety and dignity of all guests.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

1. Leadership and Supervision

• Provide on-site leadership during shifts, addressing any issues that arise and making critical decisions in real-time.

• Conduct regular check-ins with staff to provide guidance, support, and performance feedback.

• Ensure compliance with shelter policies, procedures, and safety protocols.

2. Client Support and Engagement

• Maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment for all guests, promoting a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach.

• Engage with guests to provide support, address concerns, and mediate conflicts when necessary.

• Respond to crises, including mental health emergencies, overdoses, or conflict situations, in a calm and professional manner.

3. Operations Management

• Monitor and manage shelter capacity, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Coordinate with other service providers and community partners to address the needs of shelter guests.

• Maintain accurate records of guest interactions, incident reports, and daily logs.

• Assist with administrative tasks, such as scheduling, supply management, and reporting.

4. Safety and Crisis Intervention

• Uphold a low-barrier and harm reduction philosophy, accommodating guests regardless of substance use or other barriers.

• Monitor the shelter environment to ensure it remains safe, secure, and free from violence or discrimination.

• Provide de-escalation support and conflict resolution to prevent and manage incidents.

• Conduct regular safety checks and adhere to emergency protocols, including overdose response and first aid.

5. Training and Development

• Assist in training new staff and volunteers on shelter policies, harm reduction practices, and trauma-informed care.

• Foster a positive team culture that prioritizes collaboration, respect, and continuous learning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in human services or related field with 1 year experience or Bachelors with 2 years’ experience or associates degree in Mental Health and 6 years or High School Diploma and 8 years of experience.

• Act 33/34/73 clearances

• Pre-Employment Drug Screen

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and handle crises effectively.

• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Must be comfortable working in a shelter environment, which may include exposure to challenging situations and guests experiencing severe trauma or substance use.

• Physical ability to stand for long periods, move throughout the shelter, and respond quickly in emergencies.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS AND BENEFITS

• Work Schedule: This is a Non-Exempt (hourly) position

Full Time 37.5 hours: 1pm- 11pm working every other weekend. Evening hours Work schedule may vary according to program need.

• Great Benefit Package: (Benefits start Day 1 of employment); 403B with employer match; Paid Time Off (PTO); Medical, Dental, Vision’; Life Insurance; Paid Holiday Days’; Plus more………

ABOUT PITTSBURGH MERCY

We’re a community-based health and human services organization using person-centered care to treat our area’s most vulnerable populations. We work with families in settings that are safe and familiar to them, and view them as equal partners when planning, developing, and monitoring care.

Our mission is to be a compassionate, transforming presence within our communities. We reach out to offer help – and hope – to people who are experiencing: Mental illness and substance abuse; Physical health needs; Intellectual disabilities; Traumatic events or circumstances, including homelessness

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.