Senior Program Specialist - Shelter Specialist

SCOPE OF WORK

The Senior Program Specialist helps maintain daily operations at the Visalia Navigation Center (VNC), a low-barrier, 24/7 shelter serving individuals experiencing homelessness. This position supports a trauma-informed, person-centered, and Housing First approach, ensuring the shelter environment remains safe, respectful, and supportive.

Under the guidance of the Senior Program Coordinator, the Senior Program Specialist provides on-the-floor support to shelter staff and participants, promotes consistent service delivery, and assists with coordination tasks to help ensure smooth daily operations. This is a non-supervisory role, focused on direct participant and program support.

Participant & Shelter Environment Support

• Help maintain a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for all participants
• Promote trauma-informed, Housing First, and harm reduction principles in all interactions
• Respond to participant needs, questions, or concerns with empathy and professionalism
• Assist with crisis prevention and de-escalation as needed
• Conduct walkthroughs to monitor safety, cleanliness, and policy adherence
• Help ensure the shelter remains low-barrier and accessible to individuals with complex needs

Program & Team Support

• Provide on-the-floor support to shelter staff (e.g., intake staff, case managers, monitors)
• Participate in shift check-ins and debriefs to support communication and consistency
• Offer informal coaching and modeling of best practices during routine interactions
• Collaborate with the Senior Program Coordinator to identify participant or operational needs
• Support communication between shifts by entering clear and timely shift notes

Documentation & Coordination

• Review entries in HMIS or participant logs for completeness and accuracy
• Help ensure proper documentation of incidents, service delivery, and participant progress
• Assist in coordinating participant-related activities and services (e.g., meal delivery, appointments)
• Complete basic administrative tasks such as tracking services and preparing reports
• Participate in training, meetings, or community events as requested

Other Duties

• Provide occasional shift coverage during staff shortages, as assigned
• Maintain ethical boundaries and uphold participant confidentiality at all times
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Program Coordinator

• Strong understanding of low-barrier shelter models, Housing First, and trauma-informed care
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or similar marginalized populations
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and solution-focused in high-pressure situations
• Comfort with engaging individuals with mental health, substance use, or behavioral health needs
• Basic knowledge of shelter protocols, safety procedures, and incident response
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
• Competency using Microsoft Office and participant data systems (e.g., HMIS)
• Ability to support staff and participants while maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Flexible, reliable, and team-oriented

• Wednesday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 PM – 4:30 AM
• Monday & Tuesday:
  Off

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position is typically situated in a standard office environment, resulting in little exposure to the weather and requiring no unusual physical abilities. Must be able to sit, walk, and stand for long periods.

• Must have the visual ability to perform detailed work at close distances (computer screens)
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach; must be able to exert physical effort in light to moderate work involving lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
• Must be able to read, understand, and explain various forms of written material

Pay Range: $21.36 – $23.68 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. This position is classified as Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act…