Cold Weather Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position:  Temporary Shift Supervisor

Location:  Cold Weather Shelter Program, Mountain View

Reports to: Program Manager

Shift: Swing/Overnight

Employment Type: Temporary, Full Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation:  $39.62 Hourly

This is a temporary benefited role for the term of the program from current September 2026 thru April 2027. 

ABOUT HOMEFIRST

Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

OUR VALUES

• Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Cold Weather Shelter Program offers a safe environment for women and families in Mountain View during the winter season. The Shift Supervisor is responsible for the overall day-to-day Emergency Shelter operations and supervision of Resident Advocates/Resident Coordinators. They ensure program compliance and service delivery standards are met while fostering a safe and welcoming environment. They also ensure participant, staff and guest safety through regular check-ins and monitoring of the site grounds and shelter floor.

Ideal candidates are knowledgeable and sensitive to the needs of our unhoused populations. Enjoy practicing a strength-based approach in fast paced and rapidly changing environments. Are welcoming and accepting of all backgrounds and beliefs without judgment or bias. Utilize highly developed communication skills, including demonstrated ability to effectively de-escalate and manage, including those who may be experiencing serious mental illness or may be intoxicated. 

HomeFirst is a culturally diverse company in a similarly diverse community, and the Shift Supervisor desires to work with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. To that end, the Shift Supervisor  cultivates a connected and mutually supportive team. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This role reports to the Program Manager.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Client Service (90%)  

• Works collaboratively with Program Manager to ensure service delivery standards are met
• Responsible for the care, safety, Security and supervision of program participants, guests, and staff 
• Supports and oversees basic safety and security for participant, guests and staff
• Implement and enforce shelter guidelines and site rules for program participants
• Assist with administrative duties to support the Program Manager, including referrals and intakes, preparing reports, creating schedules, and securing coverage
• Review and approve schedules, PTO requests and timecards 
• Assist with interviewing, recruiting, and onboarding staff
• Ensure the minimum staffing requirements per shift are met
• Participate in staff progressive discipline including development of Corrective Action Plans 
• Ensure incident reports are accurate and submitted in a timely manner
• Welcome guests to the facility, including program participants, volunteers, staff, and community members, as applicable per site
• Ensure all services are documented into HMIS within 3 business days by Resident Advocate and Resident Coordinator staff
• Provide supervision, job coaching, training, and support to staff
• Meet with each staff individually on a regular basis 
• Ensure rooms are booked and cleaned for workshop providers 
• Make timely and appropriate decisions in emergency situations, including awareness of the need for safety of all participants involved, mandated reporting, and contacting appropriate staff/responding agencies
• Respond to guest crises using de-escalation and Mental Health First Aid techniques as applicable
• Adhere to HomeFirst’s service delivery practices, including Trauma Informed Care, client- centered practice, and Crisis Prevention Intervention model
• Complete and submit Behavioral Contracts, and Violation notices as needed
• Ensure food, clothing, linens, toiletries, and any other items supplied by the program are in stock and accessible
• Restock program supplies and submit supply order request in a timely manner 
• Ensure each program participant sleeping space in in compliance with shelter rules and guidelines
• Supervise general site clean-up, reporting any maintenance or janitorial needs to appropriate contact, ensure emergency work is completed
• Ensure site and perimeter checks are completed 
• Ensure set-up and break-down for any special events or activities
• Complete and file all paperwork in a timely manner
• Maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance
• Communicate to and delegate tasks to next shift Supervisor or Manager 
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients, personnel, and other internal agency affairs
• Conduct business according with employee handbook, exercising judgement and serving the best interests of the agency and community
• Maintain compliance with agency/shelter site policies and procedures
• Provide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention
• Committed to treat each program participant and guest with respect and dignity
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills

General (10%) 

• Represent HomeFirst and the program appropriately to volunteers, donors, outside agencies and the public
• Assist with office-related tasks as needed
• Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and trainings
• Perform other general duties as assigned

BENEFITS

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)

• AA Degree (or equivalent of 2 years of higher education) OR three years of field experience in social services
• Sensitivity to the needs of unhoused individuals
• Experience working with an unhoused population

Skills, Abilities, and knowledge:

• Proven ability to develop client service or housing plans
• Ability to work with people of diverse social backgrounds, strong interpersonal skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications, email, and the internet, and able to learn data entry using web-based database systems
• High level of flexibility and ability to prioritize appropriately
• Work effectively within a team
• Strong sense of accountability
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to multitask efficiently
• Advocacy and case management skills
• Knowledge of local social service resources/providers
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to complete tasks
• Reliable; excellent punctuality and attendance for scheduled work shifts
• Ability to work flexible hours, especially nights, weekends, and overnights. Must be available by telephone, on-call, and as needed during employee’s scheduled availability
• Able to take the initiative and work independently and productively with minimal supervision
• Ability to meet deadlines and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner
• Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance at all times
• Must be able to work under pressure, handle stressful situations, and maintain flexibility

Other

• Able to perform sedentary work;
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion;
• Ability to use keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods;
• Able to stand/sit for extended periods, kneel, reach and bend related to the completion of duties;