Shelter Monitor

at The Salvation Army USA Central Territory in Quincy, Illinois, United States

Job Description

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.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Salvation Army is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified job applicants, job candidates, and employees with disabilities to ensure they enjoy equal access to all employment opportunities and benefits of employment as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO is the Law.