On-Call Shelter Operations Support Specialist
Be the person who keeps the shelter moving when things get unpredictable. You’ll step in where you’re needed most, support residents, maintain safety and documentation, and help ensure the Women’s Housing Navigation Center continues providing critical services, even when staffing gaps, emergencies, or high census periods decide to make everyone’s day more interesting.
Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) is a non-profit organization and one of the largest Hispanic Community Development Corporations in the United States. The organization began with a group of student and community activists in 1967, and was incorporated and received non-profit status in 1969. CPLC is committed to empowering individuals through health & human services, housing, education, and economic development.
The Women’s Housing Navigation Center (WHNC) offers a safe and welcoming environment to women experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque. The center operates year-round and provides meals, a warm overnight bed, secure storage, low-barrier and trauma-informed case management, job-search assistance, and other supportive services. The team works with guests to support a successful transition from shelter to safe, stable housing and a plan for ongoing support.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT IN THIS ROLE?
You will provide flexible, on-demand support to ensure continuity of daily shelter operations, resident safety, accurate documentation, and program compliance during staffing gaps, call-outs, high census periods, and emergency situations.
You will monitor dormitories and common areas, conduct routine rounds and wellness checks, support shelter rules and expectations, and respond to incidents using trauma-informed crisis intervention and de-escalation practices.
You will also provide limited case management support under the direction of Housing Support Specialists or supervisory staff. This may include assisting clients with housing and benefit applications, gathering required documentation, preparing for appointments or interviews, and completing other time-sensitive tasks aligned with Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and program goals.
In addition, you will support intake and check-in processes, HMIS data entry, census tracking, daily reporting, meal service coordination, supply distribution, transportation coordination, and other operational needs. You will communicate concerns promptly to supervisory staff and respond to emergencies according to established protocols.
This position also provides an opportunity to grow within WHNC. On-Call staff may be considered for permanent or regularly scheduled positions, such as Intake Specialist, Housing Support Specialist, or other shelter operations roles, based on performance, completion of required training, and organizational needs.
WHO YOU ARE?
You are calm under pressure, adaptable, dependable, and comfortable working in an environment where priorities can change quickly. You understand the importance of treating every resident with dignity while maintaining safety, structure, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries.
You have strong interpersonal and communication skills and can use sound judgment when responding to conflict or challenging situations. You understand trauma-informed care and cultural humility, and you are comfortable working with individuals from diverse, multicultural, and low-income communities.
You are also organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to accurately document activities, manage competing priorities, and work independently while knowing when to involve supervisory or case management staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a shelter, residential, or human services setting preferred
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness strongly preferred
- Ability to work flexible, on-call shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and de-escalation skills
- Understanding of trauma-informed care and cultural humility
- Basic computer proficiency; HMIS experience preferred
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record (required if assigned transportation duties)
- Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations
What does CPLC offer YOU as a valued employee? We recognize that our success is driven by great talent, and that's why we provide a comprehensive and competitive suite of benefits to serve you and your family.
Check out our benefits for FULLTIME employees below:
- Generous Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Days
- Medical, Dental, and Vision for Spouse/Domestic Partner & Children to age 26
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Employee Recognition Program
- Tuition Reimbursement for qualifying degrees
- Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
- Free Preventative Services & Wellness Rewards
- Life + Disability options
- Employee Assistance Program
- Telemedicine & Concierge Services
- Pet Care, Life Mart Purchase Discounts
- Mileage & Cell Reimbursement for qualifying roles
- Identity Theft Protection & Voluntary Benefits
Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CPLC knows it takes variety of thought, culture, background, and perspective to create a truly impactful workforce. As CPLC grows, we are seeking talented employees with varying backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our innovation and creativity. CPLC commits to a continued focus on fair and just hiring, training, promotional practices, and policies. We work for real change and progress in equal opportunity recruitment, hiring, and advancement. Learn more by visiting https://www.eeoc.gov/poster
California Residents: Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc and its subsidiaries will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right’s Department Fair Chance Act webpage.
