Operations Manager - Far Rockaway at Lantern Community Services Inc – Queens, New York

Classification: Exempt

Status: Full-time, Sat - Sun 9 AM - 5 PM. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 3 PM - 11 PM.

Job Location: Far Rockaway, Queens

Reports to: Director of Program Operations

Lantern Community Services champions the independence and well-being of New Yorkers impacted by homelessness. We pair safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that promote stability, dignity, and long-term independence. Lantern is proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace and is committed to equity, inclusion, and high-quality service delivery.

Rockaway Terrace is a men’s mental health homeless shelter located in Far Rockaway, Queens. The program operates in accordance with DHS policies and Callahan Consent Decree standards, providing a structured and supportive environment for residents transitioning toward stability.

The Operations Manager plays a key leadership role in overseeing daily shelter operations and ensuring a safe, well-managed, and supportive environment for residents and staff. Working under the supervision of, and in partnership with, the Director of Program Operations, this role directly supervises Shift Supervisors and provides indirect oversight of Residential Aides.

The Operations Manager serves as the primary operational point of contact during assigned shifts, ensures compliance with DHS regulations and Callahan standards, and collaborates with internal departments and external partners to support effective service delivery. This role includes on-call responsibilities and requires flexibility to address operational needs outside of standard business hours.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervise Shift Supervisors and Residential Aides; provide training, coaching, performance feedback, and professional development.

Develop, manage, and adjust staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage across all shifts.

Oversee day-to-day shelter operations, ensuring adherence to all policies, procedures, and safety protocols.

Conduct planned and unplanned site visits during off-hours to monitor staff performance, resident safety, and operational compliance.

Manage access control procedures, entry logs, and coordination with contracted security staff.

Oversee food delivery, storage, and meal distribution; monitor inventory and shelter supplies.

Maintain consistent communication with Program staff to support resident services and continuity of care.

Ensure compliance with DHS regulations and Callahan Consent Decree standards.

Conduct regular inspections of resident rooms and common areas; coordinate timely resolution of maintenance or safety issues.

Respond to and de-escalate crises and emergencies; complete accurate incident reports and ensure follow-up.

Maintain operational records, including logs, attendance, and required reports.

Support emergency response and facility issues as needed, including outside scheduled hours.

Perform other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Minimum of 3–5 years of DHS Shelter or Safe Haven experience.

At least 3 years of supervisory or leadership experience in a shelter or residential setting.

Experience with facilities management, maintenance coordination, or custodial services preferred.

Knowledge of homeless services, harm reduction principles, and trauma-informed care.

Familiarity with Callahan Consent Decree standards.

Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic data-entry systems.

CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

This position operates in a homeless shelter environment serving individuals who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, and climb stairs. The employee must use hands to type, handle, or feel objects and frequently communicate verbally. The role may require lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, outdoor weather, and maintenance environments may occur.

Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Lantern values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and experiences in accordance with federal, state, and local law.