Assistant Shelter Manager at YWCA Northeast Kansas – Topeka, Kansas
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About This Position
YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We provide transformative services in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking, Community Violence Interruption, before- and after-school programming, and leadership and inclusion initiatives.
Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, between 8:00AM and 5:30PM, availability on weekends and evenings, as needed
Reporting Relationship: CSE Program Director
JOB SUMMARY
The Center for Safety and Empowerment (CSE), a program of YWCA Northeast Kansas, provides support and advocacy for victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking in a five-county service area. The Assistant Shelter Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that all CSE-operated facilities (including confidential shelter locations, the day center, and rural offices) are safe, functional, and trauma-responsive environments. Reporting to the CSE Program Director and working in close coordination with the Director of Administration, this position leads day-to-day facility operations across multiple sites, including maintenance, vendor coordination, safety compliance, and supply management. This role combines hands-on facilities work with operational oversight and requires strong problem-solving, organization, and responsiveness to support both staff and clients. The position is primarily based at a confidential shelter location and requires regular travel between sites.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Facilities & Operational Support
- Ensures all CSE-operated facilities (including two confidential shelters, a day center, and a rural office) are well-maintained and operating in compliance with local, state, and federal health, safety, and building codes.
- Conducts routine inspections and responds to maintenance request tasks across all facilities in a timely and cost-effective manner. Proposes preventative maintenance plans.
- Serves as the on-site point-of-contact for all facility-related vendors, including maintenance contractors, inspectors, and utility providers.
- Ensures regular and thorough cleaning of shelter facilities to meet health, fire, and City codes.
- Maintains all exterior spaces, including shelter landscaping and outdoor areas.
- Manages procurement and stocking of essential supplies and groceries for the shelters, ensuring timely replenishment while adhering to budget guidelines.
- Maintains accurate records of maintenance requests, completed work, inspection reports, vendor invoices, and supply inventories.
- Supports emergency facility repairs and coordinates after-hours responses when necessary.
- Attends weekly and monthly shelter staff meetings, and monthly CSE staff meetings to stay aligned with program operations.
- Identifies, documents, and prioritizes deferred maintenance needs at all CSE-operated locations.
- Assists the Director of Administration with safety audits, fire marshal visits, and regulatory inspections. Implements corrective action plans after incidents or inspections.
- Executes emergency protocols and incident support.
- Fosters a trauma-responsive environment by minimizing disruptions and ensuring a calming, secure, and dignified space for all facility users.
Supervision & Collaboration
- Following successful completion of the New Advocate and on-the-job training series, this position is responsible for supervision for assigned staff, interns, or volunteers as determined by program structure and organizational needs.
- Provides ongoing coaching and support for assigned staff, reviewing caseloads, problem-solving complex client situations, and answering questions.
- Conducts annual performance evaluations for assigned staff.
- Participates as an active member of the CSE Supervisor Team, contributing to program coordination, decision-making, and operational support.
- Participates in the CSE Supervisor on-call rotation, if assigned, and responds to after-hours situations consistent with program protocols.
Other Position Functions
- Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position.
- Develops, promotes, and practices teamwork and open communication in all activities.
- Assists in maintaining the operational functions of YWCA Northeast Kansas headquarters, including serving as a substitute for the front desk when needed.
- Advocates, promotes, and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in day-to-day interactions.
- Other duties as associated by the supervisor and CEO. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position.
QUALIFICATIONS
At a minimum, the Assistant Shelter Manager must have a High School diploma or GED. In addition, the Assistant Shelter Manager shall have:
- Basic understanding of dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.
- Basic IT and security systems knowledge, including familiarity with surveillance systems, door locks, and internet/network troubleshooting.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of computer applications such as word processing, Excel, electronic data tracking, internet, websites, and more.
- Sensitivity to the needs of others.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage individuals in crisis.
- Ability to function well in a crisis setting where interruptions are frequent.
- Commitment to the YWCA mission and values, including a strong focus on racial equity and social justice.
- Certifications or training in any of the following is a plus:
- Building maintenance or facilities management
- Safety standards
- CPR/First Aid
- Fire and safety emergency preparedness
- HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or general contracting
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
- Work Environment: Multiple facilities/sites, including shelter environments, administrative offices, and outdoor spaces (e.g., landscaping, parking lots). Must be able to climb flights of stairs multiple times daily and navigate a variety of physical settings, including uneven terrain and tight spaces.
- Lifting Requirement: 50 pounds
- Travel Requirements:
- Ability to drive personal vehicle to travel between multiple sites, often on the same day.
- Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance required.
- General Physical Abilities: Must be able to perform hand-on tasks such as bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing ladders, and operating basic tools and equipment.
- Pass various background checks.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please apply through the website or submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to hr@ywcaneks.org. Applicants will be required to pass the identified screening process prior to hiring.
NON DISCRIMINATION
YWCA Northeast Kansas is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed workplace. We recognize that systemic inequities impact many aspects of society, and we strive to address these through our policies, practices, and organizational culture. We believe that diversity in all its forms strengthens our mission and our work.
We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. No question on our application is intended to secure information to be used for such discrimination.
We are also committed to fair hiring practices, including the consideration of qualified applicants with criminal records, in line with applicable laws and our values of second chances and community reintegration.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds — including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQIA+ individuals; people with disabilities; gender-diverse individuals; survivors; and members of other historically underrepresented communities.