Job Title: Operations Manager

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

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Job Location: Ozone Park, Queens

Reports to: Director of Program Operations

Salary Range: $65,000 – $70,000

Position Type: This is a full-time position. The exact schedule will be determined by the needs of the shelter. Lantern staff may be asked to alter their work schedule depending on the operational needs of the site.

Objective: Lantern Community Services is seeking an Operations Manager for our Men’s Mental Health Homeless Shelter, Laurel Hall. Our facilities provide structured, therapeutic, safe, and substance-free environments for homeless individuals. The Operations Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the cleanliness, safety, and operational efficiency of the shelter facility. The Operations Manager oversees all maintenance, custodial, and facilities support functions to maintain a safe and hospitable environment for clients and staff. This includes direct involvement in day-to-day maintenance tasks, team coordination, and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions:

• Perform and oversee daily cleaning of common areas, restrooms, hallways, stairwells, and building exteriors.
• Floor care (sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, waxing, buffing) and surface sanitation according to shelter protocols.
• Conduct minor repairs, painting, patching, and general upkeep of facility interiors and exteriors.
• Assist with moving furniture, supplies, and client belongings; support intake and client discharge as needed.
• Maintain exterior grounds (snow/ice removal, trash collection, landscaping, storm. etc.).
• Ensure proper disposal of trash and recyclables in accordance with health and safety standards.
• Identify, document, and report all maintenance issues through established work order systems.
• Respond promptly to emergency facility needs or weather-related incidents.
• Replace and repair minor plumbing, electrical, lighting, and hardware components.
• Maintain inventory and restock hygiene and cleaning supplies as needed.
• Follow all safety protocols, including the use of protective equipment and posting of appropriate signage.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold client confidentiality.
• Comply with all federal, state, city, and agency-level regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA requirements.
• May be required to respond to emergency facility issues outside of scheduled hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of DHS Shelter Operations experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in facilities management, maintenance, or custodial services, preferably in a residential or shelter setting.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, complete work orders, and document maintenance activities.
• Must be able to lift and carry items, perform physical labor, and operate basic tools and cleaning equipment.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages) a plus.
• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Certification in overdose prevention or willingness to obtain.
• Basic knowledge of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and carpentry preferred.

Work Environment: This job operates in a homeless shelter and works with a population who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs and/ or kneel. They must also use hands to type, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear and will need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Exposure to cleaning chemicals, outdoor weather, and various maintenance environments.

Note: Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Lantern Community Services (Lantern) values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy and just communities. Lantern welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and experiences regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, pregnancy, religion, immigration status, veteran status, class, creed, mental or physical disability, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.